Game #2 -- IceHawks Hockey vs. Chicago

September 25, 2011
By: John Keuvelaar

The young Icehawks looked to bounce back from a tough opening game loss to Chicago. For the first two periods, Tri City showed that they were learning fast as they battled back to challenge for the lead. But the youthful enthusiasm led to five straight penalties which Chicago took advantage of to beat the Icehawks, 12-3.

Chicago rode the momentum from the night before as they came at the Icehawks fast and hard from the start. Firing long range shots then attacking the net, they built a 3-0 lead by the end of the first period. Tri City got back into the game when Nick Murphy scored unassisted on the powerplay just over a minute into the second period. After Chicago knocked in a score, Murphy took a feed from line mate Larry McShane to make it 4-2. Chicago tallied two more times before Murphy recorded his first hat trick of the year narrowing the margin to 6-3. "We were getting good offensive pressure and I felt we were getting back into the game in the second period," commented Coach Wright. But the determined Icehawks got over aggressive in the third period and the Bulldogs took full advantage of it. After ringing up a roughing penalty, Chicago scored on the powerplay making it 7-3. Four more penalties and two powerplays later, Chicago was skating off with a 12-3 victory. "The score didn't reflect the team's effort tonight," observed Coach Wright. "We are one of the youngest teams in the league but they are getting better each night. We also have to play with a shorter bench than teams like Chicago which catches up with us," noted Coach Wright. "I am so proud of these guys and the energy and effort they put out in practices and games." Coach Wright still has room for players who love the game and want to get give their all to be part of something special. If interested, contact Coach Stirling at 989-475-6372. Tri City travels to the Motor City to take on the Chiefs. Games are Friday and Saturday night at 8:30pm.