Indians Shut Down Cleveland Offense, Extend Win Streak to 6
Published on February 9, 2004 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Soo Indians News Release
The Indians ousted the Cleveland Barons by a 4-1 score on Friday, and then shutout the Barons on Saturday, extending the Indians win streak to 6- games, running their record to 9-0-1 in their last 10-games.
On Friday, Tom Kolar led the Indians with a goal and an assist en route to the game's first star nomination. Defenseman Justin Gutwald (pictured right), also picked up a goal and an assist on the night. Jim Jorgensen and Logan Bittle also scored for the Indians. Bittle scored his league leading 30th goal of the year. Derek MacIntyre had 24-saves en route to his league leading 23rd victory.
On Saturday, the Indians finished strong and this time preserved the shutout for Indians netminder Derek MacIntyre in a 3-0 whitewash. Logan Bittle again netted the game-winning goal for the 2nd straight night. Gutwald tallied a powerplay goal and led the Indians on the weekend with 2-goals and an assist in 2-games versus the Barons. R.G. Flath netted his 13th goal of the season to round out the scoring. Indians goaltender Derek MacIntyre collected his 3rd shutout of the season.
Indians Star Goaltender Featured in Michigan Hockey Magazine
MacIntyre Making the Most of It! by Cory Wilson, Michigan Hockey Magazine
February 9, 2004-- Good things come, to those who wait. Indians goaltender Derek MacIntyre should have those same words inscribed on the blade of his hockey stick to describe the way his season has played out this year. Serving as a back-up goaltender at the start of season, MacIntyre finally got his shot in goal and played his way into the role as starting goaltender for the Indians.
The 6'-2", 185-pound, Stanwood, Michigan native, plucked out of the Little Caesars Midget AAA program, attributes his recent success to hard work and just sticking to the basics. "I think hard work, playing well when you have to, capitalizing on opportunities, and just sticking to the basics has helped me succeed," stated MacIntyre. MacIntyre has definitely capitalized on his opportunities and his role with the Indians may have took a turn for the best, when he goaltended the tribe to back-to-back victories over the rivaled Springfield Jr. Blues on home ice in late November.
Following one of his own 4-points to success, MacIntyre did in fact play well when he had to when he faced the top ranked Texas Tornado in the Windy City Showcase held in mid-January. MacIntyre and the Indians shutout the Tornado 3-0, giving MacIntyre his first shutout of the season. If the Texas game wasn't the highlight of the season for MacIntyre, his 15-straight wins in goal spanning from September to January should be. The rookie netminder may have very well continued his streak into the unknown, if it wasn't for a heartbreaking yet respectable 1-0 overtime loss courtesy of the Springfield Jr. Blues, that stopped his win streak at 15.
The rookie goaltender has not only been successful, but has set the bar for NAHL goaltenders. Heading into February, MacIntyre finds himself leading most NAHL goaltenders in Wins, Save Percentage, and Goals Against Average, despite his transformation from back-up to starting goaltender and being a rookie in junior hockey.
MacIntyre's transition from Midgets to Juniors seems to be going pretty well so far. "I think the biggest difference from Midgets to Juniors, is the speed of the play. Players are much smarter at this level and their decisions with the puck are more advanced compared to Midgets."
Sentiments from Indians Head Coach Joe Shawhan, point to the fact that they couldn't have asked more from MacIntyre this season. According to Head Coach Joe Shawhan, "I don't want to say MacIntyre has been a surprise this season, but his performance has just been outstanding. We weren't expecting one of our goalies to be undefeated in regulation play going into February." MacIntyre's play in goal seems to have exceeded expectations and the NHL Scouts have taken notice by placing MacIntyre on the NHL's Central Scouting List.
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North American Hockey League Stories from February 9, 2004
- U.S. National Team weekly report - U.S. National Team
- Indians Shut Down Cleveland Offense, Extend Win Streak to 6 - Soo Indians
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