That's Two Sweet
October 1, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release
Last night's big win over the Chill proved that this edition of the Springfield Jr. Blues is just as talented as I've been telling you they are! A five goal outburst in Period two was a great tonic for a struggling team, and hopefully is the key to the rest of the season being successful. Coulee Region, at this time is four points ahead of the Blues in the Midwest Division and time will tell how that will stand up over the long haul of the NAHL season, but I feel confident in saying that I believe the Good Guys have turned the corner. We shall certainly see tonight in game two of this series. If the Blues can play with the energy and determination that they played with last night they will do okay.
Connor Girard played his best game to date in goal, and he was able to control the rebounds like never before. That will go a long way in making him one of the top goalies in this league. If you didn't see the team's effort and emotion on the ice on FASTHockey, or in person, last night you missed a tremendous game.
Caleb Neal got the nod and is in goal tonight. He stopped six of seven shots during the first, but once again the Chill scored in the last minute of the period. After one period of play the Chill led the Blues 1 - 0. The Blues are playing tough against a tough opponent, but they seem to lack the emotion of last night. That is understandable, but they need a victory tonight to get the momentum rolling going into St. Louis for two games next week. So, the only thing we have left to say going into the second stanza is: "Let's go Blues!"
The "Chicken Dance" is off and running at the rink as the second intermission is in progress. If we could have scripted two periods in two games it would not have been believable. Just like last night, the Blues give up a goal in the last seconds of the first period and then come storming back to score five unanswered goals in the second period, and that is two nights in a row. The Good Guys are definitely back!! To quote a television character by the name of Kramer (no relation I hope to our very own ¬ËScooter' Kramer) "That's it Jerry, and I'm lovin' it!" I can guarantee though that Coulee Region will not fold, will not lay down, or go away, they will bring it in the third. It will be interesting.
The third started off with two quick goals by the Chill to get them back within two goals, but Chris Sitler bumped it back up to a three goal lead at the 8:17 mark with help from Josef Pontasch and Kyle "Cookie Monster" Cook. The pace picked up and penalties were assessed, and the sin bin was full on both sides of the official scorer's table. The Chill scored again at 15:28 and that is where it ended. Final score 6 - 4 as the Blues saluted the small crowd and headed for the locker room with the team's fortunes on a brighter note.
Next week we head down to the Hardee's Ice-Plex for Friday and Saturday games against arch rival St. Louis Bandits. A pair of victories down there would put the icing on the cake on this tremendous turn around by the boys in Blue and Gold.
Only thing left to say is, good job Blues and good job, congratulations Coaches Dibble and Powers. Keep up the good work!
North American Hockey League Stories from October 1, 2011
- IceRays Lose 5-2 - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Stars Put Clamps on Michigan, 4-1 - Traverse City North Stars
- Atkinson, Hennum key in 5-2 win - Odessa Jackalopes
- Bulls Fall 5-4 in Home Opener to New Mexico - Amarillo Bulls
- Okicki Shines in Kalamazoo Victory - Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
- That's Two Sweet - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Fighting Falcons Dominate in Home Opener - Port Huron Fighting Falcons
- Zack's Back: Dorer Returns to Stars - Traverse City North Stars
- Bulls Blast New Mexico 7-2 - Amarillo Bulls
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