Fargo-Moorhead Jets Weekly
March 3, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release
Friday Night Talk about a close game! As the Bobcats jumped up early in each of the first two periods taking a 2-0 lead into the third only to fall 3-2 in a shootout.
The Jets fell behind as Andrew Muir drew an interference call just: 16 seconds into the game and put the Bobcats up a man. It wouldn't be long before John Clark and Eric Herbel fed the puck Eric Lund who beat Jets' goaltender Adam Buegler for the early 1-0 lead. The Jets would have two power-plays of their own and snap off seven shots and rebounds going in every which direction except in the back of the net. After out shooting Bismarck 17-11 the Jets found themselves down after the first period, 1-0.
Another fast start to the second had the Bobcats up 2-0 on a goal by Ryan Geary at 1:35 in the period. Jordy Trottier would drop the gloves after the Geary goal and knocked Kyle Maggard out of the game with a cut over his right eye. The game remained close as Kremer turned aside shot after shot with Buegler hold his own on the other end. Andy Dittus and Will Aide would exchange fists of rage as well. The second came to closure with the Jets still down 2-0.
There's 60 minutes of hockey for a reason and the Jets proved why as Brandon Bukowski netted a goal with Kremer tied up to his right to cut it to 2-1, Bismarck. After more powerless plays for the Jets time seemed to be on their side. Buegler made three spectacular saves on a late Bobcat 5-4 attack to keep it close at 2-1. It was with the pulled goaltender that Jets knew their advantage. Eric Galt was in the right corner when he found Mark Johnson on the top of the right circle who then blasted a shot that Dittus tipped under Kremer's right arm for the extra-attacker game tying goal. The Jets and 'Cats would skate to a scoreless overtime setting the second straight shoot out for the Bobcats at home.
Dakota Collins started the party but found no success and Trottier was held in check as well. Bismarck sent Joel Whited and Herbel in to shoot on Elliot Okland who replaced Buegler and stoned both of them. Marc Mihulka and Joe Beaudette gave the Jets a 2-0 lead in the shoot out and they went on to win 3-2.
Dittus got the game tying goal with under a minute to play while Buegler made 28 saves. While Alexandria lost 3-0 to Southern Minnesota this left the door open for the Jets to regain 4th in the Central Division.
Saturday Night In anticipation of another close game the Jets and Bobcats entered the third period tied at 3-3 until Marc Mihulka touched the puck for two goals and the win, 5-3.
The Jets fell behind early again as Nick Taurence was found by Joel Whited for the 1-0 lead. Just: 31 seconds later saw Justin Kirchhevel bury the biscuit past a deer in the headlights Jake Kremer making it 1-1. The game would remains neck and neck as the Jets brought the puck in and Joe Beaudette took a nice dish from Jordy Trottier to beat Kremer for another goal and the first period ended with the Jets up 2-1.
With the game kicked in high gear the Bobcats rode to the tying goal by Donnie Harris from the top of the left circle on Jets' tender Adam Buegler. Buegler who got the nod after leading the charge for the 3-2 shoot out the night before and came to play again. Exactly 4:30 minutes later the Bobcats went back on top 3-2 by Nick Taurence again. Little did they know that it would be the last goal of the series for the Bobcats? The Jets would once gain tie the game at 3-3 courtesy of Marc Harrie who took a deflection past Kremer. The second came to closure with the score tied at 3-3 and shots in favor of the Jets 21-14.
Each team has exchanged power-plays with nobody scoring until Marc Mihulka slipped one just across the line. After a closer look and a confirmation from the goal judge it stood and the Jets went up for good 4-3. Mihulka would bag another goal to put the game out of reach at 5-3. Kremer would be pulled and replaced by Matt Grogan who saw fierce action from the Jets right away but held strong giving his team a fighting chance. A time-out later and over four minutes left on the clock saw Bismarck pull Grogan for the extra-attacker. Shots would come but none would get past Buegler and the Jets would hold for the 5-3 win.
Buegler made 12 saves for his fifth win of the year and fourth straight against the Bobcats. Robby Philipp and Mark Johnson added two assists each to help complete the sweep. Johnson made multiple blocks in front of the net and earned second star honors behind Mihulka's two goals. Alexandria kept the pressure on the Jets by winning 6-2 against Southern MN and Springfield fell at home to St. Louis making the race even tighter for the final playoff spots
Holding Down the Fort The Jets used their two wins and some help from Bismarck on Sunday to beat Alexandria keeping the Jets in 4th place. The Jets have just 10 games left and need to win as many games as possible without relying on the rest of the division.
Taking on the Top The Jets will be hosting Southern MN who sits at 2nd place on Tuesday the 11th and Wednesday the 12th at 7:35pm. College Night will be Tuesday where a student ID gets "YOU" in the door for five bucks and one dollar draws all night. The Jets then head to Springfield for a pair of games and to finish the series finale. The Jr. Blues and Jets have only met once and are 1-1 on those two games.
Work Left to Do The Jets will looking to avoid any sort of slump after taking this week off as they prepare for 10 games in 21 days. Later in the month the team will head to North Iowa and Alexandria two more times.
Jets Roll a Duce D Ryan LaDouceur joins the squad after completing his senior season with Grand Forks Red River. Ryan is a member of the All-State Team with his latest performance 46 points (7G, 39A). In Saturday's 5-3 win he assisted on Mihulka's second goal of the night.
Look Around the League
Alexandria vs. Bismarck L 4-1
North Iowa vs. Topeka W 4-1 and L 5-4
Southern MN vs. Alexandria W 3-0 and L 6-2
Springfield vs. St. Louis L 5-2 and L 3-1
North American Hockey League Stories from March 3, 2008
- Jr. Blues Greco, Larke and Patterson shine at Top Prospect Showcase - Springfield Jr. Blues
- It's business as usual for Bandits - NAHL
- IceDiggers To Honor Housing Parents - Alpena IceDiggers
- Bantam Phantoms Crowned Playoff Champions - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- U.S. National U-17 Team To Play At Traverse City Tuesday And Two Contests At Alpena This Weekend - U.S. National Team
- Sweep Gives Phantoms Room To Breathe - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Wildcats on 11-game Winning Streak - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Jet's player of the week - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Fargo-Moorhead Jets Weekly - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
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