Franchise Hockey 11 St. Lawrence 1
The answer was a resounding "yes," as the three new players in the Franchise lineup accounted for nine of the team's eleven goals, and the Franchise romped over St. Lawrence 11-1. In his first game, Myles Rowland tied a Franchise record for points (seven, also by Matt King in this game), with his biggest moments coming in the second period during a stretch where he scored four answered goals. The streak ended when he assisted on Kris Anderson's hat trick goal. Anderson, also playing in his first game, totaled three goals and three assists.
King, who scored twice and added five assists to top his previous Franchise record of six points in one game, was a force despite absorbing a hit-from-behind in the third period that led to an ejection. He opened the scoring with a power-play goal, after taking a pass from Sheraj Ragoobeer and entering the zone. After a defensive zone blunder, St. Lawrence tied the game up. However, they would not put another puck past the dominant Mikey Stanzler.
Anderson scored another power-play goal, refusing to be knocked off the puck after receiving a dump-pass from Ragoobeer. Cam Rowland, the freshman playing in his first game, scored his first goal after King centered him a pass. The younger Rowland banked the puck off the back of the netminder.
King opened the second period with his second goal of the season, assisted by Anderson. Then, Anderson added his second back-handing home a perfect pass from Myles Rowland.
Then, it was Myles Rowland time.
He scored his first goal, after King drew a high-sticking penalty. Rowland added two more on clean shots on net, with King assisting on both.
In the third period, Rowland added his fourth after tipping in an Anderson wrist shot. King drew his third penalty of the game, after being trucked from behind into the boards, causing him the lose his helmet. On the resulting powerplay, Anderson scored on a centering pass by Myles Rowland. Cam Rowland iced the game with a wrist shot, after King stole the puck in the offensive zone and moved past two defenders.
The resulting celebration was epic, with Ragoobeer flattening Stanzler with a vicious hug. Particularly spirited were the returning members of the Franchise. The win gave the Franchise its first-ever winning record at Rollin' Ice and was memorable for many reasons.
Stanzler picked up the Franchise's first victory, as well as the lowest total goals ever given up in one game. King and Myles Rowland's seven points set the new Franchise record for points in a game. Additionally, King's five assists set the new mark for helpers in a game. Cam Rowland's two goals set the record for most goals in a game by a defenseman.
Franchise Hockey will get underway next week with the beginning of the regular season. The team will get a boost from the return of forwards Robby Merk and Brian Reich. However, as King put it, it's hard to imagine improving on eleven goals.
Box Score:
1st Period:
King 1 (Ragoobeer)
Anderson 1 (Ragoobeer)
C. Rowland 1 (King, M. Rowland)
2nd Period:
King 2 (Anderson)
Anderson 2 (M. Rowland)
M. Rowland 1 (Anderson, Ragoobeer)
M. Rowland 2 (King)
M. Rowland 3 (King)
3rd Period:
M. Rowland 4 (Anderson, King)
Anderson 3 (M. Rowland)
C. Rowland 2 (King)
Goaltending:
Stanzler 1-0 (1 GA)
Captain's Thoughts:
Everytime I wrote this segment last year, I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of hope, despite the despair that comes with losing.
Tonight, I feel none of those things.
After having a day to digest what has transpired in the Franchise world, I still can't believe it. Yet, it makes sense.
Myles, Kris and Cam are amazing players. But St. Lawrence had players that were equally talented. Why did we win? Everyone on the roster bought into the team concept, and, as a result, Franchise Hockey played a fast, unselfish, well-organized game. Like I've said from the beginning, this is a team, not a collection of hockey players.
All the credit in the world has to go to Myles (four goals, three assists), Anderson (three goals, three assists), the Freshman (two goals), Sheraj (three assists wearing the wrong jersey), and the Goalie Formerly Known as Robocop (one goal allowed- that's right- one goal).
However, I was probably must struck by Chris C's play. After a questionable clearing attempt led to St. Lawrence's only goal, he responded with near-perfect defensive hockey. Also, Ray was a physical presence, energizing the team with a bone-crunching first period hit that, unfortunately, was penalized.
Overall, I liked what I saw on and off the ice (I'll admit- I really enjoy playing in front of fans). But let's not take our foot off the gas. Like Ray said, it's one game, it's great, but now we've been there before.
Come to practice Sunday, and be ready to work hard, boys. We've been there before, and, if we continue to play and train as a team, we'll be there again.-
Your Captain
#37