IceDiggers sweep Phantoms

Published on January 15, 2007 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Alpena IceDiggers News Release


Alpena MI: It would be pretty easy to make a case for this weekend's wins over Mahoning Valley (28-10-1) as the biggest of the year for the Alpena IceDiggers.

Alpena (26-10-2) snapped a six-game winless streak against the Phantoms this year and sliced a seven-point Mahoning Valley lead in the North Division standings to three points with a pair of 5-4 wins at Northern Lights Arena.

Alpena scored three straight goals in the third period to erase a two-goal deficit and steal a win from the Phantoms on Saturday night, then jumped out to a 4-0 lead before hanging on to complete the sweep in Sunday's rematch.

"We found a way to win and take four points, for sure," said Alpena coach Kenny Miller. "Last night was huge for us and today we were able to jump out to the (4-0) lead. Then they cut it to 5-4 and it was a little nerve-racking, but you take away the undisciplined penalties and it might have been a different story.

"We came into the weekend seven back. Now we're three back. To be three back is big for us."

Erik Peterson (Alpena MI) scored two goals to lead Alpena in Saturday's win, including the game-tying and game-winning goals. Todd Rudasill (Powell OH), Jimmy McCusker (Novi MI) and Nolan Craner (Plainwell MI) had the other Alpena scores.

Alpena led 2-1 early in the first period as the two teams scored three times in the first four minutes. Mahoning Valley tied the score right before the end of the first period, then went ahead by two after back-to-back goals in the second period, setting the stage for Alpena's comeback.

Craner cut the Phantom lead to one on a power play goal at the 3:56 mark and Peterson knotted the score with a power play goal less than a minute later. Then, with 10 minutes to play, Peterson took a pass from Craner and buried it past Mahoning Valley netminder Ryan Zapolski to finish off the exciting contest.

Drew Pierson (Pleasant Prairie WI) helped Alpena get off to the fast start in Sunday's win with a pair of first-period goals - one coming with an extra skater. Peterson and McCusker also found the back of the net, along with Ben Kitzmiller (Lambertville MI).

Alpena had a 4-0 advantage midway through the second period, but Mahoning Valley came storming back with two quick goals to cut Alpena's lead in half. McCusker's score put the IceDiggers back in front by three.

Two Mahoning Valley goals in the third period made the game a little more tense for the IceDiggers, but Shawn Hunwick (Sterling Hts. MI) - the winning goalie in both games - stood tall as Mahoning Valley couldn't knock the game-tying goal past him over the final seven minutes.

Hunwick, who made 33 saves Saturday and 34 Sunday, had to sweat out the final few minutes as the Phantoms peppered him with shots.

"I was pretty nervous, but I knew I just had to control rebounds," said Hunwick. "If I can see it, then I can stop it.

"It's a big relief (to beat Mahoning Valley). After six games, if it didn't come this weekend it probably wouldn't have come at all."

The IceDiggers receive a welcome break after this weekend's wins. Alpena will put their franchise high 8 game home winning streak on the line when they return to the ice until Jan. 24 when it hosts Traverse City.

"We've got a chance to have two light days of practice then get back at it the following Monday," Miller said. "That gives them six days off to enjoy themselves. This break will feel a lot better with two wins."

For more information on the IceDiggers be sure to log onto the website at www.icediggers.com or call VP/GM Bob Krafft main office at (989) 356-9812.

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North American Hockey League Stories from January 15, 2007


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