Bellarmine 7 Franchise Hockey 1
Overfelt 3 Franchise Hockey 2 (OT)
Faced with a doubleheader, the Franchise was blown out 7-1 by Bellarmine in the first game, going scoreless until the final seconds of regulation. Against Overfelt, however, the Franchise built a 2-0 lead in the second period. They would allow three unanswered goals, but respond with Matt King's clutch tally with seconds remaining on the clock.
But then disaster struck, which would prove to be the theme of the day.
The game against Bellarmine was played evenly through the first period, with the Franchise going into the second trailing by only one. The second period would prove fatal, however, and Myles Rowland's team-leading fifteenth goal would be the only bright spot. Rowland broke in at the end of the third period, deked wide and deposited the puck into the empty net to spoil Bellarmine's shutout.
Kris Anderson started off the Overfelt game with a bang. Having takien the lead in the team's preparation, Anderson inspired his teammates with a pregame speech. However, his greatest contributions would come on the ice. After a near-fight broke out when Anderson was cross-checked after the whistle which surprisingly did not result in a Franchise power play, he netted the team's first of the game on a sweet feed from Rowland.
Anderson backhanded home his thirteenth goal of the year off a faceoff during the second period. With the Rowland-Anderson line clicking, the Franchise appeared to have the momentum. But Overfelt answered quickly and had tied the game by the end of the frame.
An early third period goal gave Overfelt a 3-2 advantage, which forced the team to goal timeout with two minutes remaining. In the huddle, goaltender Mikey Stanzler asked King when he should come to the bench. King responded that he probably would not need to. In the last minute of regulation, King took a Sheraj Ragoobeer feed and beat the Overfelt goaltender with a wristshot top-shelf.
Overtime was played even, but a defensive breakdown lead to Overfelt beating Stanzler five-hole. It would prove to be the final disaster of the day, despite several Franchise players' wishes to incite a brawl with Overfelt players after the game.
The Franchise will have a bye-week to lick their wounds and reflect. Their next game is March 24th against divison-leading Pioneer.
Box Scores:
Game 8:
3rd Period:
M. Rowland 15 (Anderson, King)
Goaltending:
Stanzler 3-3 (7 GA)
Game 9:
1st Period:
Anderson 12 (M. Rowland, Ragoobeer)
2nd Period:
Anderson 13 (M. Rowland)
3rd Period:
King 8 (Ragoobeer, Anderson)
Goaltending:
Stanzler 3-4 (3 GA)
Captain's Thoughts:
As I sat reflecting on what transpired today, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Pride in getting blown out 7-1 by Bellarmine? Absolutely not. The pride of watching a team grow and learn to be professionals.
After the Bellarmine loss, which could accurately be described as lackadaisical, sloppy and thoroughly embarrassing, we responded. It wasn't just the usual suspects; everyone stood up, took responsibility and worked on creating concrete solutions to implement into the second game.
Pride.
The forwards completely changed their defensive system, sticking to a box, organizing the forechcek and planning out forays into the Overfelt zone. The defensemen reorganized themselves and made a renewed commitment to making solid clears and watching the slot.
The questionable officiating, the lost lead, the cheap shots, the comeback and the specials teams battle all out the window, I was so proud of the team.
No practice Sunday, but definitely practice next weekend. The bye-week will be used to sort out special teams.
So, I'll see you there.-
Your Captain
#37