Yessir, That's more like it
March 11, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Springfield Jr. Blues News Release
We are back after the Topeka fiasco (sticking foot in mouth and chewing vigorously!). The Blues are thirteen points out of a playoff spot with nine games left in the regular season. This has been a tough season for a bunch of talented young gentlemen that make up the Springfield Jr. Blues, and short of another "Miracle on Ice" the season is just about over for our good guys. Michigan needs to win just three more games to clinch the fourth and final playoff spot in the North Division. The future, however does look bright if the majority of the talent comes back next season. Some will probably move up to the USHL, or on to college, but the young guns that return will have that year of experience under their belts and that, coupled with the new additions by Coach Dibble will be even more fun to follow next year. So, yeah, it will be a big disappointment not to make the playoffs this year, but mark my words, the good guys will contend for the Robertson Cup next year. You just have to believe that the Jr. Blues, as an organization has turned a corner and are headed in the right direction...UPWARD!
Meanwhile, we have nine games to go, and I will guarantee one thing, our team will not quit playing hard and tough for the fans and the community. If you haven't seen them play yet this year, you can still make a home game this weekend or next, and I can guarantee you will be thrilled by the level of play by the good guys. They are fun, fast and exciting as a team, and as young men. This is not only a talented team, but outstanding young people. They are the leaders of tomorrow, and I am happy to report we are in good hands.
What a first period! Ben Kramer started the scoring for the Jr. Blues at the 1:54 mark of stanza, followed by another goal by Ross Andersen at 6:48. Chris Sitler and Josef Pontash assisted on the goal. Motor City came back to cut the lead in half at 8:45 when Balent scored with an assist by Konno. Gavin Tufte ended first period scoring by slamming the puck between the pipes at 12:41. Ethan Nauman and Mike Parnell assisted on Tufte's goal. At the first intermission the good guys led 3 - 1.
Period two seemed to fly by as both teams took it up and down the ice. The defensive struggle lasted throughout the second twenty minutes until Josef Pontasch placed the puck between the pipes at the 19:55 mark. That has to give the Blues a lot of momentum for the third! After two it is 4 - 1 in favor of the green and gold St. Patty's jerseys, aka our Home Team!
This is the biggest crowd of the season for the Jr. Blues. Tonight's attendance comes in at 2246. It is really a good job done by Business Manager, Chris Kolb and company. We would be in the top five or so if we could maintain the size of crowds we've seen the last few weeks all year long. There certainly is a "Party" crowd in house these past few home games, and it has been a lot of fun! So, heading into the third and final period, the Blues are in this driver's seat. Let's go Blues!
Third period, same as the first. The Jr. Blues scored three more times, and Stew Bell squared off and dropped the gloves with Mike Monfredo. The two went to the penalty box for five minutes for fighting, but it made no difference in the outcome. Motor City was out played and out hustled all game by the Blues and I truly believe the level of competition made the difference tonight. So the Blues win the first of the last nine games, but Michigan won tonight as well. And tomorrow is another day. Join me on FASTHockey for the game! See you then!
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North American Hockey League Stories from March 11, 2011
- Texas Kicks Extra Point In 7-6 Shootout Win Over Corpus Christi - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Yessir, That's more like it - Springfield Jr. Blues
- North Stars blank Bandits, 3-0 - Traverse City North Stars
- Bulls Look To Extend Streak Against Stangs Tonight - Amarillo Bulls
- IceRays to Raise Money for Rise School at Aquarium on Tuesday - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Port Huron Shutout by Michigan Warriors 2-0 - Port Huron Fighting Falcons
- Bobcats Win Dakota Cup, Clinch Playoff Berth - Bismarck Bobcats
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