Now That's More Like It
December 10, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release
It's a bit of a light hearted start to the day's activities with the third annual Guns-N-Hoses charity game between the Fire fighters and the Law Enforcement establishment. As they
prepared for the face off to start the game the stands began to fill and a "bunch of old guys" joined some members of each squad to play a fun game of hockey to raise money for " Camp - I - Am - Me". The camp helps child burn victims to cope with their injuries and it aids in a speedy recovery.
Last year, one of the firemen skated over to the Cops bench and presented them with a container of donuts. The plan was to fill the teams up with the dough that would slow them down. The ploy back fired though, as the Police Officers went on a scoring rampage and won the game. It's all in good fun and in a spirit of comradeship for a good cause. Everyone has a good time and the guys burn off a lot of calories.
Another advantage of attending the game is everyone gets free admission to the Jr. Blues game that follows at 7:00 pm.
Last night's game between the Jr. Blues and the Chicago Hitmen was all Jr. Blues for the first two periods, but the wheels came off the bus in the third period for the home team. Chicago, beginning at the end of period two and throughout the third scored five unanswered goals to beat the Blues 6 - 4. The Good Guys continue to struggle with consistency, or the lack of it, as they will look good for a while and then look confused and out of sync. Their passing is either behind the intended receiver or out of reach in front of them. A few of the players are leaving it all on the ice, while a few need to step it up and show some more enthusiasm for the game and for their team. I know a lot of players, and many Blues fans, are frustrated with their showing so far this year, but it's way past time for this team to do something good with their talent and find some consistency.
Also, it may be a good idea to play the rest of the season anywhere but the Nelson Center. The Blues are 4 - 9 - 1 at home and 6 - 6 - 0 on the road. The three best showings this season have been twice at the Hardee's Ice-Plex against the St. Louis Bandits on the "big ice", and against the Topeka Roadrunners. The Good Guys need to crank it up at home starting tonight.
I talked with the coaching staff during one of the Guns-N-Hoses intermissions, and I can't begin to describe the frustrations felt by the staff. There is only one way to cure the sleepless nights and gut wrenching games, get a win tonight, and again tomorrow afternoon and take at least two of three next weekend against the Bandits. That would be a great cure-all and make for a pretty good Christmas present as the Blues take some time off from the season for the Holidays. This has been an ordeal for the team, the coaches, and the fans, but I am confident that there are better days ahead.
By the way, before I forget, the Firemen won the Guns-N-Hoses game. It was their first win in the three year series. Yup, the wheels came off the ol' squad cars in the third period. Final score: 6 - 2. Better luck next year "Coppers!" And congratulations to the Fire fighters, this year's Victors!
The first period went by in a hurry as they seem to do lately. The Blues drew first blood a pass from Ethan Nauman. Later in the period Gavin Tufte took a pass from Mike Williams in front of the net and slammed it past the Chicago Goalie to make the score 2 - 0. The Blues are playing more of a physical game tonight and Stew Bell and Tyler Rehm were both involved in dropping the gloves. Ethan Nauman took two penalties as our old friend and referee Mr. Wynd is working tonight's game. It's time for period two.
Period number two and what can I say? The Good Guys exploded for five goals, and at one time we watched a line brawl as eight of ten players mixed it up. All second period goals were scored in the last ten and a half minutes. The second period penalties filled up the game sheet so I don't know where they'll list them in the third.
And the goals kept coming in the third as the Blues just absolutely dominated the game. With the exception of Chicago's second goal at 5:21 and a meaningless goal at 18:56, the Good Guys scored quickly and often. A total of 12 goals were scored tonight, nine by the home team, in a most unusual game. The Springfield Jr. Blues more than made up for last night's travesty. Kyle Cook scored twice, Garret Williams (Mr. Sunshine) and Chris Sitler all scored two goals. Gavin Tufte had one of his better games as a Jr. Blue with a goal scored and two assists. Josef Pontasch had three assists, Ben "Scooter" Kramer had a goal and two assists as everyone had a very good night. To top it all off, tonight's win was the 500th win for the longest continuous franchise in the North American Hockey League, and the longest running sports franchise in Springfield's history.
A job well done to Coach Dibble and his staff, and to the players for a dream game. It was a fun game to watch, and a fun game to call on FASTHockey. Congratulations Good Guys and good luck the rest of the season. If you keep playing like you did tonight the sky's the limit!
Tomorrow is the rubber match of this three game series. Let's go Blues!
North American Hockey League Stories from December 10, 2011
- Now That's More Like It - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Bobcats Smother Minot for 4-1 Win - Bismarck Bobcats
- 'Runners Squeeze out Shootout Victory for Sweep - Topeka Pilots
- IceRays Score Early, Lose 5-3 - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Lovick's four points give Tornado 5-3 win over IceRays - Texas Tornado
- Jacks Claw Back In Third For 2-1 Win - Odessa Jackalopes
- Wild, Jackalopes Split Series - Wenatchee Wild
- Bruins Earn 2-1 Victory - Austin Bruins
- Alex Okicki Shines in Shutout Win - Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
- 'Runners Breeze by Wildcats in 5-1 Win - Topeka Pilots
- Another Tough Loss - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Bulls Beat New Mexico 6-1 - Amarillo Bulls
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