Indiana Ice win inaugural game, 3-2
by Mike Wallin
Published on September 25, 2004 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Indiana Ice
The expansion Indiana Ice won their first ever USHL game, defeating the Chicago Steel 3-2 in thrilling fashion last night from the Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville, Il. Travis Winter's goal broke a 2-2 tie at the 11:08 mark of the final period propelling Indiana to victory.
The Ice took advantage of stellar netminding by B.J. O'Brien in capturing their inaugural victory. O'Brien turned aside 34 Steel shots in his first ever Tier 1 hockey game. The Minnesota native stood on his toes, playing more like a seasoned veteran than a rookie goaltender.
"I had so much confidence in the guys in front of me," said O'Brien. "The face-offs won by Jeremy (Tejchma) were so big that they can not be described."
While Winter banged home the game-winning goal, it was the tenacious play of Jeremy Tejchma that was the difference in the game. Tejchma not only set up the game-winning goal, but also won three key face-offs down the stretch.
"Jeremy carried the load of the team on his shoulders down the stretch," said Ice Coach Red Gendron. "The team played so hard, especially with our back checking. It really was a special night."
Todd Mcllrath and Eddie Del Grosso also tallied goals for Indiana as the Ice peppered 32 shots against the Steel. Indiana returns to the ice next Friday and Saturday in Sioux Falls and Sioux City.
United States Hockey League Stories from September 25, 2004
- Lancers spoil Mazzoleni's debut - Green Bay Gamblers
- Bucs get point in season opening shootout loss - Des Moines Buccaneers
- Indiana Ice win inaugural game, 3-2 - OSC Original by Mike Wallin
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