Southern Minnesota Expresses a 5-3 Win over the Jets
January 20, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release
(Fargo, ND) The Jets came out in the first period with some jump in their stride but couldn't put together a solid 60 minutes and are dropped because of it, 5-3.
The opening score of the game went to the Express's Brandon Brodhag just 2:18 in and the crowd was stunned. But it didn't take long for the Jets to respond courtesy of Tyler Swanson on a rebound from tender Scott Pederson making it 1-1. As each team exchanged scoring chances for the next few minutes until CJ Willms made it hurt with an ugly play out in front of Jets goalie Scott Zacarias to regain the lead at 2-1. Not more 20 seconds later defenseman Tim Niedzielak took a wrap around from behind the net to tie the score again at 2-2. So everything seemed to be flowing for both sides of the puck and the Jets went on a power-play that would lead to celebration. From the top of the right circle on Pederson, Mason Swenson let a ripper go down to Mark Johnson and he caught noting but the back of the nylon for the 3-2 lead that wouldn't hold in the end. It would be Brian Arrigoni who buried the Jets with the third goal of the period for the Express and it would end 3-3 after one period of play.
An absolute collapse in the second period costs the Jets any chance of hope towards a victory as a power-play with a 5-3 crushed the Jets. It was Ben Beaudoin who got the perfect pass up and over Okland for the go ahead goal at 4-3. Back on a regular PP it was Arrigoni who struck again with help from Willms and the Express never looked back at 5-3. The Jets would out shoot the Express 28-19 in the second but that didn't even matter because they couldn't get them to count. So with two periods in the bank it looked as if it would take a miracle to mount a comeback.
The third period would start with a bang as more power-play opportunities would come the Jets way and be missed again. Shots would ring off the post and off Pederson but nothing would get in. Fans watched in frustration as the PP seemed dead and the Express skated past a tired and out of sync Jets squad. After finishing the game (0-7) on the man up and couldn't kill off the threat of Southern MN who moved into second place in the Central with the 5-3.
This was the second straight 5-3 loss at home for the Jets as they haven't won at the John E since November 2007. Overall the game was kept close as Okland entered late in the first with the score tied at 3-3. The Jets out shot the Express 42-31 but couldn't match the fire power. All three goals scored were from the blue line which means the defense out played the forwards. With the Jets in town for a set with Alexandria and Bismarck it doesn't get anymore easier from here on out. Come out and catch the action starting at 7:35pm on Friday as the Blizzard bring their turn around into town.
The FM Jets Junior A Hockey Club is in its fifth 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 32nd year of operation. For more information, visit fmjets.com or call (701) 235-2354.
Jets home games are played at the John E. Carlson Coliseum in Fargo, ND. All games are broadcasted on fmjets.com and video broadcast through B/2 Network.
North American Hockey League Stories from January 20, 2008
- St. Louis handles Stars, 8-4 - Traverse City North Stars
- U.S. National under-17 team ends Alpena's win streak with 3-1 win - U.S. National Team
- Southern Minnesota Expresses a 5-3 Win over the Jets - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Jr. Blues Booster Club to Host Trivia Night - 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.
