Jr. Blues Lose Weekend Opener
December 15, 2012 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release
Pointstreak- The Springfield Jr. Blues tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings held on for a 5-3 victory.
A goal by Robbie Payne put Kalamazoo up 5-2 in the third period, but Springfield pulled to within two on Alex Baskakov's tally 19:56 into the third period.
The Jr. K-Wings pulled out the victory even though they were hit with 80 penalty minutes.
Referees had their hands full with a major incident at 15:54 into the third period. Thirteen fighting penalties were dished out along with nine game misconducts.
The 29 shots that Kalamazoo put on net surpassed the Jr. K-Wings' average of 25.4 shots per game this season.
Kalamazoo was helped by Cole Pierce, who had one goal. Pierce scored 5:38 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Kalamazoo. Kalamazoo additionally got points from Kyle Gattelaro, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Brennan Sanford also scored for Kalamazoo. More assists for Kalamazoo came via Mikhail Bushinski, who had one and Taylor Burden, Brendan Vetter, and Trevor Boyd, who contributed two a piece.
The Jr. Blues were often in penalty trouble, totaling six minors and four majors for 112 minutes in penalty time. Springfield surpassed its season average of 19.0 penalty minutes per game. The Jr. Blues' defensemen played well offensively, producing two goals while racking up 19 shots. With 46 shots on target during the contest, Springfield exceeded the 26.3 shots it averages per game this year.
Springfield also got a goal from Theo Tydingco as well. Other players who recorded assists for Springfield were Brett Skibba, who had two and Mitch Rogge, Nate Chasteen, and Ryan Atkinson, who each chipped in one.
Alex Okicki made 43 saves for the Jr. K-Wings on 46 shots. Kalamazoo registered one goal on six power play opportunities. Team's Sam Johnson, Burden, Christian George, and Danny Hamburg were slapped with misconducts and ejected from the game. Ryan Kellenberger made 10 saves before being replaced by Matt Leon, who took the loss and made 14 saves. The Jr. Blues registered one goal on six power play opportunities. For Springfield, Skibba, Jeff McFarland, Parker Johnson, Mike Fazio, and Alex Jaeckle were ejected from the contest.
North American Hockey League Stories from December 15, 2012
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