Thunder earn two points from first place Warriors
December 2, 2007 - Mid-Atlantic Hockey League (MAHL)
Mon Valley Thunder News Release
On the heels of a season worst five game losing streak and facing the first place Wooster Warriors on the road, the Mon Valley Thunder came out o top, 6-5, with a hard fought road victory and third one goal game between the two teams so far this season.
The Thunder got a boost in the line up from some roster changes. Both Brian Jacque and KC Hahey returned from the injured list and the Thunder added two new goaltenders, Ryan Lowe and Jesse Farley.
Even though they were still playing shorthanded, the Thunder pulled together for a 60 minute effort. They jumped out to a 3-0 first period lead by scoring three goals in a four minute span. Recently signed forward from North Dakota, Nick Johnson, opened the scoring by deflecting a Michael Jordan shot for a 1-0 lead. Local player (Elizabeth Forward) Billy Repass scored on another deflection to take a 2-0 lead and just a minute later, Jim Matthews scored on a great play down the slot to put the Thunder ahead 3-0. As is customary in games between these two teams, Wooster stormed back to answer with three goals of their own in a seven minute span to tie the score at three at the end of one.
Thunder goalie Ryan Lowe was the big difference in the second period coming up with some great special teams saves. With many penalties to each squad, the second period was a special teams dual that saw the Thunder score an even strength goal and take a 4-3 lead heading into the third. David Sabol, on assists from Matthews and Colin Godwin, placed a beautiful top shelf shot past the Warrior goaltender Joe Dovalina for the only goal of the period.
The third period saw some up and down the ice action as Wooster tied the game just six minutes into the third period on a power play goal. With an equal number of chances at both ends and some great defensive plays, Mon Valley pulled ahead for good with just under two minutes to play. Joey Olson, the Thunders leading scorer, was left alone in front and slid the puck into the net for a 5-4 lead. Less than a minute later, returning player Brian Jacque scored an empty netter to seal the victory. Wooster scored a goal with just two seconds left but it proved to be too late as Mon Valley left with a much needed victory.
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Mid-Atlantic Hockey League Stories from December 2, 2007
- Sunday's afternoon games are at Indiana and Wooster - MAHL
- Thunder earn two points from first place Warriors - Mon Valley Thunder
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