Jets Snap Three-Game Skid with 4-3 SO Win
January 14, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release
(Alexandria, MN) With being handed a 5-3 loss at home the night before, the Jets came out on fire and win 4-3 in a shootout over the Blizzard.
The Jets came out with more passion Sunday in the first period and jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a beautiful feed from Mark Johnson to Mike Schumacher sliding it past Blizzard tender Ryan Leets. Johnson did everything in his power to maintain control of the puck as he skated from one end of the rink to the other setting up Schumacher. Alexandria would put 10 shots on net but neither of them would get through Scott Zacharias. Each squad exchanged power-plays and nothing was giving so the first twenty minutes went to the Jets, 1-0.
The second would open with the Blizzard acting feistier on defense creating a perfect 2-1 break the other way, short handed not to mention, as Brandon Bahnemann connected from Jerry Feismuth making it 1-1. This did hurt the Jets in the end because of being tied for fourth with Alexandria they remain in fifth place by a point. Schumacher would strike again on the power-play giving the Jets the lead at 2-1 but Bahnemann would tack on another goal tying the game once again. The second would end dead-locked at 2-2 and shots just as even, 21-20 Jets.
In the third it looked as if Robby Philipp's go ahead goal just 4:00 in would be enough but that didn't happen. After coming out of the crease to play the puck Zacharias was bit by a funny bounce and the boys scrambled to cover the net as Jens Nilsson found the tying goal at 3-3. It didn't help that the Jets were short-handed either and the two skated to the end of the third even at 3-3.
In overtime the squad would exchange scoring chances early but neither could get the puck controlled long enough to make a dent. So only fitting on a night that was back-and-fourth was to see a good old fashion shootout.
After 65:00 of play in net for Zacharias, Jets' coach Chad Johnson called Elliot Okland off the bench to nail it down. I don't about you but Okland was just surprised as you and me to get the nod after sitting all game as the back-up. The Jets would send Schumacher and he struck high and wide leaving it up to Kyle Clement who was also stopped. Next up it was Jordy Trottier who used a sick move but Leets' was sicker as he buckled and never broke making a beautiful arm save. So it was up Dakota Collins, who didn't play the entire third period, and he answered the call with a shadow of doubt making it 1-0 Jets. After Bahnemann was denied, Jerry Freismuth slid one by Okland after it caught a piece of him leaving the door open for Marc Mihulka. Mihulka was a little too cute with the puck, losing control while never forcing a shot and Andrew Harrison got the go-ahead goal pinning it at 2-1, Jets. So the weight of the world was on Okland's shoulders and boy did he step up big by making the game winning save on the Blizzard's hottest shooter Mikael Lickteig! The Jets would end up winning 4-3 in the SO ending a three game skid.
The Jets host the Southern Minnesota Express on Friday for Fraser, Ltd Night sponsored by Butler Machinery of Fargo. Fans will enjoy a raffle, bake sale and proceeds from your tickets with benefit Fraser, Ltd. Game time is at 7:35pm
The FM Jets Junior A Hockey Club is in its fifth 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 32nd 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 Today's Hot New Country 103.9 THE TRUCK, video broadcast through B/2 Network and fmjets.com.
North American Hockey League Stories from January 14, 2008
- IceDiggers streak into Phantoms Showcase - NAHL
- Wildcats Sweep Alaska - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Jets name players of the week - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Jets Snap Three-Game Skid with 4-3 SO Win - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
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