Jr. Blues Host Potent St. Louis Bandits
January 4, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release
The North American Hockey League's top team-the St. Louis Bandits- comes to Springfield to take on the Springfield Jr. Blues.
The Jr. Blues are 1-4 against the Bandits with three of the four losses on St. Louis turf.
"We have three home games against St. Louis this month", says coach Chris Wyler. " It will be nice to get them on our home ice where we are more comfortable. St. Louis plays on the much bigger Olympic-size sheet of ice where we have an NHL-style rink. The smaller surface is better for our style of play".
With a new goaltender in town, Wyler hopes to get a little more out of his netminders, who haven't played thier best games lately. The Blues have filled thier last roster spot with 3rd goaltender Garrett Tinkham, an East Coast Junior player who lives in Texas. Wyler is keeping the possibilitie open that Tinkham could see action this weekend.
"We need everyone to step up a little if we are going to be successful against the better teams. St. Louis is a quality team.You have to play good , solid hockey against them and minimize your mistakes in order to beat them. We also need goaltending that makes a big stop here and there that could be the difference in a tight game. We haven't been getting that lately and that's something we need to fix".
"We beat this team once in our building 5-1 so I know we are capable. I think we are as talented as they are and we are faster, but it all comes down to how bad you want it. I expect it will be a war out there this weekend"
Friday's game begins at 7:30 with Saturday's tilt beginning at 7:00pm. This weekend is STUDENT WEEKEND. Students with ID get in for only $4.00.
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North American Hockey League Stories from January 4, 2008
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- Jets fizzle in the third and fall 6-4 - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- IceDiggers continue winning ways - Alpena IceDiggers
- Jr. Blues Host Potent St. Louis Bandits - Springfield Jr. Blues
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