Game #3

Period Length

The game got off to a bad start for the Riverview Ice Sharks players, as an early tripping penalty led to a power play goal less than three minutes into the game. Jesuit controlled play for the majority of the period, and it only seemed to be slowed when they took penalties - and they took a lot, for roughing and for checking. Speaking of checking, I was getting extremely frustrated with Drew's play. He missed several opportunities to make a legal hit on an opponent to knock them off the puck, but he wasn't taking them. It took me until those penalties were called to remember that the spring season is NON-CHECKING! Well, once I realized that I now understand why Drew was playing the way that he was. Jesuit would add another goal with just over five minutes remaining in the period, widening their lead to two goals.

The biggest issue for the team in tonight's contest was defense - or lack thereof. Drew has told me that the team has focused on offense in their limited practice time. It shows, as the team always seems to be a step behind, and slow to get turned around. Riverview did get settled enough on offense, thanks to another Jesuit penalty, to score a power play goal of their own with only 45 seconds remaining in the period, leaving them down 2-1 going into the first intermission.

Riverview got on the board first in the second period as well, knotting the score at two goals apiece on another power play goal, thanks to a rebound that was tapped in less than two minutes into the second. Five minutes later, with Riverview on another power play, the Jesuit team got a breakaway opportunity that they were able to convert, retaking the lead with a 3-2 score. It took a couple of minutes, but Riverview fought back to knot the score at three just two minutes later. Unfortunately the Jesuit team had a quick answer, as they were able to convert a 2 on 1 break just 40 seconds later to regain the lead. A minute after that goal, they would retake a two goal lead, tapping in a rebound with just over a minute remaining in the period. The two teams would head into the final intermission with Riverview trailing by a 5-3 score.

Jesuit would score again just over a minute into the third period, making it a three goal deficit for the Ice Sharks, this time on another power play goal. When it seemed as though the game was going to get out of reach, the Riverview team kept attacking. It would be nearly five minutes between goals, but the Ice Sharks would finally get back on the board thanks to a beautiful long pass that led to a breakaway and a goal, which narrowed the margin to a 6-4 deficit. Unfortunately the Tigers had an answer, scoring their own goal two minutes later to reclaim their three goal lead. Riverview still didn't give up, scoring their own goal just 9 seconds later. With just over three minutes remaining in the game, the Ice Sharks pulled their goalie to gain an extra attacker. The play worked, as Riverview would score once again to make it a 7-6 game. Unfortunately there was only 22 seconds left, and despite their best efforts the Ice Sharks weren't able to get that one final goal to tie things up. The loss moved them to 0-3 on the season.

Riverview Ice Sharks Blue Game #3 - vs. Jesuit Tigers Blue

Drew smiling for the camera prior to the start of the game.

Drew reaching out to get his stick in the passing lane.

Drew skating down the ice towards the play.

Drew and a teammate coming to the bench for a line change.

Drew skating out from in front of the net as the play changed ends.

Drew knocking the puck of a Jesuit players stick.

Drew taking control of the puck and turning up ice.

Drew racing down the ice.

Drew talking to his teammates on the bench.

Drew getting into the passing lane.

Drew knocking the puck off of a Jesuit stick.

Drew patrolling the zone on defense.

Drew firing a pass across...

...the ice to a teammate.

Drew in position during a faceoff.

Drew taking control of the puck at the blue line...

...and heading to the net for a one on one opportunity.

Drew sending a pass across the ice towards the crease.