Jr. Blues Sweep Kenai River
January 17, 2013 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release
The Springfield Jr. Blues flew in Alaska and took the Brown Bears by storm. The Jr. Blues earned a weekend sweep in Kenai River, avenging two loses the Brown Bears handed the Jr. Blues back in September.
Jr. Blues Win 2-1
McFarland and Atkinson score goals
The Jr. Blues arrived in Kenai River with memories of being swept by the Brown Bears back in September in Springfield. The Jr. Blues jumped out to an early 1-0 on a Jeff McFarland (pictured right) goal. McFarland's goal was his first of the season as a Jr. Blue.
Kenai would eventually tie the game half way through the second period to on a scrum in front of the Jr. Blues net.
Ryan Atkinson would put the Jr. Blues ahead for good with 8 minutes left in the third period. Atkinson's goal was his fifth in five games and 13th of the season. Parker Johnson had two assists in the win.
Matt Leon was strong in net stopping 41 of 42 shots.
Jr. Blues Earn Sweep
Skibba scores winner in 4-3 game
The Springfield Jr. Blues were able to hold on to a 4-3 win late Saturday night in Kenai River, Alaska.
The Jr. Blues jumped out to a 4-1 lead half way through the second period. Brett Skibba (pictured right) opened on the scoring in the first period, beating the Brown Bears goalie over his glove hand.
Mike Severson made a nice pass to spring Skibba who buried the shot. On the next shift, the Jr. Blues would take a penalty in which the Brown Bears would score 8 seconds into their power play chance.
The Jr. Blues would score the next 3 goals. After having his first goal of the night disallowed, Jack Sloan would get revenge and score a goal with 3 seconds remaining in the period on a nice one-time in the high slot.
Trevor Stone would add his fifth goal of the season after Theo Tydingco won a face off clean to Stone, Stone burried a shot of the Brown Bear goalie's shoulder, giving the Jr. Blues a 3-1 lead. Skibba would add his second of the night on a nice individual effort, scoring on a shot while being knocked down in the offensive zone corner.
The Brown Bears would add a goal before the period was over to cut the lead to 4-2. Less than 2 minutes into the third period, they would cut the lead to 4-3. However, the Jr. Blues held on to the lead with critical blocked shots late in the game by Jeff McFarland and Oliver Takacsi-Nagy.
Matt Leon was strong in net earning his 4th win in a row and making 26 saves.
Jr. Blues Continue Alaska Trip
Jr. Blues travel to Fairbanks
The Jr. Blues continue their 4-game Alaskan road trip this Friday and Saturday in Fairbanks.
The Jr. Blues currently hold a 4-game winning streak and look to extend that in a very tough building in Fairbanks.
Fairbanks has one of the toughest crowds and buildings to play in, in the NAHL. Fairbanks is coming off of a weekend sweep of the Janesville Jets and are winners of 4 of their last 5 games.
Friday and Saturday night games both start at 10:30 CST.
Neuhoff Media presents Scout Night!
$5 for Scouts and Troop Leaders
Troops in attendance will be recognized during the game and will be given a post game locker room tour.
Troop leaders (up to 5) will receive the same $5 pricing as Scouts.
Must call by January 24th to receive the special rate for Troop leaders and to reserve a spot for the locker room tour. If you have any further questions about the night, please feel free to contact the Jr. Blues at (217) 525-2589.
North American Hockey League Stories from January 17, 2013
- Dennis Williams to Head Coach Team Texas at NAHL Top Prospects - Amarillo Bulls
- Weekend Preview: Bulls Host Corpus Christi IceRays - Amarillo Bulls
- Bobcats Wrap Homestand with Crucial Weekend - Bismarck Bobcats
- Jr. Blues Sweep Kenai River - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Tomahawks Tender Two Players - Johnstown Tomahawks
- Ironmen Head Coach Recognized by NAHL - Jamestown Ironmen
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