Oh yeah!
December 19, 2009 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release
The Jr. Blues confidence grew with a 4 - 0 win last night at the Nelson Center. It's been growing since last week even during two losses to the St. Louis Bandits on their extended Olympic size ice. The Jr. Blues scored twice in the first period and were off and running, scoring twice more in the third stanza.
Tonight, Springfield takes on the Wildcats from Wichita Falls, Texas in the second game of a three game set. It all wraps up tomorrow in a rare Sunday afternoon game at the "Nellie". We are now tied for third place in the South Division. The win by the good guys last night, coupled with the Texas Tornado's loss to Division leaders, Topeka Roadrunners. It would be an early Christmas present for the Jr. Blues to take three wins from Wichita Falls along with a second loss by the Tornadoes. That would send us into the Christmas break with sole possession of third place in our division. Let's Go Blues!
Wow, a hard fought first period. Wichita Falls played the first period with more energy than last night. Both team's passing was a bit off at times, but it's good to see the energy level of the Jr. Blues. Springfield scored quickly again tonight, at the 12:16 mark as Ethan Scherer took a pass as he skated hard and fast into the zone and took it to the goal with success to score an unassisted goal. It is great to see this team begin to play with so much go, and great things will come as they continue to play at this level.
Wichita Falls came out the second period and ramped up their attack, but it was met by the Jr. Blues with ferocity. Tempers began to flair and a few shoving matches ramped it up even further. The sweetest play of the second period was a give and go by Jared "the Rocket" Rickord as he showed his acceleration and speed. The Rocket skated past the Wildcats and fired the shot to light the lamp. Joey Purull also lit the lamp during the second as did Justin Hochsprung to take a 4 - 1 lead into the locker room at the second intermission. Wichita Falls has given several indications that they will come out of the locker room for the third ready to do whatever necessary to get back in the game. It should be interesting to say the least.
What a hard fought game! The officials had their hands full, but kept control of the game with many penalties called on both teams in the third period. Each team had their opportunities to score on power plays, and Springfield did just that. The final score was 7 - 2 in favor of the good guys. There were 17 penalties called in the third period, and it broke out to be 38 penalty minutes for the Wildcats and 42 penalty minutes for the Jr. Blues for a grand total of 80 minutes of penalties in the game. The good guys went 2 for 10 on the power play, while Wichita Falls went 0 - 6. Frustration levels were high and will probably escalate tomorrow, but never the less the good guys have won two in a row at home and have a chance to sweep at the game tomorrow, game time at 3:00 p.m.
After the game everyone had a chance to skate with their favorite Jr. Blues player at the first after game skate of the year. And from my vantage point everyone was enjoying the moment immensely. The low point of the evening after skate had to be the singing duet of Mike Schaber and Matt Kinman. It was all in good fun and enjoyed by all.
Oh, and one last note. Last night during one of the intermissions, I spent some time with my grandson Matt, and we talked about his wrestling as a high school senior. Today he won every match, went to 13 - 1, and won the invitational with a 17 second pin in the championship match. So, he won and the Jr. Blues won tonight. For a sports fan, it just doesn't get any better than this! Great job Blues!
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North American Hockey League Stories from December 19, 2009
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- Stars jettisoned, 5-3 - Traverse City North Stars
- Rangers Win Again - Marquette Rangers
- Oh yeah! - Springfield Jr. Blues
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