Pioneer 5 Franchise Hockey 2
Though the loss to Divison 4B's best team was hardly unexpected, the third period collapse was disappointing because of the effort the Franchise put in. Playing minus top defensemen Sheraj Ragoobeer, Chris Cornelius and forward Robby Merk, Franchise Hockey stayed with Pioneer through the first two periods.
Pioneer opened the scoring in the first period, throwing a pass across the slot. However, Kris Anderson was quick to answer with his fourteenth goal of the season. Picking up the assist was Josh Capelle, who again signed a one-day deal prior to the game.
Capelle tied the game 2-2 midway through the second, beating the Pioneer goalie low with a quick wristshot. Franchise Hockey was lucky to have survived the second with goaltender Mikey Stanzler being forced to carry his team.
With King out for the beginning of the third, the wheels came off. Defensive miscommunication by remaining defensemen Ray Cleverly and Cam Rowland led to three unanswered Pioneer goals. Despite some scoring chances at the end, the Franchise was unable to score.
Looking ahead, Franchise Hockey will play North Valley again next Saturday. They will do so, however, without forwards Myles Rowland and Brian Reich.
Box Score:
1st Period:
Anderson 14 (Capelle)
2nd Period:
Capelle 2 (Anderson, King)
Goaltending:
Stanzler 3-5 (5 GA)
Captain's Thoughts:
Somewhere during the long drive home, I lost the ability to speak. Somehow, through the grace of the hockey gods, we played Pioneer even through two periods. They had controlled puck possession and the tempo and were badly outshooting us. Yet, it was 2-2 because of some opportunistic scoring from Kris and Josh.
I didn't see any of the three goals Pioneer scored. I hear the defense just got so tired from having to play the whole time. I apologize for that; it was my fault my skate broke. What happened was I felt something come loose during a scramble in front. I had to keep playing obviously, and I did. My wheel came loose and went through the skate frame which set us back.
Mikey was outstanding and was undoubtedly a top performer. Kris and Josh's line provided good energy all game, and I thought the defense generally covered the slot pretty well. We proved we could hang with Pioneer, but we still haven't won a divisional game.
North Valley next week. We owe them a little something.-
Your Captain
#37