Jets fall from first place

Published on November 12, 2004 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release


Minnesota goaltender Marcus Paulson stopped an amazing 54 shots as the Blizzard defeated the Fargo-Moorhead Jets 3-2 before an estimated 300 fans on Friday, November 5.

This was the Jets only game of last 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 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, Minnesota) 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, Minnesota) fed a pass to Brent Olson (Baudette, Minnesota) behind the net. Olson then sent a pass to the low slot, which Phil Fox (Stillwater, Minnesota) 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, North Dakota) blocker and into the net, tying the game.

In his first Junior A hockey appearance, the 17 year 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 for the 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. However, the Jets would get no closer.

Fargo-Moorhead returns to action on Friday Nov. 12 at Minnesota at 7:00 p.m., before returning to the Carlson Coliseum on Saturday, November 13, to start a four-game home stand.

Update on Former Jets: Jeff Fearing, currently playing at the West Point Military Academy, was named the Atlantic Hockey Rookie of the Week, on November 1.

Plenty of Minnesota: Fargo-Moorhead will get very accustomed to seeing the Minnesota Blizzard during the month of November. Including their November 5 game in Alexandria, the Jets are playing five of their eight November games against Minnesota.

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North American Hockey League Stories from November 12, 2004


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