NAHL Springfield Jr. Blues

Blues Play Well on Saturday Night

December 18, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release


Tonight brings us another game with the Bandits, the second game of this weekend's three game series. Tomorrow, the third game, will be back in Springfield at the Nelson Center. Injuries and playing with different line mates took its toll on the Blues last night as things went from bad to worse from the middle of the first period through the end of the game.

Stew Bell is back and will play after his one game suspension, the result of his fight during the Chicago game. That's the good news. The bad news is Kevin Walters is out with a one game suspension tonight. Some possible good news is that the Blues play better in Chesterfield than they do at the Nelson Center. Some more good news, the guys will head home for Christmas after tomorrow's game at home.

All I want for Christmas from the Blue Notes is some consistency. They have been on a roller coaster ride since the first puck was dropped in the very first game of the season. I promised to be positive this year, so I think they will come around during the second half of the season, peaking just in time for the playoffs.

Don't you know that hockey is a lot like life, there are good days and then there are those days when you wished you stayed in bed and covered up you head. Still you keep on keepin' on and get through those downer days and make the best of them. As long as you continue to do your very best there is no shame in a defeat now and then. So keep the faith Blues' fans, they will find the keys to a winning season. Whether they make the playoffs or not is not what should draw our main focus, rather that they play well individually and as a team to the best of their potential. These young men are our next generation of leaders, and from all I've seen, we're in good hands.

Which brings me to another point, there is no finer experience than to open your home to one or two of these hockey players. If you are new to hockey and you have some extra room I would hope you would consider becoming a billet family next year. If you're interested you can contact my wife. Billet (housing) information is on the Jr. Blues web site and is a very rewarding experience. I must warn you though, the guys become a real part of your family and they find a special place in your heart as well.

Now, it's time for another round of Blues vs. the Bandits.The Blues and the Bandits were off and running at the drop of the first puck, and they didn't slow down until the horn sounded to end the first period. Neither team was able to put the puck in the net as Connor Girard was superb between the pipes. He received plenty of support from the Blues defense and or seemed to, as both teams were up and down the ice in a hurry. Both teams played dump and run throughout the period, and that just seemed to speed the first stanza to its conclusion.

The second period went by just as quickly as the first as the teams continued their speedy contest. The Bandits enjoyed two power plays, but the Blues stopped them on both trys. Finally, the Bandits advanced on the net and made a perfect pass across the crease to the empty side of the net for the only score of the second period. After two periods, the Bandits lead 1 - 0.

The Bandits overcame a fine effort by the Jr. Blues as they ran the score to 3 - 0 at the 5:28 mark. The Blues made a game of it with two goals late to get back within one, but the Bandits passed to the open side and scored at 18:42 to give us the final score of 4 - 2.

Don't forget to cheer the Jr. Blues again tomorrow as they play the Bandits at the Nelson Center. Game time is 4:00 pm.

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North American Hockey League Stories from December 18, 2011


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