Weekend Split Keeps Outlaws in First Place
October 27, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
North Iowa Outlaws News Release
Mason City (IA) A weekend split was enough to keep the North Iowa Outlaws in a first place tie in the North American Hockey League's Central Division this past weekend, as the team saw an extended unbeaten streak ended, but won in a building that had been a bothersome spot in the past. A 4-2 win at Owatonna on Saturday was preceded by a rare 3-0 shutout loss at home to Bismarck on Friday which snapped a seven-game unbeaten streak for the Outlaws.
"We didn't play particularly bad against Bismarck, (the Bobcats) just played a great game and brought a level of physicality we didn't meet that night" said Outlaws' head coach Jeff Crouse. "What impressed me was how we came out the next night and had a solid game against Owatonna."
Bismarck defeated the Outlaws' for the first time since February 2005, ending a 20-game Outlaws' winning streak in the series, with the 3-0 decision on Friday night at the North Iowa Ice Arena. Jordan Singer scored twice and David Bosner's 24 saves held up for Bismarck, which became the first NAHL team to earn a shutout win in Mason City since March 6, 2006 when Southern Minnesota blanked the Outlaws.
However, the mark of a solid team comes from the way they respond following a loss and on Saturday night the Outlaws earned some major points on the legitimacy meter with their 4-2 win on the road. Travis Baker (New Brighton, MN) scored his first Junior A hockey goal, while Alex Carlson (Farmington, MN) and Jack Paul (Minnetonka, MN) each had a goal and assist.
North Iowa took a 2-0 lead into the first intermission, but Owatonna scored a second period goal, and early in the third to even the game at 2-2. Nonetheless, Carlson and Paul each scored in the game's final 10-minutes to save the Outlaws whom for the second consecutive Saturday coughed up a multi-goal lead on the road only to prevail in the end.
Goaltender Thomas Callaghan (New Westminister, PA) was particularly sharp on Saturday making 35 saves, 27 of which came in the first two periods as Owatonna dominated the shots on goal board through the first 40-minutes.
The win in Owatonna is just the fifth over four seasons for the Outlaws, who always seemed to struggle at the Four Seasons Centre in the past.
"We've been a little snake-bitten at that barn in previous years but it began to change last season and hopefully we'll be having more success this season there" added Crouse.
North Iowa (8-4-1, 17pts) is back in a tie with Alexandria for the lead in the Central Division, after the Blizzard rallied in the third period to upend Albert Lea on Friday night. The Blizzard were idle on Saturday.
Around the NAHL St. Louis, the two-time defending Robertson Cup Champion, has rattled off 13 consecutive victories to pull ahead in the South. Traverse City leads the North has they continue a nine-game winning streak. On the other hand, Motor City -formerly Southern Minnesota - has lost 11 straight.
On His Best Behavior Prior to Friday night, in his first 10 games played, Jack Paul (Minnetonka, MN) didn't commit a penalty. He was one of only four players NAHL-wide to have played at least 10 games and not commit a penalty. That ended Friday with a second period penalty.
Trick-or-Treat Golf a Success The Outlaws' first-ever trick-or-treat mini goal at North Iowa Golf was a success this past Sunday, raising more than $150 for the American Red Cross. Despite the blustery conditions, many families with kids dressed in costume attended the event though the chilly weather did keep some pre-registered entrants from coming out.
"Its unfortunate not everyone who pre-paid could make it because of the weather. Even though they couldn't take part in the event, they know the money they've donated is going to a great cause" noted Outlaws' Director of Communications Scott Montesano.
Dance Team Debut The Outlawz Girls made their highly anticipated debut during the first intermission of Friday's home loss to Bismarck to mostly positive reviews from the 1,087 who were in attendance. The dancers will perform at all but a couple of the remaining home games this season.
Outlaws Last Week
Fri. Oct. 24 vs. Bismarck 0-3 Loss
Sat. Oct. 25 @ Owatonna 4-2 Win
Outlaws This Week
Thurs. Oct. 30 @ Bismarck 7:00pm on KGLO 1300am
Sat. Nov. 1 @ Bismarck 7:00pm
The North Iowa Outlaws Hockey Club is in its fourth season as members of the North American Hockey League. The NAHL is the nation's largest Junior A hockey league and is now in its 33nd year of operation. For more information, visit northiowaoutlaws.com or call (641) 424-5468.
Outlaws home games are played at the North Iowa Ice Arena in Mason City, IA. All games will be broadcasted on northiowaoutlaws.com and video broadcast through B/2 Network.
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North American Hockey League Stories from October 27, 2008
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- McGrath is North Division P.O.W. - Marquette Rangers
- Machine Jump out Early but Fade late, 6-4 - Motor City Metal Jackets
- Weekend Split Keeps Outlaws in First Place - North Iowa Outlaws
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