Jets Fall From First Place
Published on November 8, 2004 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release
Fargo (ND) Minnesota goaltender Marcus Paulson stopped an amazing 44 shots as the Blizzard defeated the Fargo-Moorhead Jets 3-2 before an estimated 300 fans on Friday Nov. 5. This was the Jets only game of the weekend.
The Jets pumped 20 shots on goal during the third period, as they tried frantically to overcome a 3-1 second intermission deficit. However, despite getting to within one goal with 14 minutes left, the Jets were unable to get the tying goal. Paulson spent most of the evening frustrating Jets players with one highlight reel stop after another.
In the final minute of regulation alone, he made three point-blank saves, including robbing Paul Solberg (Maple Grove, MN) with ten seconds left on a one-timer from the low slot.
The loss drops the Jets to 10-3-1, and out of first place in the North American Hockey League's West Division and into a three-way tie for second place.
Things looked good for the Jets early on...very early on indeed against Minnesota. The Jets won the opening face-off and quickly took advantage. Chris Myhro (Eden Prairie, MN) fed a pass to Brent Olson (Baudette, MN) behind the net. Olson then sent a pass to the low slot, which Phil Fox (Stillwater, MN) quickly deposited over Paulson's glove side shoulder 14 seconds into the game giving Fargo-Moorhead a 1-0 lead.
Fargo-Moorhead proceeded to control play for most of the first period, but Paulson would make one great save after another. Eventually, Minnesota tied the game at 17:52 of the first period with a power play goal. Shawn Bitzan skated into the Jets' zone along the right side, then maneuvered to the slot before taking a shot. The shot went off Jets' goaltender Elliot Okland's (Fargo, ND) blocker and into the net, tying the game.
In his first Junior A hockey appearance, the 17 yr. old Okland made 15 saves, including key ones in the third period to keep the Jets in the game.
Minnesota then took the lead 8:39 into the second period when Dan Swanson beat Okland with a shot between Okland's legs.
However, the key point of the game came a few minutes later at 13:52 when the Blizzard scored the eventual game winner. Moments after the Jets had once again been stymied by Paulson, on an Olson breakaway, the Blizzard turned the play around and in transition, developed a 2-on-1.
Jake Nelson gave off to Aaron Castle who buried his shot making it 3-1 Blizzard.
Creighton Scarpone (Buchanan, MI) brought the Jets to within 3-2 when he connected in the low slot after receiving a beautiful pass from Myhro. Nevertheless, the Jets would get no closer.
Fargo-Moorhead returns to action on Friday Nov. 12 at Minnesota at 7pm, before returning to the Carlson Coliseum on Sat. Nov. 13 to start a four-game home stand.
Last Week's Games
Fri. Nov. 5 @ Minnesota 2-3 Loss
This Week's Games
Fri. Nov. 12 @ Minnesota 7:00pm
Sat. Nov. 13 Bismarck 7:05pm
Keychain Giveaway Night
Sun. Nov. 14 Billings 7:30pm
Neighbor's Night
Record Setting Crowd? The Jets are anticipating a crowd of over 1,000 fans for their Nov. 14 home game against Billings. There is a chance the team could break the franchise single-game record of just over 1,400 fans
Update on Former Jets Jeff Fearing, currently playing at the West Point Military Academy, was named the Atlantic Hockey Rookie of the Week, on Nov. 1.
Plenty of Minnesota Fargo-Moorhead will get very accustomed to seeing the Minnesota Blizzard during the month of November. Including their Nov. 5 game in Alexandria, the Jets are playing five of their eight November games versus Minnesota.
The FM Jets are in their second season as members of the North American Hockey League. The NAHL is the nation's largest Junior A hockey league and is now in its 29th year of operation. For more information, visit fmjets.com or call (701) 235-2354.
Jets home games are played at the John E. Carlson Coliseum in Fargo, ND. All games are broadcasted on STAR 103.9.
North American Hockey League Stories from November 8, 2004
- Jets Fall From First Place - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
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