Jr. Blues Sweep Texas; Only Three Points Out of First
December 2, 2007 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release
The Springfield Junior Blues beat the Texas Tornado, in Texas, two games straight winning Friday night 3-2 and Saturday nght 4-1. The wins solidify their second place spot and move them within 3 points of Central Division leader North Iowa.
On Friday night,, the Blues took a 2-0 lead into the second period with goals by Jared Rickord and Matt Globke. Taylor Kennedy and Mike Crowder assisted on Rickord's goal while Globke's was unassisted. Texas came back and scored two goals in the second period to even the score at 2 each going into the 3rd period.
In the 3rd, Texas Tornado forward Ryan Fuller took a hooking penalty at 3:04. Blue's defenseman Darren Rowe scored the winning goal on the power play with assists from Kyle Greco and Dan Weiss. Goaltender Ales Sila made 24 saves and the Blues held on for the win.
On Saturday, Steve Mohler scored two goals, including an empty-netter, to lead the Blues. Taylor Kennedy(Crowder, Rickord) and Matt Globke(Rowe, Mohler) also scored for the Blues . Mohler's first goal was assisted by Klemen Sodrznik and his empty-net goal was assisted by Chris Gentile and Colin Trachsel.
Goaltender Phil Cook was in goal stopping 32 out of 33 Tornado shots. The Blues had 38 shots on goal.
Coach Chris Wyler was happy with Saturday nights win, but indicated the team did not play up to it's potential on Friday night. "A 12-hour bus ride makes it tough to play that first game. Texas is a very big and physical team and came at us strong Friday. We'll take the wins any way we can get them, but I told the boys before the game Saturday that we needed a better effort. They responded and controlled the game Saturday night".
Assistant coach Eric Wyler agreed. "When we play to our potential, we can beat anyone in the league. We've shown that. With the recent player moves we've made, we have strenghtened our team and should be competitive every time we hit the ice".
Notes.....The Blues host the Tornado's at the Nelson Center for two games next Friday and Saturday night. Saturday night is "Toys For Tots" Night. Every fan bringing a new, un-wrapped toy will recieve a free ticket to a future Blues game.
Newly-aquired defenseman Colin Trachsel, playing in his first game as a Blue, got an assist in Saturday's game.
North American Hockey League Stories from December 2, 2007
- Alpena earns road win on Saturday - Alpena IceDiggers
- Home winning streak snapped - North Iowa Outlaws
- Jr. Blues Sweep Texas; Only Three Points Out of First - 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.
