Texas Meltdown
September 17, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release
Another day, and another game at the Showcase. Today's game features the Blues vs. the Texas Tornado, coached by former Jr. Blues Headman Tony Curtale. The guys need to get out of the scoring slump and put some goals on the board. We haven't seen a starting lineup for any game this week. That makes it very difficult to give you a starting lineup on FASTHockey. We've tried the NAHL office and the Scouts room to no avail. On top of that, yesterday the Fairbanks fans sat right below the broadcast table and today the Tornado fans are in the same place. Actually that helps me behave myself on the air because the fans are within arm's reach.
Texas has their own announcer so I'll have to be a little louder than usual ¬Â¦or not. The Showcase is always a fun experience (unless you start the season 0 - 6 like we did last year). Going into this game with Texas the Blues are 1 - 2 -0 and in fourth place in the early season standings of the new Midwest Division.
In an earlier game today Fairbanks tied the game with six seconds of regulation and beat St. Louis in a shootout! The Ice Dogs have to be an early favorite to repeat as Champs. It is a long season though so we will see how they do later on. The Blues, meanwhile, haven't played consistently in any game yet this season, but they are improving. It just needs to happen more quickly. That's my opinion any way. The Texas Broadcaster told me earlier that each goalie has allowed four goals in the games they have played so far.
One more thing to say before the game's start is: "Let's go Blues"!
The first period was frenetic as both teams came to play hard and fast. Texas drew first blood with a goal by Whelan at the 6:47 mark. It stayed that way until Shayne MacLaughlin tied the score around the halfway point of the period. There was no more scoring in the first and the guys headed to the locker room with a 1 - 1 tie. Connor Girard did another fantastic job for the Blues. After allowing the Texas goal he made some spectacular saves to keep the Tornado from scoring any more goals in period one. I really enjoy watching the young man in goal. He is good now, but given time and experience he will be phenomenal! Still, the Blues need to break out of their scoring slump. We continue to wait, but I know sooner or later they will, and then watch that confidence build!
Ethan Naumann was called for instigating and fighting, received a game ejection and I thought I was calling a boxing match instead of a hockey game. Texas is successful in getting into the Blue's heads and taking them out of their game. I don't care for this kind of hockey, but Coach Curtale knows what works and works it well. Cody Kohn fought to defend one of his team mate's honor. We'll see how the Blues respond after the second intermission.
To make a long story short, the Blues didn't respond. Texas scored four unanswered goals and dominated the third period. I don't know what the answer is, but I for one, expected a much better performance by a team with this kind of talent and speed.
A side note, Kevin Walters was taken to an Emergency Room for treatment of abdominal pain. At this time we aren't sure what is wrong, but we'll try and keep everyone updated. Barb is with him so I know he's in good hands. Besides Doc Neal checked him at the rink, but didn't think it was too serious. Everything is under control, but we should keep Kevin in our prayers.
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North American Hockey League Stories from September 17, 2011
- Janesville Jets Win NAHL Showcase Crown - Janesville Jets
- Fighting Falcons Fall to Ice Dogs in Shootout - Port Huron Fighting Falcons
- Blues' Struggles Continue - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Janesville Jets Crowned NAHL Showcase Champions - NAHL
- Wildcats Down Bruins on Showcase's Final Day - Austin Bruins
- Jr. K-Wings Have Four Different Goal Scorers Contribute To Victory - Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
- Warriors End Combat Hockey/NAHL Showcase Games with 3-1 Record - Michigan Warriors
- Wild Win 2nd Straight Tournament Game - Wenatchee Wild
- Stars Earn Stripes: TC Nets 4-0 Win, 3-0-1 Showcase Mark - Traverse City North Stars
- Texas Meltdown - Springfield Jr. Blues
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