Big Rapids 2 Bay Area Reps 0

It was senior night in Big Rapids and Mom's and Dad's were remembering when....when skates cost $25, sticks were $10 and the best part of the game was a snack in the locker room...win or lose. Times sure changed, the kids grew and we all know what hockey sticks cost now. The senior class always wants to win its last regular season game and that is exactly what Big Rapids did, beating the Bay Reps 2-0.

Period number one, best by far of the three, produced 8 Big Rapids shots and 5 Bay Reps shots. Both teams came out of the gate quickly, looking to control puck play, but it was Michael Hickson whom at the 2:35 mark took a pass from senior Nick Goodfellow that produced the games first goal. That goal, the only one in the period gave the Cardinals a 1 - 0 lead at the break as each team took one penalty during the period though neither team managed a power play shot.

Period number two, the cost of sticks just went up another $10 bucks and the Cardinal defense stepped up their play and limited the Bay Reps to just 2 shots in the period. Big Rapids managed to fire 6 shots in the period but neither team scored. Penalties were 2 each and it was any ones game at this point, though each team only managed one power play shot in the 2nd. The game continued to be very physical as each team looked for opportunities to score.

Period number three, I guess both teams got their snack during their break, as they came out with energy. Cardinal Seniors Nick Goodfellow, Brandon Madaj, Bob Butterfield, Matt Farnsworth, Paul Goggins and Tony Ruppel were not going to let this one get away, but the Bay Reps may have had other plans. Both teams battled in the corners and inspired the fans with some hustle and aggressive play. I t was still 1 to 0, so it was either teams game to win. The seniors and the rest of the Big Rapids team continued to play aggressive defense and late in the game, the Bay Reps were forced to pull its goalie to make one last push to tie the game. Hickson had other plans and at the 1:03 mark he picked up a loose puck in the neutral zone and fired an empty net goal to seal the victory. The Bay Reps made one last push but senior goaltender Bob Butterfield made a couple of nice saves to preserve a shutout. Big Rapids faces off against a tough Gaylord team in the pre-regionals on Monday at Ferris and the Bay Rep's face an even tougher opponent in Traverse City West. Best to the Seniors...thanks for your play, your le