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SUNDAYS #6 vs. BLIZZARD:

(vol. 5S, no. 6; newsletter by h.s.)
At times it seemed like we had more guys in the penalty box then on the ice, but even with the abundance of calls (we had 14 minutes total and 8:00 minutes of minors in the 2nd — tied a Pirate penalty per period record) the game was close most of the way.

Here's the recap: The Blizzard scored at the 8:00-minute mark of the 1st on a blueline shot for the 1-0 lead, but after a scoreless 20:00-minute span we tied it back up in the 2nd when their goalie mishandled the puck while they were on the powerplay (we were shorthanded and Russ gets credit for the goal as he was the last Pirate to touch it). We carried that 1-1 tie into the 2nd break.

The Blizzard came out on fire in the 3rd and set-up a one-timer in front on their first rush down ice; I managed to block that shot, but the rebound was redirected in front for the slam-dunk finish and the 2-1 lead. Moments later the Blizzard rushed the net again for a quick score and the 3-1 lead. Late in the period (during our powerplay and our last chance to get back in the game), the Blizzard forced a turnover behind our net and added another goal to make it 4-1. With 1:30 remaining, It looked like Ralz was going to get us within 2 again when he tried to bang the puck loose from the goalie's glove — instead a fight erupted which caused the refs to call the game.

(Although the game was close for two periods, it was the sporadic fighting and referee involvement that seemed to be most memorable. During the 1st, the head ref claimed Russ shot at his head on a dump in. This feud culminated with Russ receiving a 1-game suspension when he tried to find out why the game was “called” with 1:30 remaining. He was given no explanation.)