Cleveland hands Soo first loss in 10 games
February 23, 2005 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Soo Indians News Release
The Soo Indians saw their eight-game winning streak and nine-game point streak come to an end on Saturday evening, as they dropped a 4-3 decision to the Cleveland Barons.
The Barons erased a 2-0 third period deficit with four goals in the first seven minutes of the third and hung on to a 4-3 victory. Coupled with a 2-1 shootout win on Friday, the red-hot Barons were able to take four points from the Indians and remain in the race for the fourth and final playoff spot in the NAHL's North Division.
The Indians built a 2-0 lead on second period goals by R.G. Flath, pictured above, and Matt Jones and appeared to be in control, but the Barons blitzed the Indians scoring just 58 seconds into the third, as Pat Schafer banged home a rebound while on the power play to cut the Indians lead to one. Just 19 seconds later, Lukas Delorenzo scored to tie the game. At the 6:31 mark Jacob Cepis scored on a wrap around beating Indians netminder Troy Redmann and, 31 seconds later, DeLorenzo scored his second of the night and the eventual game-winner.
The Indians tried to mount a late flurry and scored with eighteen seconds remaining to pull within one. With time running out they were able to work the puck to the net front but unable to mount a shot on goal. Troy Redmann took the loss in goal for the Indians stopping fifteen of nineteen shots. He was replaced midway through the third by Jason Kearney who held the Barons scoreless on eight shots.
Friday night, the Barons scored first 50 seconds into the second period as John Goebel was able to beat Jason Kearney. Ray Kaunisto tied it for the Indians three minutes later and regulation time ended in a 1-1 tie. In the shootout, the Indians held a 2-1 advantage with two shooters left but the Barons scored on their last two shots beating Kearney to take the win. The Indians earned a single point raising their consecutive games total without a loss to nine.
Indians coach Joe Shawhan was impressed with the play of the Barons on the weekend. "I thought Cleveland played tremendous hockey. They have always been one of the classiest organizations in Junior Hockey. They competed hard and beat us straight up. I congratulate Tim Alexander and his team's performance. We have our work cut out for us next weekend."
The Indians and Barons will play a rematch Friday evening in Sault Ste. Marie, MI in the first of a two-game series.
On Sunday, the Indians defeated the Toledo IceDiggers in a make-up of the November 13 game which was cancelled when the Indians were hit by the flu.
The Indians scored twice in the first period, twice in the second and once in the third period to shut out the IceDiggers 5-0 in Toledo. Matt Buckley opened the scoring for the Indians at the 13:57 mark of the first with assists going to Joe Beaudry and Matt Jones. Drew Satterley scored his first of two goals a minute later to put the Soo up by two. Jim Pentecost and Tiger Marcotte drew assists. Marty Gurnoe scored his first goal of the season off a face-off play firing a laser high over Toledo goaltender Justin Marriott at 5:33 of the second period. Nic Sellers and Tiger Marcotte drew assists. Indians leading scorer Nic Sellers scored to give the Indians a 4-0 lead at 18:47 of the second period. Drew Satterley scored the only goal of the third at 18:26 with assists going to R.G. Flath and Brandon Getchen. The Indians outshot the IceDiggers 38-17 in the game as goaltender Jason Kearney picked up his league leading fifth shutout of the season.
The Indians will try to avenge last weekend's loss to the Barons as they host Cleveland in the last two regular season meetings of the year between the two teams.
The games will be played at the Chi Mukwa Arena in Sault Ste. Marie, Mi. Game times are 7:00 pm.
North American Hockey League Stories from February 23, 2005
- NHL lockout saddens Bozeman's coach and players - Bozeman Icedogs
- Heidinger's five assists earns NAHL Offensive Player of the Week - NAHL
- Cleveland hands Soo first loss in 10 games - Soo Indians
- Bulls tie for first with top spot on the line this week - Billings Bulls
- Blizzard splits pair, remains in NAHL West playoff chase - Alexandria Blizzard
- Rookie Johnson headed to Dartmouth - Springfield Jr. Blues
- BAck to back shutouts earn Russell NAHL Defensive Player of the Week - NAHL
- Home games this weekend more important than ever - Texas Tornado
- Dog Pound Weekly - Bozeman Icedogs
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