NAHL Springfield Jr. Blues

Topeka

Published on November 5, 2011 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release


Two days after surgery today and Barb has decided to stay home another night. She thought she should wake up from surgery to her knee and be rarin' to go. Tonight though, with the anesthetic gone and all, she thought maybe she should rest up some more. So, once again she will cheer the good guys from home, and pull for a Jr. Blues win over arch-rival Topeka.

What initially looked like a devastating hit by Stew Bell last night, which led to a fight, we are glad to report the Topeka player who was the recipient of Bell's hit is A-okay. It seems, in reviewing the game tape that both players were going after the puck and the Topeka player had already lost his balance and was going down to the ice when Bell, who could not stop made harder contact with the boards than the player. I'm sure my take on it would be challenged in some circles, but I thought there was some good acting involved by the Topeka skater. He started to get up, saw the fight and laid back down on the ice. He returned to the bench and didn't go directly to the locker room which is unusual in what appeared to be serious incident. Never the less, Stew was given a grand total of 20 minutes worth of penalties and a one game suspension. We'll miss Stew's hustle on the ice tonight. And while he will sit out tonight's game, it didn't stop him from cooking for his team mates before they left the house.

Speaking of Stew Bell and his cooking, the young man has a great deal of talent in the kitchen and could someday become a Master Chef. I know his interests are geared toward different areas after hockey. I know I've said it before, but these young men playing Junior Hockey are not your average teenagers. And I hope you don't think I'm knocking the youngsters, but the players are more mature and well-rounded than most of their peers. Yes, they are teenagers and don't always, without fail, use the best possible judgment, but by and large they are pretty darn good kids.

Another evening of fast hockey on FASTHockey! Both teams brought their speed again tonight. Topeka broke the ice first and scored a goal by Lynes with help from Sharkey and White to make it 0 - 1 Roadrunners at 6:52 of the first. It stayed that way until Chris Sitler tied it up at 13:08 with assists by Joe Pontasch and Kyle Cook. The Blues have had difficulty clearing the zone but have played solid defense. This game will continue to be a barn burner if the guys can keep going with the intensity, and energy they've demonstrated in the first period.

Period two on the way with the score all tied at 1 - 1. The period played out much like the first one as both teams seemed to slow down only slightly. The Blues are having a tough time gaining face offs and controlling the puck. They are playing good defense, but find them- selves behind the eight ball. Gage Hough score the go ahead goal at 10:13 mark of period two with assists from Dan Dupell and Judd Lowenstein. Goals have been scarce in this game thus far, and it stands 2 - 1 in favor of the visitors after two periods. The Blues did seem to play with more energy in the second as compared to last night's game. Still they find themselves in a hole to start the third, which is up next.

It was an exciting third as Topeka took a 3 - 1 lead only to see the Blues come back and tie the score at 16:38 of the third on an Ethan Nauman goal. Ethan was assisted by Gavin Tufte and Mike Williams. Unfortunately the Roadrunners got another goal past Neal to make the final score 4 - 3. A tough loss to be sure, but the Blues will bounce back. The record is now 7 - 11 - 0 with Janesville coming in next week for a three game set.

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North American Hockey League Stories from November 5, 2011


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.

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