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Generals Weekly Notes

December 21, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Flint Generals News Release


ON THE RECORD: The Gens split their week, going 2-2-0-0. Tuesday the IceHawks rolled over the Gens putting up 6 goals and netminder Nick Niedert while the Generals scored just one goal for the third straight game (two by defenseman).

Friday, the 'Hawks came to Perani Arena where the final scored was similar to the final in Port Huron but this time it was the Generals who put up six scores, winning by a final of 6-3. Each of the Generals goals was scored by a different player, which shows their offense is not as lopsided as it was to start the season.

Saturday the Dayton Gems netted five goals, again against Niedert and again the Generals only managed one goal. It was the fourth time in five games the Gens could only muster one goal, and for the third time it was a defenseman who produced that goal.

Sunday's afternoon game began as a horror movie for Generals fans and ended in horror for Quad City. The first three shots on Rob Nolan ended up in the back of the net, proving he is human after all. He pulled himself from the game following the third goal and Nick Niedert seemed to pick up where Nolan left off, allowing two quick goals putting the Gens an a crater sized hole with 40 minutes left to play. Nolan recouped during the first intermission and came back into the game looking like his usual rock star self between the pipes, stopping everything that came his way and giving his teammates the opportunity to fight and claw their way back into the game; two late goals sent the game to OT where the John Ronan too little time to put the finishing touches on Quad City's nightmare.

DON'T STOP BELEIVIN: The Generals proved Sunday that anything can happen in the game of hockey. And that the game is never over until the final buzzer sounds. The resilience shown by the Generals this week is perhaps unmatched by any team so far this season. After being lambasted Tuesday by Port Huron, they came back Friday to deliver a similar blow. And then following a 5-1 loss in Dayton and a 5-1 first period nightmare, the Gens found the will to come back and take the 2 points from the Mallards.

SPREAD OFFENSE: If there is one thing to be learned from this season so far, it is possibly that the team succeeds when the TEAM pitches in on the score board. Through the first month and a half of the season, the scoring was incredibly lopsided. Jamie Schaafsma ha d17 points while the second highest scorer had 7 points. The past few weeks that disparity is gone, with eight players now in double digits.

And this weekend, that point was stressed further. In each of their two wins, they netted six goals and only one player had more than one goal in either game (John Ronan had two goals Sunday including the game winner).

CREASE COVERAGE: With at least half of the Gens goals being the result of players crashing the net, creating traffic, and whacking away at the puck it stands to reason that they need to continue this practice and not always try and force the pretty goals.

HOME AND AWAY: Kinks are still being worked out on the ice for the Generals but they have done a better job of taking advantage of home ice, winning their past four at Perani. For some reason, the team continues to struggle on the road (2-12-1-0), and if they want to turn their season around they need to find out what causes their on the road malfunctions and fix them.

THE GENERALS WANT YOU: The Generals are currently accepting applications for volunteer ushers for all Generals home games. Ushers will receive free parking and two tickets for the game. If you love hockey and are looking for a fun work environment, visit our website at www.flintgenerals.com for further information and to fill out an application.

THIS WEEK ON THE ICE: The Gens play host to Port Huron this Tuesday, Dec. 22nd. This will be the third meeting between the rivals in a week's time, each taking advantage of home ice, and the last game before Christmas. Tuesday also marks the first day of the Generals food drive with Carriage Town Ministries, which will run through January 3rd.

Saturday, Dec. 26th Dayton returns to Perani and the Gens look to continue their winning ways at home. Then Sunday they host the Fort Wayne Komets. They have yet to beat the Komets but the Gens have been in each game and have given themselves a chance.

All of the games this week are available for viewing through the B2 Networks or just listening live, both options are accessible on our website www.flintgenerals.com.

Tickets for this week's games and all Generals home games for the 2009-10 season are available at the Perani Arena Ticket Office, by phone 810-744-0580 or through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com. For group rates with the Generals call the Generals office at (810) 744-0222 or visit our website.



International Hockey League 2 Stories from December 21, 2009


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.

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