Icehawks' Center (White Jersey) Larry McShane scores with Roughnecks all over him. (MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar) Icehawks Show Offensive Power in Pre-Season Game
September 11, 2011
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The Tri City Icehawks traveled to Kalkaska for their second pre-season game as they prepare for their season and home opener Saturday September 17.
While their offense continues to show great firepower, the Kalkaska Roughnecks were able to take advantage of defensive mistakes in the second period as they outscored the Icehawks 5-2 in that period. Kalkaska then held on in the final stanza as the Icehawks fell to Kalkaska 10-5.
"We came out well," noted Coach Wright. "Our power play and penalty killing looked good. We took an early lead but unfortunately, the wheels came off defensively as a team."
The Icehawks jumped out to a 2-0 lead on the strength of two Nick Murphy goals. The first goal was the result of a well controlled power play as the Icehawks kept control moving the puck smartly around the ice before burying a rebound. The second goal came two minutes later when he took a pass from Gary Majka and beat the netminder top shelf.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Nick Murphy chases the puck down.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
Kalkaska's strong play in front of the net in both ends was the story of the second period. They took the lead on a screened shot that found the near post making it 3-2. Tri City responded with deep offensive pressure but the Roughnecks were strong in front of their net preventing close range shots and giving up only a crossbar ringer. Kalkaska then scored on a multiple shot rebound half way through the period making it 4-2.
Tri City narrowed the margin when defenseman Kenny Mitchell fired a slap shot from top of the circle that found a hole while goalie Stirling Wright kept his team close when he stopped a quick forming three on none after a puck deflected off a player into the Tri City zone.
The Roughnecks expanded their lead to 5-3 when they attacked the net and scored on a multiple rebound shot. The Icehawks immediately responded when Gary Majka's high shot on the goalie produced a rebound that Larry McShane pounced on making it 5-4. Kalkaska scored two more time in the last three minutes.
A defensive error lead to a breakaway score and near the end of the period, a rebound got by the goaltender making the advantage 7-4 Roughnecks.
Coach Wright noted that "Those are things that we will be addressing. Defensive responsibilities as a team. We were making the right plays but in the wrong zone (defensive zone). We need to make those plays in the neutral zone."
The play continued strong by both teams in the final period. The IceHawks' effort was highlighted by Larry McShane's goal midway through the period. The gifted center grabbed the puck at the blue line and literally willed his way through the Roughneck defense where he put the puck past the goaltender with two Roughnecks draped over him. The effort was just not enough as Kalkaska skated off with a 10-5 win.
"Overall, the kids played great. The problem is not the goaltending; it is the play in front of the net," reflected Coach Wright. "The defense in front of the net looked like golfers when the puck was in the crease. I need to be a better caddie for them. We need to work with our play around the net and once we get that corrected, we will be fine."
The Icehawks open the season at home Saturday, September 17 against the Chicago Bulldogs. Game time is 7:30 pm. Come cheer the Icehawks in their home opener.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
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John Keuvelaar |
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