Outlaws Weekly
December 1, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
North Iowa Outlaws News Release
Mason City (IA) A school-age kid is left with the hope of a snow day whenever they fall asleep with a wintry storm brewing outside. Though nothing is guaranteed, there is that hope that come morning, the blanket of snow will give them an unexpected day off. For the North Iowa Outlaws, they are hoping that by taking two of their final three in the month of November, that as December comes, they are on the verge of returning back to the Central Division race.
The Outlaws split a weekend series at Alexandria after winning a Thanksgiving Eve home game versus Owatonna to snap a five-game winless streak (0-4-1) and hopefully begin the reversal of a slump that had dragged on for an entire month.
"We had been playing well but just hadn't been able to put it all together" said Outlaws' head coach Jeff Crouse. "The wins against Owatonna and Alexandria were as complete performances as we've had all season and were able to leave with the two points."
Brandon Brodhag (Brooklyn Park, MN) had a magnificent week earning five points. He had an assist in the win against Owatonna and then scored four goals in the series at Alexandria. Brodhag has now scored seven goals against the Blizzard in three games in Alexandria and is now tied for third in the North American Hockey League in goals with 14.
"Brandon is capable of going on these spurts and it shouldn't catch anyone by surprise after the start he had this year and his rookie year last season" commented Crouse.
Second-year Outlaw Jack Paul (Minnetonka, MN) also extended his point-scoring streak to six games earning four points during the week, including a two-goal performance on Thanksgiving Eve against Owatonna.
The Outlaws' special teams, not necessarily a positive for the team throughout the slump, had one of its best weeks. North Iowa connected on two power plays in a 5-3 loss at Alexandria on Friday marking the first time all season the Outlaws scored twice on the power play in a game this season.
Meanwhile, the penalty kill nullified eight of nine opponents' power plays including going a perfect seven for seven at Alexandria against one of the NAHL's better home power play units.
The Saturday 4-2 victory also marked just the third time this season North Iowa won a game in which they allowed the first goal, helping rookie netminder Keegan Asmundson (Inver Grove Heights, MN) pick up just his second win of the season and first since Oct. 11th.
Salvation Army Kettle Ringing
The sounds of the holidays are varied but universally remembered is the clanging of the little red bells for the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign and once again the North Iowa Outlaws are assisting the local chapter. The Outlaws will be at Wal-Mart on Tuesday and Wednesday nights from 7pm-9p and at HY-VEE East from 3pm-5pm on Thursday.
Day of Volunteering
The United Way and North Iowa Outlaws are teaming up for a day-long volunteering event this Thursday. The highlight of which will be the main event when the Outlaws' will serve as celebrity waiters at the Mason City Buffalo Wild Wings beginning at 6:30pm. Buffalo Wild Wings is donating 15% of their sales on Thursday to the United Way's local chapter.
Taking Advantage of Albert Lea
The expansion Albert Lea Thunder has been ripe for the picking and most Central Division teams have feasted on them like a holiday ham. With one exception, Central Division teams have ripped points away from Albert Lea with ease, with that one exception being the Outlaws.
North Iowa has played Albert Lea just once, earning a win on October 11th. Meanwhile, Owatonna has played them six times (earning 12 points), Bismarck has played them five times (earning 8 points) and Alexandria has played them three times (earning six points).
The Outlaws will get their opportunity soon, playing Albert Lea five consecutive times from December 12-December 31.
Outlaws Last Week
Wed. Nov. 26 vs. Owatonna 6-2 Win
Fri. Nov. 28 @ Alexandria 3-5 Loss
Sat. Nov. 29 @ Alexandria 4-2 Win
Outlaws This Week
Fri. Dec. 5th vs. Bismarck 7:30pm
Sat. Dec. 6th vs. Bismarck 7:30pm
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 December 1, 2008
- North Showcase lives up to billing - NAHL
- Friedman Machine Player of the Week - Motor City Metal Jackets
- Wildcats Split in Topeka, Pick Up Three Points - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Brodhag Named NAHL Central Division POW - North Iowa Outlaws
- Wildcats Sweep Springfield - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Outlaws Weekly - 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.
