Jr. Blues to Face-Off Versus K-Wings Friday and Saturday
December 11, 2012 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release
The Jr. Blues continue their four game home stand this weekend against North Division opponent the Kalamazoo K-Wings. The Jr. Blues snapped their losing streak on Saturday night as they defeated rival Topeka 3-2 in a spirited battle.
Jr. Blues snap Losing Streak
Fazio Scores Game Winner in Final Minute
The Jr. Blues looked to erase the memory of their worst loss of the season on Saturday night as they played Topeka in their 6th match in less than 2 months.
Topeka got on the board first as they scored on a wraparound in the middle of the first period.
Terry Leabo and Ryan Atkinson would score in the second period to give the Jr. Blues the lead. The Jr. Blues would hold the lead until Topeka would tie the game with 5:00 minutes left in the 3rd period. However, late heroics by Mike Fazio would give the Jr. Blues the lead with 30 seconds to go in the game.
Ryan Kellenberger gave another strong performance in net as he stopped 32 of 34 Road Runner shots. After the buzzer, tempers flared as both teams engaged in post game theatrics.
4 Goal Topeka Third Period Seals Jr. Blues Fate
Atkinson and Johnson Score
The Jr. Blues never found their rhythm on Friday night as they played catchup all night until the Road Runners exploded for 4 goals in a five minute span in the 3rd period.
Topeka scored first and followed it up to take a 2-0 lead on the Jr. Blues. Parker Johnson would score a power-play goal in the first period to close the lead. However, a goal off of a face-off in the final minute of the first period would give the Road Runners a 3-1 lead.
The 2nd period would be the Jr. Blues best outshooting Topeka 17-10 but only managed to score 1 goal by Ryan Atkinson. It was not enough as Topeka came out strong in the 3rd period, scoring 4 goals in 5 minutes.
Matt Leon made 30 saves in the 7-2 loss.
Jr. Blues Return Home this Weekend
Games Friday and Saturday
at 7 PM
The Jr. Blues are home this weekend against the Kalamazoo K-Wings. The Jr. Blues faced the K-Wings after the Thanksgiving holiday in Kalamazoo dropping both by a score of 2-1.
Be sure to come to the games Friday and Saturday to celebrate the holidays.
Friday Night: Santa Claus will be in attendance, tacky sweater contest and players stocking auction.
Saturday Night: Toys for Tots
Both games are at 7:00pm at the Nelson Center.
Tickets are on sale at area County Markets along with at the ticket gate starting at 6:00pm on game nights.
Toys For Tots
Jr. Blues Team Up with
Toys For Tots
Saturday-bring a new, unopened toy, and receive a $1 off a regular priced ADULT ticket.
Thanks for helping the Jr. Blues and Toys For Tots by making a difference in those who are less fortunate this holiday season.
• Discuss this story on the North American Hockey League message board...
North American Hockey League Stories from December 11, 2012
- Cedar Rapids Roughriders Call Up Mark Evan - Port Huron Fighting Falcons
- Jr. Blues to Face-Off Versus K-Wings Friday and Saturday - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Wildcats keep close but can't finish in Amarillo - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Jets Goalie Brock Kautz Named NAHL Star of the Week - Janesville Jets
- Weigman Named Central Star of the Week - Brookings Blizzard
- Jr. Blues Split Weekend Series - 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.
