Franchise Hockey 12 North Valley 1
The Franchise won big against North Valley, with a seven goal third period contributing to a 12-1 win. Anderson's four goals and five points ended up being just one of the night's many highlights.
Goaltender Mikey Stanzler was near-perfect, playing behind a stellar defense. Stanzler's bid for a shutout was spoiled with minutes remaining in the third period on a defensive breakdown.
The near-shutout couldn't dampen the Franchise's mood, however, as the offense got back on track. Matt King and Myles Rowland tied the Franchise mark for points they set during the season opener. King had a hat trick with four assists, while Rowland tied the record for assists (five) to go with two goals.
Not far behind was Robby Merk. Playing in his second game of the season, Merk had a hat trick and two assists. After finally arriving prior to the second period, Merk netted his first goal of the season on an odd play during which Stanzler picked up an assist, his first career point.
Anderson started the scoring in a tightly-contested first period, banging home a perfect centering pass from Myles Rowland. Anderson returned the favor by setting up Rowland to begin the second frame. Then, King took over the game with a breakaway goal after deking past two defenders. After two quick goals by Merk, including one during which he one-timed home a King pass, the Franchise held a 5-0 lead headed into the third.
The highlights of the seven third period goals included Merk's hat trick goal. Confusion took over as the puck sat on the line after Merk's shot on net. King, deposited the puck, although Merk received credit for the goal because the puck had already crossed the line. The team mobbed Stanzler following a from-his-knees goal by King and a pair of beautiful individual efforts by Anderson. Rowland scored with seconds remaining on a crossing pattern, as the Franchise improved to 2-1.
Lost in the shuffle were standout offensive performance by the defense, as every member had a point. In particular, Cam Rowland and Ray Cleverly each had three assists.
The Franchise will finally be placed in a league this week. With a statement like the 12-1 victory they made Saturday, Franchise Hockey appears to be a lock to play in Divison IV.
Box Score:
1st Period:
Anderson 4 (M. Rowland)
2nd Period:
M. Rowland 6 (Anderson, Cleverly)
King 3 (M. Rowland, C. Rowland)
Merk 1 (King, Stanzler)
Merk 2 (King, C. Rowland)
3rd Period:
Anderson 5 (M. Rowland, Cleverly)
Merk 3 (King, C. Rowland)
King 4 (M. Rowland, Ragoobeer)
King 5 (M. Rowland)
Anderson 6 (Merk, Cornelius)
Anderson 7 (Merk)
M. Rowland 7 (King, Cleverly)
Goaltending:
Stanzler 2-1 (1 GA)
Captain's Thoughts:
Overpowering. Dominant. Unified. Electrifying.
All words that popped into my head upon watching the game on tape. Where to begin?
Mikey officially became a rock star tonight. Huge performance in net, near-shutout, entered In 'N Out to applause from a bunch of people he had never met before, girls with signs, first career point....it's official: Mikey Stanzler is no longer one of the little people.
Everything starts with our defense, and our guys did a much better job of limiting chances. Offensively, it was nice to see everyone get rewarded. Congratulations, in particular, to Chris C. and Ray on their first career points.
Our offense was amazing. Whether our regular lines (Myles-Kris, Robby-myself) were in tact or we were juggling, it was a true team performance. Why don't I throw some numbers at you? Robby had a hat trick and five points, Anderson scored four goals and five points, Myles tied a Franchise record with five assists and seven points. My three goals and seven points (reference to 37) were just the icing on the cake.
What I'm most proud of is the fact that we played as a team. Watching the tape, we communicate well, our passing was amazing, and out overall unity was a team was just off the charts. Everyone (even Mikey) got a point tonight!
How about that...-
Your Captain
#37