Dominance Over Bismarck Continues for Outlaws
Published on October 6, 2008 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
North Iowa Outlaws News Release
Mason City (IA) The mere inevitability of a lengthy streak coming to an end in sports is sometimes enough to down a team, but for the North Iowa Outlaws they were able to keep their three-year stretch of dominance over the Bismarck Bobcats going thanks to a weekend sweep. A wire-to-wire victory on Friday was followed by a win of the come from behind variety on Saturday to extend the Outlaws' streak to 19 straight over Bismarck dating back to the 2005-2006 season.
The sweep also gives the Outlaws (4-3-0), their first three-game winning streak of the season and within one point of first place in the North American Hockey League's Central Division.
"Considering how early in the season it is and with the number of new players we have, I was very happy with how the team performed in Bismarck" said head coach Jeff Crouse. "Bismarck is going to be one of the better teams in the division this year so it's nice to jump on them early."
North Iowa pulled out a 3-1 win on Friday night as Anthony Raiola (Minnetonka, MN) scored a goal and added an assist in the win that was in doubt until Jon Crouse's (Alexandria, MN) 180-foot empty net goal in the final minute. The Outlaws went a perfect six for six on the penalty kill, including nullifying a Bismarck power play late in the game when the lead was still at just one.
It was the first time all season for the Outlaws that a game's final outcome was still up for grabs in the wanning minutes.
On Saturday, the Outlaws trailed 2-1 six minutes into the second period after Bismarck had struck for their second goal. However, Joe Harren (Warroad, MN) had a goal and an assist as part of a four-goal rally to push North Iowa to a 5-2 win.
Harren also scored the game's first goal two minutes into the first period, to finish the game with two goals making him the third Outlaws' player to record multiple goals in a game this season.
While the Outlaws offense produced eight goals over the weekend, it was the goaltending of Thomas Callaghan (New Westminster, PA) that was the star. Callaghan stopped 58 of 61 shots (.951%) over the series including all 21 he faced in the third period of the games.
"Tom is providing us with the veteran presence in net that every team needs to win games" added Crouse.
North Iowa is now 3-0-0 against the Central Division, after going 31-12-3 a year ago versus divisional opponents.
Of the eight goals scored by the Outlaws, six different players found the net with Harren being the only player with multiple goals during the series.
Newbies Joe Harcharik (Des Moines, IA) and Ryan Peltoma (Brainerd, MN) each saw regular shifts in both games with Peltoma earning an assist in the series.
A fourth-year member of the team, Harcharik has now played in 134 games in an Outlaws' uniform with playoffs included.
Coming Home
North Iowa comes back to the North Iowa Ice Arena for three straight home games, beginning with a pair this weekend as they face off against Owatonna on Friday and Albert Lea on Saturday. The home stand concludes on Friday October 17th with a home game against Bismarck.
The Outlaws are playing four of nine games at the North Iowa Ice Arena in the month of October, the second fewest of any month behind only February which will host just two games.
Power Play Strikes
The Outlaws' have scored a power play goal in each of their last four games (4-20 (20%)) going back to their Team USA loss on September 20th at the NAHL Showcase.
Last Minute Magic
The Outlaws' have scored two goals this season in the final minute of the first period and both times the goals were the first of the game. Brandon Brodhag (Brooklyn Park, MN) scored in the final minute on September 26th and Joe Harren (Warroad, MN) did the same on October 3rd.
Outlaws Last Week
Fri. Oct. 3 vs. Bismarck 3-1 win
Sat. Oct. 4 vs. Bismarck 5-2 win
Outlaws This Week
Fri. Oct. 10 vs. Owatonna 7:30pm
Sat. Oct. 11 vs. Albert Lea 7:30pm
The North Iowa Outlaws Hockey Club is in its fourth season as members of the North American Hockey League. The NAHL is the nation's largest Junior A hockey league and is now in its 33nd year of operation. For more information, visit northiowaoutlaws.com or call (641) 424-5468.
Outlaws home games are played at the North Iowa Ice Arena in Mason City, IA. All games will be broadcasted on northiowaoutlaws.com and video broadcast through B/2 Network.
North American Hockey League Stories from October 6, 2008
- Stars shining bright after sweep - NAHL
- Callaghan Named NAHL Goaltender of the Week - North Iowa Outlaws
- Dominance Over Bismarck Continues for Outlaws - North Iowa Outlaws
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
