Indians-U18s battle was hockey at its best
March 18, 2005 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Soo Indians News Release
It was two of the best hockey games ever played at the Chi Mukwa Ice Arena. The arena was packed to see the rematch of the USNTDP Under-18 squad, coached by former LSSU assistant coach Ron Rolston, and the Soo Indians.
In hockey country, everyone is aware of the accomplishments of the U.S. squad. It was well known that the Under-18's are the best team for their bracket in the world. They are undefeated (8-0-0) in international play. It is also well known that they have a glowing reputation playing against the top colleges in the country. They tied Northern Michigan University earlier in the year as well as Clarkson University and Minnesota State. They lost by a goal to New Hampshire as well as the University of Minnesota. Just a couple of weeks ago the U.S. squad held a 5-2 lead over the University of Michigan heading into the third period before a rash of penalties allowed Michigan to earn a 6-5 decision. The Under-18's defeated Michigan State University 4-3 and Notre Dame 7-2. They beat St. Lawrence University, Robert Morris, Michigan Tech, Brown University and swept Canisius. All NCAA Division I schools.
In over thirty contests, only one junior hockey team in the world had defeated the Under-18's -- and that was the Soo Indians back in January. Many thought it was a fluke, but not those that follow the Soo.
The arena was full for two straight evenings as the two clubs battled back and forth. Although the scores did not indicate it, the games were nearly identical. The Under-18's held a 2-1 lead after two periods in both games and went up 3-1 mid way through the third. In Friday's game, the Indians battled but could not close the gap. Phil Kessel, the top-rated player in the world for his age, and the star of the U.S. World Junior squad, potted an empty net goal to give the USNTDP a 4-1 victory. The Indians outshot the Nationals in the game.
On Saturday, the U.S. squad again went up 3-1 mid way through the third and, in Rocky-like fashion, the Indians scored to make it 3-2 and began hammering away at the U.S. squad. Again the Indians pulled their netminder and attacked the U.S. goal, but were unable to get the equalizer. Again the Indians outshot their opponents, 28-22 for the game for the third straight contest.
"It was great hockey," commented Indians coach Joe Shawhan after the games. "We stood toe to toe with the best in the world and never backed down. It was a pleasure to be a part of this series. Both teams left it on the ice. How could I not be elated with our players? Our players know that they can play at the Division I college level and play well. Our opponents have competed with the best teams college hockey has to offer and have defeated many of them. This will surely increase the confidence and desire of our players to go on."
Shawhan also praised his adversary Ron Rolston. "It was an honor to coach against Rollie," he said. "I have admired him since we worked together with the Lakers. He is a special coach and his team reflects his character. If this is my last go round in the NAHL, I am glad that I was able to put a team on the ice and compete against him."
The Indians had to load the bus early Sunday morning for a game against Toledo. As could be expected, it took the Indians a bit to get going in the contest but they eventually built up a 4-0 lead before surrendering a goal with just :24 left in the game to break Jason Kearney's bid for his league leading seventh shut out of the season.
The Indians wrapped up a home ice advantage in the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season, the longest streak in the NAHL.
This weekend the Indians will travel to Ann Arbor to play the USNTDP Under-17 squad.
North American Hockey League Stories from March 18, 2005
- U-18s roll past Toledo, 13-0 - U.S. National Team
- Wildcats Dan DiLeo will Attend Cornell - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Bozeman vs Fargo-Moorhead Tonight, Bismarck Tomorrow - Bozeman Icedogs
- Van Culin Named Ferris' CCHA Scholar-Athlete of the Year - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Voice of Bighorns to call 500th game next Saturday - Helena Bighorns
- Indians-U18s battle was hockey at its best - Soo Indians
- Tornado win 40 games and division for sixth straight season - Texas Tornado
- Bishop earns NAHL Defensive Player of the Week - Texas Tornado
- Bulls reclaim top spot after blanking Blizzard - Billings Bulls
- Jr. Blues Gumaer headed to Bentley - Springfield Jr. Blues
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