Jr. Blues Earn Split Versus Topeka
October 23, 2012 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release
The Jr. Blues traveled to Topeka this weekend and earned a hard fought 2 points, winning 2-0 on Friday night and falling 1-0, on a late goal, Saturday night. The staff is excited about the direction of the rookie laden Jr Blues are headed. The last 8 games have been against 4 different opponents all whom sit no worse than 2nd in their respective divisions. The Jr. Blues are 3-4-1 in that stretch against teams that have a combined record of 41-13-4.
Jr. Blues Defeat Topeka 2-0
Leon earns first shutout of season
The Jr. Blues got off to a hot start Friday night, shocking the 1st ranked team in the NAHL. Despite a scoreless first period, the Jr. Blues outshot the RoadRunners 12-3. The Jr. Blues continued to poor on the pressure in the second and would finally find the back on the net on the power-play 10 minutes into the period. Devin Mitchell scored his first goal of the season from the high slot after Alex Baskakov kept the puck in the zone and Parker Johnson found Mitchell in the slot.
4 minutes later Russell Jordan intercepted a pass up the middle in the offensive zone and scored quickly off the turnover. Jordan, who is second on the team in goals, gave the Jr. Blues a 2-0 lead. After two periods, the Jr. Blues were outshooting the RoadRunners 20-7.
In the third period, it was all Matt Leon (pictured above). Leon made 22 saves in the third as Topeka threw everything at the net, but couldn't beat Leon. The Jr. Blues skated away with a 2-0 win in their first of eight matchups with the RoadRunners this season.
Jr. Blues Split Weekend Series
Fall 1-0 on late goal
Following a 2-0 win on Friday night, the Jr. Blues were back at it Saturday against the same Topeka RoadRunners. The RoadRunners brought a strong attack on Saturday night and outshot the Jr. Blues 24-15 throughout the first two periods.
The Jr. Blues had multiple scoring chances early in the third period but were unable to score. The Jr. Blues were called for a 4-minute check from behind with just under 8 minutes remaining in the game. With 20 seconds remaining on the powerplay, Drew Kariofiles was able to beat Jr. Blues goaltender Ryan Kellenberger (pictured above). A Jr. Blues defensemen got a stick on the puck but deflected it over the shoulder of Kellenberger.
On the next shift, Brett Skibba found himself on the back side, with a wide open net, but 3 diving RoadRunners' players would block the shot. On the night, Kellenberger made 34 saves in the 1-0 defeat.
Jr. Blues Return Home to Face Janesville
Games start at 7 Friday and Saturday night
The Janesville Jets visit the Nelson Center this weekend for their first and only trip to Springfield this season. This weekend marks the first and second of four games the teams will play against each other this season.
Janesville currently holds a 7-5-2 record, good enough for 5th in the division.
Celebrate Halloween with the Jr. Blues!
Trick or Treat at the Nelson Center
Make sure to stop by the Jr. Blues game on October 27th for your chance to meet the Jr. Blues players and trick or treat in the Franklin Room!
After the game on October the 27th, the Jr. Blues will be in the Franklin Room giving out candy to kids 18 and under. Kids are encouraged to wear their Halloween costume to the game. Please note, this event is only available to kids in attendance. Also on the 27th, the Jr. Blues will be holding a costume contest between the second and third period. Make sure to wear your best costume for a chance to win cool Jr. Blues prizes! The contest will be judged by the fans and is open to anyone who attends the game.
Website Update
Jr. Blues Launch News Spotlight
The Jr. Blues are dedicated to improving everyday, not only on the ice but for our fans as well. We are proud to announce the addition of Jr. Blues in the News. This is a featured section on our website where friends and family of the Jr. Blues can find news articles on the team. These articles are from various news sources and gives our fans the opportunity to see what others are saying about their team in one spot.
Coming soon the Jr. Blues will be launching a Merchandise Page in the Fan Zone. This page will give fans the opportunity to buy official Jr. Blues gear on our website!
North American Hockey League Stories from October 23, 2012
- Janesville Jets Paint the Rink Pink Recap - Janesville Jets
- Jr. K-Wings Weekly - Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
- Jr. Blues Earn Split Versus Topeka - Springfield Jr. Blues
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
