Bucs tie USHL record with 4 - 1 win
Summary: Des Moines, IA (12/31/98): The Buccaneers earned a place in the USHL record book by winning 16 games in a row, beating North Iowa, 4 to 1. The Bucs last loss was to Omaha in overtime, way back on October 31. The Bucs were able to win with four of their top scorers out of the line-up. Peter Smrek and Peter Sejna are in Canada playing for Slovakia in the World Junior Championship. Michael Chin and Noah Clarke are in lake Placid, NY in another junior tournament.
Matt Shasby opened the scoring, assisted by Eric Jensen who has just returned from an injury that has kept him from regular season play. With 3 assists on the night, Eric seems to be adjusting well! Jim Jackson scored two goals, both on blasts from near the blue line. Pete Fregoe added 3 points to keep him in the USHL scoring lead. Matt Carney was outstanding in goal, making 34 saves.
Shasby (Caudill, Jensen), Jackson (PP) (Fregoe, Stafford), Fregoe (Krueger, Jensen) and Jackson (Fregoe, Jensen) scored for the Bucs.
Pre-Game Rantings
We were on the verge of terrible storms. We had already had plenty of snow and were preparing to get dumped on again, along with gusty winds. This was just the eve of the storm. The last day of 1998 and after the game would be the annual skate with the players until midnight. We were still also missing some of our top players; Noah Clarke, Michael Chin, Peter Smrek, and Peter Sejna.
First Period
Matt Shasby was the first to score in what would be a low scoring game. Shasby managed to stuff the puck behind the sprawled goalie to get his third goal as a Buc (assist to KC Caudill and Erik Jensen). All of this came with 13 minute left in the first. After a tousle between the Huskies and our players, penalties were doled out, but only to North Iowa. Two went for roughing Josh Schlipp and Mike Noel at 8:43. As a result of this Jimmy Jackson scored on a slap shot at 8:49 (assist to Pete Fregoe and Garrett Stafford). Interestingly enough Matt Carney gained himself two penalties throughout the game. His first one came in the first period when he got called for interference. A little like someone I know. Saves: Des Moines 7 – North Iowa 3.
Second Period
The second period was insanely slow and practically boring. The Bucs were having a hard time getting any real shots on goal. North Iowa was able to hold them off very well, due to the many excellent saves of Matt Carney. The only real action in the second was in the penalty box as several players from both sides took their turns in the box. Saves: Des Moines 8 – North Iowa 7.
Third Period
Luckily things changed somewhat in the third when North Iowa scored their first goal on the Stafford penalty (Stafford having gone for interference). Carney stopped the initial shot but left a rebound that Goulet shot into the empty net. Halfway through the period things were still really slow, though the Bucs were seemed to be trying hard. However, right after this Pete Fregoe gave us a two-goal lead when he scored at 8:24 (assist to Mark Krueger and Erik Jensen). Jim Jackson gave us our fourth and last goal with 9:15 left to go in the period on another slap shot from the blue line (assist to Erik Jensen). With about eight minutes left some altercations broke out on the Northwest corner of the ice. Two North Iowa players were put away and Nick Field and KC Caudill were put away too. North Iowa came away with a power play because Caudill had a roughing call on top of a boarding call. The fans were not happy about this in the least, but oh well, we won the game anyway! Saves: Des Moines 19 – North Iowa 11 Total Saves: Des Moines 34 – North Iowa 21.
Written by Sarah Bendy
Bucs make it 15 straight in shoot-out win, 7-6
Summary: Des Moines, IA (12/18/98): It only took the Bucs 11 seconds to score as Noah Clarke scored the first of his 4 goals on the night, but Rochester fought back, giving the Bucs all they could handle. Midway through the third period the Bucs were trailing 4 to 6. Mark Krueger, who has a scoring streak of 6 games, scored an unassisted goal to spark a comeback. Just 18 seconds later Noah Clarke got his fourth goal on the night and tied the game.
The game went into overtime and then to a shoot-out. Garrett Stafford and Mark Krueger scored to keep the Bucs alive and Nick Field scored the winning goal. Matt Carney had 25 saves while Adam Coole had 26.
Clarke (Fregoe, Chin), Clarke (Fregoe, Chin), Chin (Fregoe, Clarke), Clarke (Hat Trick) (Jackson, Fregoe), Krueger (unassisted) and Clarke (Fregoe) scored in regulation time. Garrett Stafford, Mark Krueger and Nick Field scored in the shoot-out.
Pre Game Rantings
Well, thankful that my finals were finally over I was really looking forward to this game - though I was also exhausted, probably just do to the stress factor of all the studying. However it made me more then ready to go to a game, but not really prepared to go into overtime as we would end up with. It would be our last game until New Years Eve as well.
Our two Slovakians were headed up to Canada, so playing without them might be tricky. Quite often it seems we rely on them so much for their scoring force. Carney would be in goal, which was no big surprise. The only other noteworthy piece of news I have to pass along is that Clem (former Buccaneer and Des Moines native) was at the game. Back from Boston, he said he was having a good time up there and that his team is doing pretty well this season.
First Period
We started the period out right, though sometimes it didn’t seem we managed to keep much of the pressure on. Anyway, we scored just eleven seconds into the first on a goal from Noah Clarke (which was originally credited to Fregoe) with assists to Pete Fregoe and Michael Chin. Rochester answered at 2:31 with a tying goal from Bryce Lampman. Rochester ended up taking the lead at 9:38, this time from Danny Gilkerson (assist to BJ Able and Bryce Lampman). I’ll have to admit that this goal was a beautiful goal, though I hate to admit it. It would be a night that Noah Clarke wouldn’t forget soon; he got his second goal and our second goal at 14:45 (assist to Fregoe and Chin). Rochester was certainly doing well Friday night, they scored their third goal with a 1:24 left in the period. The power play goal went to Tim Turner (assist to Aaron Gill and Rheese Carlson). Saves: Des Moines 7 – Rochester 4.
Second Period
We began the second period out right too…this time though the goal did not come from Noah Clarke, it was Michael Chin (assist to Fregoe and Clarke). When Noah Clarke tipped in a slap shot from Jimmy Jackson we got our fourth goal and finally were leading again (assist to Jackson and Fregoe). This goal came 4:56 into the period and just two minutes later we would lose that minor lead. Carney, who often seemed out of position Friday night, got scored on again, this time Tim Turner did the damage (assist to Ben Johnson). It was starting to turn ugly when Jeremiah Johnson scored with about six minutes left (assist to Tanner Martell and Rheese Carlson). The Mustangs were leading 5-4 and it would be their last goal of the period. Saves: Des Moines 13 – Rochester 8.
Third Period
The third period was quite a contrast to the wide-open second period. Both teams slowed things down a bit. The Mustangs got their sixth goal at 6:19 from Rheese Carlson (assist to Tanner Martell and Jeremiah Johnson). I sure was getting tired of hearing all these Mustang names. It’s rare for us to get scored on much at all anyway. Were we possibly hurting from losing the Slovakians? Or were our boys anxious to be headed for home. In any case Mark Krueger came up big for us and quite possibly changed the tide of the game (unassisted) at 6:42. Then at 8:26 Noah Clarke got his fourth goal and we were now tied and getting ready to go into overtime (assist to Fregoe). Saves: Des Moines 4 – Rochester 12.
Overtime and shoot-out
Both teams played the overtime period cautiously. The Mustangs only got one shot on goal, but it was a quality shot that caused a big pileup in front of the net. Matt Carney kept his eye on the puck and with the help of an alert D, the puck was cleared before a clean rebound shot could be had. The Bucs got two shots on goal, Adam Coole also came up big, putting the game into a shoot-out. The crowd roared as Rob Lettington announced the shoot-out. Tim Turner from Rochester shot first. He skated in on Carney, deked and missed! The crowd roared. Felipe Larranaga shot first for the Bucs, unfortunately, he shot wide.
Rheese Carlson was next, the crowd roared when he missed! The crowed roared as Noah Clarke went next Adam Coole got a glove on the shot and waved at Clarke as he skated back to the bench. Aaron Gill was next but did not score. When Michael Chin hopped out of the bench onto the ice, the crowd roared. Unfortunately, Coole got a piece of the puck. BJ Abel was next, rats, he is good and I thought he would score. Carney kept his eye on the puck and did not go for his deke and Abel shot the puck into Carney's pads - no goal! Pete Fregoe was next, but was also stopped.
It was a sudden death situation now. Danny Gilkerson skated in and beat Carney cleanly. Garrett Stafford skated out onto the ice and wiped the ice shavings from the blade of his stick. Garrett skated in and waited to Coole to make him move. When he did, Garrett puckered the twine and the crowd roared. Nate Legler was next and scored when the puck dribbled between Carney's legs. If we did not score, it was all over. When Mark Krueger stepped onto the ice, the crowd went nuts. The hometown hero of the last shoot-out would need to score to keep us in the game. Mark did not hesitate as he skated full bore straight at Coole. He wound-up, shot, and the red light came on as the crowd roared its approval!
When Jeff Taffe missed, the crowd knew if the Bucs scored the game was ours. Nick Field jumped onto the ice and skated confidently towards the puck. As he skated in on Coole, the crowd roared. Just before he shot, it got real quiet, then you could see the fans behind the net jump to their feet with their hands in the air. The red light went on and the whole arena screamed their approval. The Buc bench emptied and converged on Carney. The Bucs eventually skated to center ice and saluted the crowd by raising their sticks in the air. So we left the game with a victory, two points, and a very happy team.
Everyone have a merry Christmas!
Written by Sarah Bendy
Krueger's goal ends shoot-out, win 3 - 2
Summary: Des Moines, IA (12/12/98): Mark Krueger opened the scoring in the first period and ended the game with a sudden death shoot-out goal, to give the Bucs 14 wins in a row, a new club record. Mark has now scored in the last 5 games.
The win did not come easy as Ritson, the Thunder Bay goalie, was hot, stopping shot after shot. He ended up with 41 saves. Landon Luther was also on tonight, especially in the shoot-out. Luther made 30 saves on the night and picked up an assist Newcomer Matt Shasby picked up his second point in two nights.
In other news, Peter Sejna and Peter Smrek will leave this week for Canada to play for Slovakia in the World Juniors Championship.
Krueger (Shasby) and Sejna (Jackson, Luther) scored in regulation time. Peter Sejna, Michael Chin and Mark Krueger scored in the shoot-out.
Pre-Game Rantings
Well…having been a bit bed ridden, or at least with the possible thought that I’d get sick, I stayed home tonight in order to rest and also be able to get the rant done without having to be up too late running down my immune system. So anyway, I listened to the game on the radio (it’s great to have that option) and maybe be able to add some comments as to the action in real-time.
We’ve already played Thunder Bay four times and came into this game with a 13 game winning streak. So far we have beaten Thunder Bay in all of our match ups this year. Friday night Thunder Bay lost to Dubuque in overtime. Landon Luther was in goal, the first time since the first of November. I was wishing I could be at the game to see him, but the thought that I might actually get sick was a stronger pull. Some games to watch on the night would be Lincoln and the USA game. Omaha won Friday night against USA which was a good thing for us.
First Period
We scored first and it was from Mark Krueger who got his second goal in two nights at 10:23 (assist to Matt Shasby). You could tell that Shasby was definitely a force on the ice and Coach said he was happy to be here as well. It was a good period of play and Thunder Bay really did a good job keeping us at only one goal. After one period of play Lincoln and USA were already tied, this was promising. If USA could drop both games this weekend and we could win both of ours it would really give us some headway in the race for the regular season championship. Saves: Thunder Bay 15 – Des Moines 11.
Second Period
Before the halfway mark Luther was really tested and he and his squad were successful in keeping the Flyers at bay. There hadn’t really been many penalties during the game so far and by the second period everything had slowed down. The Bucs were having a little trouble with the puck in front of their own net and ended up getting scored on at 15:27, Buznick (unassisted) got the goal. The Bucs sloppy play ended up causing them some trouble. Thunder Bay took the lead after at 17:30. The goal was credited to Patrick Sharp (assist to Buznick). Suddenly something that the Thunder Bay coach wanted so badly looked like a possibility. The Flyers took a really stupid tripping penalty after this giving us our fourth man advantage that hopefully we could do something about. The Flyers got yet another tripping penalty when McKenzie tripped Sejna. We had a two man advantage for 58 seconds. Unfortunately we left the period with the same score of 2-1, Thunder Bay leading. Saves: Thunder Bay 14 – Des Moines 9
Third Period
We started the period with a power play. After that had expired it didn’t take us long to get another one when another Flyer hauled down Sejna. Matt Shasby got an interference call about five minutes into the game. By this time I was getting so tired I was all but falling asleep on the keyboard. I found my head bobbing and missing whole sections of play. The Bucs tied it up at 11:03 after getting denied just minutes earlier. Peter Sejna got the goal (assist to Jim Jackson and Landon Luther). With 6:44 to go their was a mess in front of the Thunder Bay goalie Ritson. Supposedly one of the Flyers covered up the puck in the crease which would result in a penalty shot, however the ref did not call it so probably didn’t see it. We were tied at two and the time was dwindling down. It was beginning to look like we might go into over time. All but dozing at the end of the third I was surprised I never really fell asleep. Which was a good thing because I couldn’t really miss all the action that was going on at the moment. Saves: Thunder Bay – Des Moines
Over Time
Unfortunately I had to deal with this too, but I was desperately hoping that this would go by quickly and that we would come out on top (of course!). Of our three over time periods we have only won two. In our own building we haven’t had much success either. I’ve never known such a long five minutes as tonight. The Bucs did not score so we went into a shoot out. Saves Thunder Bay 0 – Des Moines 1
Shoot Out
The Bucs chose to shoot second so Thunder Bay sent out Kris Sharp and he managed to score against Luther. Reinholz shot against Ritzen and a split save stopped us from getting a goal. Balji shot for Rochester and Luther cut off the angle to stone him. Larranaga shot next for the Bucs, but he shot wide. The score was 1-0 in favor of Thunder Bay. Erik Renolt was next but he just couldn’t get one past Luther. Fregoe then skated against Ritson who saved it. The fourth players got ready and Mike Tilsen took off down the ice for Thunder Bay scoring their second shoot out goal. Luther got a piece of it but the puck slid between his legs and into the net. The Bucs had to score next or the game was over, and Peter Sejna took the honors. Of course he scored, it would have been surprising had he not. Luther now had the pressure as Patrick Sharp skated against him, and Landon came up big. The Bucs had to score again for us to go on to try and win the shoot out. Michael Chin, who had been getting mugged all night, skated and scored which took us into round six to tie the shoot out at 2 for both teams. Buznick was able to score on Luther when he skated against him. Garrett Stafford took the next shot and he scored to keep the shoot out going. We were still tied. Jeff Miles shot against Luther who saved it. The Bucs could win it now if they scored, Mark Krueger could do the job for us. We were tied at 3. And Krueger, who got the first goal of the game also won the game for us in the shoot out when he scored our fourth shoot out goal.
Written by Sarah Bendy
Win streak now at 13
Summary: Fridley, MN (12/11/98): The Bucs scored 3 goals in the first 5 minutes of play and racked up a total of 42 shots on goal in a 6 to 1 win over the Twin Cities Vulcans. It was the 13th win in a row for the Bucs. Vulcan goaltender Jensen was outstanding in net, stopping shot after shot as he robbed the Buc shooters.
Matt Carney did not face a shot until 6 minutes into the game. However, he did come up big when needed, ending up with 19 saves for the game. Matt is still undefeated with 14 wins on the year. Matt Shasby, just acquired in a trade with Lincoln, picked up his first point as a Buccaneer.
Chin (Stodgell, Stafford), Reinholz (Sejna), Fregoe (Shasby), Krueger (Stafford) and Smrek (unassisted) scored for the Bucs.
Rantings
Probably the most recent news is the fact that Maksimenko was traded to Lincoln for defenseman Matt Shasby and a future draft pick. Coach Owens had decided we really needed some depth in that area. I agree with him on that wholeheartedly. If we are going to go through the entire season and then into the playoffs we needed more then six defenseman. An injury or some other reason for a player sitting out could possibly be detrimental to us. We couldn’t really afford to have a defenseman out of the game for a night. With Matt Shasby we get a young but experienced defenseman that could really help us out. As for Maksimenko a trade could be just what he needs. The truth is that he’s not been doing a whole lot the last few months and this could be his chance to really show what he is capable of. Lincoln needs some scoring depth and Maksi can do plenty, so that it could be very promising for the Stars.
First Period
1:41 seconds into the game and Michael Chin scored, lifting the puck over the goalie (assist to Nick Stodgell and Garrett Stafford). Our second goal was from Jerrid Reinholz (assist to Peter Sejna). Pete Fregoe then got the third goal at 5:43 (take note that Matt Shasby got his first assist). Six minutes into the first period and the Vulcans had zero shots on goal; we had 11. Carney had possibly touched the puck all of one time. Billy Birrenkott would be sitting out in the stands for the rest of the night when he dropped the gloves for a fight midway in the period. He had gotten an instigation on top of the fighting penalty and left the ice. Twin Cities had a power play and actually did a fairly good job on this. Probably the best that they had done so far.
Second Period
The Vulcans finely got their first goal of the night at 2:05 in the second period, this came from Mike Walsh (assist to Anthony and Brown). It would also be their last goal. At 15:26 Mark Krueger managed to pick up the puck and score to make it 4-1 (assist Garrett Stafford and Pete Fregoe). With 3:52 to go in the second, just seconds after the last goal, Peter Smrek scored (unassisted). Sneider and Sawruk then fought near the end. The players wore themselves out while the linesmen watched. We got our second instigation penalty of the night and our second player kicked out. It was our sixth penalty. Though the Vulcan squad doesn’t have a bad power play we were keeping them at bay for the most part. This was good for us considering we were taking so many penalties.
Third Period
Jim Jackson scored the Bucs’ sixth goal within the first two minutes to start a strong period. Though the period would be low scoring the Bucs played about as well as they had in the first period. About halfway into the third the Bucs were completely outshooting the Vulcans, 35 to 17. However Jensen, the Vulcan goalie, was actually doing pretty good for the amount of shots he was facing. For the most part the Bucs were having the best shots on net and were scoring better from farther away then at close range. There were many shots in the third that were extremely close to being goals, had it not been for Jensen. Probably the most aggravating of the whole game was the amount of penalties taken by the Bucs. Whether we were leading or not it’s always dangerous to take the amount we had. Especially losing the two players to instigation penalties. On an up note, Shasby did a wonderful job for us and really contributed to the play. Total Shots: Des Moines 42 – Twin Cities 20
Written by Steve Bendy
Twelve in a row!
Summary: Des Moines, IA (12/5/98): The Bucs beat the very defensive minded Dubuque Fighting Saints, led by goaltender Ron Wiitanen, 4 to 1. The win made it 12 in a row for the Bucs, the best start in club history. The Fighting Saints lone goal came on a power play in the second period. The Bucs only gave up 2 goals this weekend, both on power plays.
Matt Carney picked up his twelfth win in as many starts, making 21 saves. The potent Buc offense put 35 shots on goal, with Felipe Larranaga picking up a goal and an assist. Des Moines native Mark Krueger picked up his second goal on the weekend.
Larranaga (unassisted), Chin (Jackson, Fregoe), Field (Birrenkott) and Krueger (Larranaga) scored for the Bucs.
Rantings
Tonight could be a difficult game for the Bucs - they had destroyed the USA Under 18 team last night and might night take Dubuque seriously. This would be a big mistake. Dubuque is the only other team to beat USA and has limited most teams to 1 or 2 goals. A perfect scenario for an upset. As we arrived at the ice arena, the place looked dead. Were we early? A quick check of the time said no. As the practice session wound down, the stands still looked empty. A quick check of the halls did not make things better - they were empty too. Last night was a late arriving crowd, but it was soon full and they were loud! Of course, a goal within 30 seconds and Smrek's fight soon thereafter makes for a festive mood. By the time the puck was dropped people began to arrive. Although it was close to a sellout, the crowd was subdued.
First Period
The Bucs took control early, but were unable to score as Ron Wiitanen would stop the shots and not allow any second chances. The Dubuque defense also were prone to grab and hold on, not allowing the offense the room they needed. When the Fighting Saints did get it into the Buc zone, they would usually shoot it right away and hope for a goal or rebound. They only have 57 goals in 19 games; only Lincoln has scored less goals. Even so, Matt Carney had to come up with some monstrous saves.
The Bucs first goal came when Felipe Larranaga ended up with the puck at the top of the circle. Nobody picked him up so he skated in closer and let one rip, beating the goalie to make it 1 - 0. Both teams had two power plays but were unable to convert and the period ended with the bucs on top. Carney had 8 saves and Wiitanen had 10.
Second Period
The Saints came out skating and it took the Bucs a little by surprise. Carney stopped a few good shots and the Bucs regained their composure. With 5 minutes gone in the period, Pete Fregoe passed to Jim Jackson who was at the blue line. Jackson blasted one on goal and Michael Chin redirected the puck, fooling Wiitanen and scoring.
The Fighting Saints picked up a power play goal 5 minutes later when Justin Paul slammed a rebound past Carney. The Saints were now 1 for 4 on the power play for the night. They would have two more chances as the Bucs took some uncharacteristically stupid penalties.
Third Period
The play went back and forth, up and down the ice as both teams played a defensive game. The Bucs were much more in tune with the idea of getting the puck into the net, as they rushed the net with conviction. Halfway through the period, Bill Birrenkott passed to Nick Field who skated into the zone with a Saint hanging all over him. Nick was at an impossible angle when he shot, almost behind the goal. The puck hit the goalie and went in! The goal came right as the Fighting Saints killed off a power play. The Bucs were now leading by 3 to 1. Mark Krueger picked up another goal with just 3 minutes left in the period. Felipe Larranaga passed across the ice to Mark who stopped the puck, wound up, and let it fly. The goal was Mark's second goal this weekend. The buzzer went off and the game was over in what seemed to be record time. The Bucs had won their twelfth game in a row and advanced to a record of 20 and 2. Carney remains undefeated and had 8 saves for the period, 21 for the game. The Bucs put 12 shots on goal for the period, 35 on the night.
Written by Steve Bendy
Carney hot in goal, team effort wins game
Summary: Des Moines, IA (12/4/98): It only took Michael Chin 37 seconds to score against his former team as the Bucs beat the USA National team convincingly, 5 to 1. The USA National team came out playing a physical game, but the Bucs did not back down as Alex Sawruk went for roughing and Peter Smrek dropped his gloves for his first fight of the season early in the first period.
The Bucs put on a balanced attack, led by two goals from Jerrid Reinholz. Matt Carney came up big time and time again as he faced 28 shots. USA's goal came on a powerplay in the first period. The Bucs put 36 shots on league leading Rick DiPietro.
Chin (Fregoe, Clarke), Reinholz (unassisted), Reinholz (PP) (Field, Larranaga), Clarke (Chin, Fregoe) and Krueger (Jackson) scored for the Bucs.
Pre-Game Ramblings
This was a big game for us considering USA is one of the top teams in the league. They have more points than anyone else, but that’s because they’ve played more games. We still have a better percentage than they do. They also have many more penalty minutes then we do. It would probably mean the game would be a little rough. Rick DiPietro was in goal and the poor kid wouldn’t fair well. Carney was back in goal after having last Saturday off. Normally I think the smoke at the beginning of the game is a waste of time, but it sure does give a nice affect when the lights are back on - with it just floating above the ice in an almost incandescent surreal affect while the arena is quiet.
First Period
The starting lineup proved to be a good choice, because the line of Chin, Fregoe, and Clarke would end up scoring first. A mere 37 seconds into the first period Chin got the goal (assist to Fregoe and Clarke). Some people were telling me we’d lose, while others were saying we’d win. Mark Krueger certainly thought we’d win and with this first goal it was a good start. Maybe a minute later their was a little spiel down around DiPietro as bodies were kind of jumbled together, it did seem like it would be a rough physical game. Alex Sawruck and Jeremy Jackson (of USA) both got roughing coincidental’s coming away from this. Peter Smrek about a minute or two later threw his gloves and helmet to the ice and began motioning to Patrick Foley. I’m afraid that Foley got the worst of him. Perhaps Smrek didn’t know how to fight being a European, but at least he got the stance right. The two both got fighting penalties and eventually came back out of the box without much more ado. We added to the lead when Jerrid Reinholz got an unassisted goal at 5:21. Unfortunately Reinholz made a not so smart move after this when he went into the penalty box giving USA a power play. They made the most of their opportunity and scored on Carney. The goal came from Patrick Foley at 8:40 (assist to Bill Cass and John-Michael Liles). Kelly Miller went into the penalty box for tripping with about six minutes left in the first and the crowd really began protesting against the refs. They made it clear how they felt about them, they sucked. With Miller in the box we had plenty of short handed chances, but we didn’t score on any of them so it wasn’t really a bad penalty. We pulled the goalie with on a second left when we were down in the zone, but nothing came of it. Saves: USA 10 – Des Moines 7.
Second Period
Reinholz got his second goal of the night at 3:43 when he just waltzed in with it and scored on the flustered looking goalie (assist to Nick Field and Felipe Larranaga). It was a power play goal. With 9:35 to go in the second period Chin got thrown to the ice and he tossed around just long enough to get the penalty called, Freddy Meyer got the interference penalty. The period wasn’t extremely earth shattering, we did get to see more of the USA goalie. He wandered an awful lot and couldn’t play the puck too well it seemed. This of course gave us more scoring opportunities. Saves: USA 14 – Des Moines 11
Third Period
Though it was looking like team USA was picking up some speed and getting a little more organized it didn’t stop us from scoring our fourth goal. Noah Clarke slapped the puck into the net at 6:29 (assist to Chin and Fregoe). Mark Krueger who had told us how excited the team was to win got the last goal of the game with 10:26 left in the third period (assist to Jackson). The goalie had failed to make the save as he did a flying split save to his stick side, he was getting massacred and I was surprised they hadn’t pulled him, but luckily he wouldn’t have to get scored on the rest of the night. Within the last ten minutes of the period Team USA was getting extremely feisty while many of the players out there were beginning to run into each other. Even our own players were smacking head on. They’d played a hard game so far and I’m sure they were exhausted. Saves: USA 7 – Des Moines 9. Total Saves: USA 31 – Des Moines 27
After Thoughts
We had improved our record to 19-2 and had defeated team USA by a sound four goal margin. It’s a good feeling to come away from a game knowing you played a good one and beat a team that is just as good by a decent margin.
Written by Sarah Bendy
