The crosstown rivals finally meet for the first time this year on the last game of the regular season. The first period was a defensive battle with both teams feeling the other one out. MCC had three visits to the penalty box in the first period, at one time giving the Rockets a 5-3 advantage for 1:35. Both teams held serve--no goals scored. About five minutes into the second period Crusader Evan Valk found the net with assists to Adam Pieczynski and Noah VanBergen, and three minutes later Pieczynski ripped one past Rocket goalie Eddie Young with assists from Erin Cutter and VanBergen.
MCC led 2-0 and appeared to be taking control of the game. But hockey is a funny game--one that requires you play all three periods and the full 15 minutes in each. The Crusaders seemed to take a mental vacation to enjoy their newfound lead and the Rockets took full advantage of the lapse, scoring a goal thirty seconds later (Adam Hastings from Ben Sikkenga and Kody Getz) and in one minute added yet another (Scott Nelson from Jake Hambridge). Some say a two goals lead is the most dangerous lead in hockey. Lesson learned. MCC seemed to re-enter the game in the third period, blistering the Rocket goalie with shot after shot. When MCC went on a power play it appeared this was their opening to take the lead, but a misplayed puck behind the net lead to a very dangerous turnover and Rocket Adam Hastings cashed in on the mistake, scoring the eventual game winner shorthanded. MCC outshot Reeths Puffer 37-16, but the tally on the scoreboard was what counted in the end. The Muskegon Chronicle has some coverage of the game here.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Reeths-Puffer 3 Muskegon Catholic Central 2
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This loss will probably help Catholic against Shores though because they will have learned they need to play 3 periods, and Shores is a really good 3rd period team. Although a loss to Puffer before playing Shores isn't a great sign for Catholic. Shores already beat Puffer 5-1, and looking at Catholic's schedule. They really haven't beaten anyone of import. Part of that may be that there aren't many people on their schedule that are great teams, and the ones they did play, they lost to. Also I don't think Catholic has seen the speed of Shores yet this season. Coach Rabbit should have them ready to play, but you can only play on emotion for so long. As long as Shores weathers the storm for the first period, I think they will be fine.
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