Indians drop season opener for first time ever
September 23, 2004 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Soo Indians News Release
The Soo Indians Hockey Team dropped their opening game on Friday evening at the Chi Mukwa Arena in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to the Cleveland Barons 3-1.
The Indians opened the scoring in the first period on a power play goal by Andrew Broughton deflecting a point shot by Rob Hodnicki between the legs of Barons goaltender Chris Carlson. Derek Punches drew the other assist on the play.
The Indians controlled play in the opening stanza out-shooting the Barons 6-1.
From that point on the Barons showed their experience. A shorthanded goal by John Goebel tied the score at 14:44 of the second period, and just over a minute later the Barons Nick Biondo beat Indians netminder Craid Vardy from a bad angle putting the Barons in the lead for good.
Jake Coyle potted an empty net goal with 30 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
The loss marks the first time in the team's 10-year history that they lost opening night.
"We were concerned with the level of play of our defense and wondered where we would
get our scoring." stated Indians Coach Joe Shawhan after the game. "None of our concerns were put to rest in this game. We certainly have a lot to improve on."
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North American Hockey League Stories from September 23, 2004
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