Springfield Comes up Short in Road Opener
Published on September 12, 2010 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release
Feels like we should be singing the old Willie Nelson song, "On the Road Again". Everyone is on the bus, and we are headed out of Lincoln Park on the way to St. Louis.
It's a warm September day, one to reflect upon the events of nine years ago in New York City. Eight years ago this day I was invited to do a memorial service at the Airport Screener training sight in Newark, New Jersey. Many of my screener/students that day watched as the twin towers went up under construction, and then watched again on September 11, 2001 as they came down in flame and smoke. As I reflect today it seems this day is not unlike those days leading up to that fateful day. While we still need to be watchful, life goes on and we must be prepared for whatever comes.
The guys are preparing for tonight's game, each in their own way. Some of the young men are talkative, some very quiet and reflective, while the rest either watch the movie on the bus's system, or just stare at the rows of corn and soy beans the bus seems to glide by as we travel down the road.
The team watched "Miracle on Ice" on the way to Hardee's Iceplex. Not only do movies make the trip seem shorter, but I hope they got inspiration to beat the Bandits tonight from the movie. I remember watching the game on TV, and I remember Mike Eruzione (or however you spell his name). The lamp lit up to signify USA goal, and not only did the TV crowd go wild, but I'm pretty sure the entire Nation did as well. Do you remember what you were doing when the USA beat the Soviets at Lake Placid? Now if our boys can rise to the occasion against St. Louis tonight. Let's go Blues!
Just an hour and a half to game time, and things around the team are subdued as the guys prepare mentally for tonight's contest. Win or not, these two games with St. Louis before we go to Blaine will only prepare the team to play well at the Schwan.
A few minutes before 6:00 pm and it's "hurry up and wait" time. The Michigan - Notre Dame College football game is on in the lobby of the Iceplex, but I am here for hockey. While I wait for warm ups and the game I'll sit in the rink and watch Pee Wee hockey. The kids are fun to watch at this age (okay, at any age, but especially the youngsters). It doesn't seem as cold in the Olympic rink as it has in years past.
7:10 pm
The puck is dropped and the Bandits take the opening face off.
5:04 in the firstGoal!!! Jr. Blues! Nauman from Anderson for a 1 - 0 lead. We survived a St. Louis power play and take the early lead. Let's go Blues!!!
Zak Turco's second goal of the season makes it 2 - 1 after the Bandits tie the score. The good guys look much better than last night. They are playing together and controlling the puck tonight, and their passing is better. Keep it comin' boys! At the end of one it's Springfield Jr. Blues 2, and those dirty rotten scoundrels (eruhBandits) 1.
It seemed that the Jr. Blues held the upper hand during the first period and had the edge on St. Louis. It was well played by everyone of the players and let's keep it up. The defense is sharper tonight, so far, and the guys seemed to keep St. Louis on their heels.
Bam! 2:05 of the second and we go up 3 - 1! This doesn't look like the same team that played last night. Mike Fallon was credited with the goal, Jack Callahan and Ross Anderson are credited with the assist. Still, the passing at times is a bit on the edge. The Blues are young, but they are getting better, and will be a force to be reckoned with before much longer.
11:29 pm and Bam!! It's another goal for Ethan Naumann, with assists from Jack Callahan and "Dobie", Alex Doberzenecki.
Surprise of surprises, another penalty called on the Jr. Blues. The Bandits cut the deficit to 2 with a goal at 13:15 of the second. What a game! Wish you were here
Now here is an interesting tidbit. The Bandits are outshooting the Jr. Blues 31 to 14. Evidently St. Louis counts shots on goal like they do in Topeka. Yes, we are being outshot, but come on. Even I can count better than they do at the Iceplex. (Oh, and Topeka too.
At the end of two periods the Jr. Blues lead 4 - 2. The officiating is (my opinion) is just a bit suspect. We are on the penalty kill far more than St. Louis. Oh, that's right, we are in St. Louis. Still we are playing well as a team and we still lead 4 - 2. Period three coming up.
On ANOTHER power play goal, St. Louis is back to within one.
7:27 St. Louis puts another in the net to tie the score. The on ice officials are beginning to lose control as play gets rougher. 10:30 another score by the Bandits and they take the lead 5 - 4. The Jr. Blues are a bit rattled and puck possession is an issue. They still have improved in this game over last, and that is good. They will be alright this season I do believe. Still, it's tough to lose to this club.
The Jr. Blues are on the verge of being an excellent team. Yes, we have lost two to start the season. Yes, we are a young team, but when they are able in the not too distant future to put three periods together like they played the first two tonight they will be a very strong team to deal with. They are right there. That's why they call them "Growing Pains". It hurts to lose, but this team will be a winner in the not too distant future, a team that will dominate. St. Louis better enjoy the wins while they can, because the Springfield Jr. Blues are COMIN'!!! Bank on it!
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North American Hockey League Stories from September 12, 2010
