Outlaws Take Two of Three over Weekend
Published on March 10, 2009 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
North Iowa Outlaws News Release
Mason City (IA) The on ice preparations for the 2009 North American Hockey League Playoffs continued last weekend for the North Iowa Outlaws who went 2-1 over three games. A sweep on home ice over the Alexandria Blizzard was followed by a shocking 4-1 loss at last place Albert Lea to put a sour note on what was otherwise a successful stretch of games as the Outlaws' settle into a postseason groove.
"Obviously the loss to Albert Lea was a huge negative and hopefully an eye-opener for the boys after they had played so well against Alexandria" said Outlaws' head coach Jeff Crouse. "We ran into a hot goaltender on Sunday in Albert Lea and that is going to happen during the playoffs and we need to be able to overcome that."
The Outlaws controlled their home wins over Alexandria with a 5-2 victory on Friday March 6th and a 4-1 decision on March 7th. Travis Peckskamp (Sauk Rapids, MN) batted in two goals and added an assist in the Friday victory while Dan Durham (Chicago, IL) potted a pair on Saturday in that victory.
The Outlaws' penalty kill was a perfect 10-for-10 against the once mighty Alexandria power play.
However, the Outlaws allowed four unanswered goals in a 4-1 loss at the expansion Albert Lea Thunder on March 8th. Brandon Brodhag (Brooklyn Park, MN) scored his team record 27th goal of the season only 1:10 into the game, but Albert Lea netminder Tom Lescovich made 54 saves to give the Thunder the upset. The loss was the Outlaws' first in 11 meetings against Albert Lea and gives the Thunder just their fourth win of the season.
"(Albert Lea) has had a rough season but one thing is for sure, those kids have never stopped trying their best and playing hard. They are always at the rink two hours before the game, they don't take shifts off and they skate through the whistle and they are cherishing every win they steal the rest of the season" added Crouse.
Goaltender Keegan Asmundson (Inver Grove Heights, MN) had a solid weekend earning both wins and playing through a scoreless third period in the loss to Albert Lea. He finished the weekend with a 1.29 GAA and stopping 49 of 52 shots fired his way.
The weekend further solidified the Outlaws second place standing in the Central Division as the team remains five points in back of Bismarck for first, yet 12 points clear of third place Owatonna. North Iowa's magic number to secure second place and home ice advantage in the first round of the place is at 2, but Bismarck's magic number to clinch the regular season title has dwindled down to 9.
Owatonna is six points ahead of Alexandria in the fight for third place.
Needless to say, the once air tight Central Division standings have plenty of breathing room and a the chance for little movement over the regular seasons final three weekends still there is reason to play says Crouse.
"Forgetting about the standings for a moment, the players always have college scouts to perform in front of and with the college season over, more scouts will be at games" noted Crouse. "But from a team stand point, we can't afford to take any weekend off mentally because it's not like there is a guarantee anyone can ever get that intensity back once the playoffs start."
Brodhag Sets Record
Brandon Brodhag (Brooklyn Park, MN), with two goals over the weekend, set a new franchise record for single-season goals by a player passing 2007-2008 Outlaw Bryant Skarda. Brodhag tied the record with a third period goal on March 6th, and broke it with a first period strike on March 8th. His 27 goals are good enough for third overall and his 55 points rank sixth overall in the NAHL.
A second year NAHL player, Brodhag scored 29 goals and was named Central Division rookie of the year as a member of the Southern Minnesota Express in 2007-2008.
New Trophy
The five member teams in the Central Division have banded together to introduce a traveling trophy which will be awarded to the winner of the Central Division playoffs each year beginning this April. Dubbed the "Central Cup" the trophy is being made by Awards Signage and Specialties in Owatonna, MN.
Since the inception of the NAHL Central Division in 2005-2006, the playoff champion has received nothing more than their invitation to the Robertson Cup Finals, but the introduction of this trophy doesn't come without precedent.
From 2003-2006, the NAHL West Division winner received the "Borne Cup" which had previously been awarded to the America West Champion. In addition, for many years the winner of the NAHL South Division took home the "Texas Cup."
"All of the various owners had been talking for a long time about getting a trophy for the division and we were finally able to make it a reality" said Outlaws' general manager Scott Montesano.
Harcharik Gaining Ground
Fourth-year Outlaws' veteran Joe Harcharik (Johnston, IA) inched closer last weekend in his pursuit of the franchise's all-time career points record. Harcharik has 132 career points, which is 6 points shy of the record with 8 games remaining. If Harcharik ties or breaks the record he would do it in fewer games than Mobley did during his career in Mason City.
Outlaws Last Week
Fri. Mar. 6th vs. Alexandria 5-2 Win
Sat. Mar. 7th vs. Alexandria 4-1 Win
Sun. Mar. 8th @ Albert Lea 1-4 Loss
Outlaws This Week
Fri. Mar. 13th vs. Owatonna 7:30pm
Sat. Mar. 14th vs. Owatonna 7:30pm
Sun. Mar. 15th @ Owatonna (Faribault) 5:00pm
The North Iowa Outlaws Hockey Club is in its fourth season as members of the North American Hockey League. The NAHL is the nation's largest Junior A hockey league and is now in its 33nd year of operation. For more information, visit northiowaoutlaws.com or call (641) 424-5468.
Outlaws home games are played at the North Iowa Ice Arena in Mason City, IA. All games will be broadcasted on northiowaoutlaws.com and video broadcast through B/2 Network.
North American Hockey League Stories from March 10, 2009
- Phantoms Open Online Pre-Auction of Special Edition Jerseys - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Weekend Recap - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Rangers Hosting Blizzard - Marquette Rangers
- Outlaws Take Two of Three over Weekend - North Iowa Outlaws
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.
