Silky Mitts and Physical Plays Aid in Maulers Comeback

With the Outdoor Classic over, the Spartans vs. Maulers series has come to end but with the usual Missoula fashion; with a bang. Even though the final was 4-3 in favor of Southern Oregon, the boys fought back with an extreme force, and as I predicted, dropped the gloves at the end of the third. Many of the guys on the team took hold of the reins and made plays happen while executing them on key. As suspected Anders Nord was the main leader for the squad but many of the rookies also proved themselves. They stood up for the team as well as their selves and made a conscious effort to play as one team with one name. With tempers flying, the Maulers seemed to remain quite stable throughout the entire 3 periods but with a little edge of their own. Some of the best snipers on the team stepped out of the shadows such as Anders Nord and Tanner Todd and lifted the team to gain a few more points to head home with. I have to give huge props to the whole team for the performance this weekend because even though they didn't take home a win they put up an ENORMOUS fight and with each game their persevation and determination levels rose. Before any one might be down because of the statistics look at what the boys accomplished, how they grew, and give them a round of applause. They are fighters until the very end.

Your Maulers struck first blood by scoring 2 minutes and 13 seconds into the first period. Mason Jones lit the lamp with a little help from veteran forward Matt Chamberlain. Southern Oregon was quick to respond though with an unassisted and short handed goal from Ben Henry. The last goal of the period was recorded at 7:56.

The Henry brothers dominated the entire second period. Jason scored his goal at 8:34. Apples were given to Austin Sartorius and Ging Martin. 2 minutes and 23 seconds later, Ben scored his second goal of the game by slipping one past Mcdaniel at 10:57. He had help from his brother Jason and Donnie Nagle IV. This was the last biscuit to go into the net of the 2nd period.

Tanner Todd put one up for the Maulers as he beat Ponikelsky unassisted at 4:47. Justus Saldeen, point leader throughout the weekend, put a biscuit into Mcdaniel's net with help from Austin Sartorius and Ben Henry 12 minutes and 55 seconds after the start of the period. The last goal of the game was scored by Maulers' captain Anders Nord. Assists were given to Swedish defenseman Henrik Ekestahl and Matt Chamberlain. The lamp was lit for the last time at 17:02.

For now, the team is on the bus headed back up to Missoula as we know it. There will be no games played until December 6th-8th when the boys head down to face off against the Ogden Mustangs on their home turf. Until then the boys will spend time with their family, billet families, and friends over a Thanksgiving/Holiday break. Rest up boys and get ready to fight even more aggressive than ever before. Here is a pre-Happy Thanksgiving to everyone out there!

Maulers and Spartans during warm ups at Outdoor Classic (Via Spartans Hockey)

Statistics:

PENALTIES:

Period 1:

Southern Oregon Spartans - Austin Sartorius (Slashing) 2 Minutes, 6:09

Missoula Maulers - Tanner Todd (Facemask) 2 Minutes, 13:15

Southern Oregon Spartans - Justus Saldeen (Facemask) 2 Minutes, 13:53

Period 2:
Missoula Maulers - Austin Auzzinnaro (Interference) 2 Minutes, 8:40

Missoula Maulers - Tyler Zandhuisen (Slashing) 2 Minutes, 16:20

Period 3:

Southern Oregon Spartans - Carl Edstrom (Holding) 2 Minutes, 3:26

Missoula Maulers - Josh Ingram-Rehm (Removing Opponents Helmet) (Game Ejection) 10 Minutes, 9:37

Missoula Maulers - Josh Ingram-Rehm (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 9:37

Southern Oregon Spartans -Mike Kowicki (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 9:37

Missoula Maulers - Tanner Todd (Fighting) (Major) 5 Minutes, 14:31

Southern Oregon Spartans - Donnie Nagle IV (Fighting) (Instigator) 2 Minutes, 14:31

Southern Oregon Spartans - Donnie Nagle IV (Fighting) (Major) 5 Minutes, 14:31

Southern Oregon Spartans - Donnie Nagle IV (Fighting) (Game Ejection) 10 Minutes, 14:31

Missoula Maulers - Nikita Sheptytskyy (Delay of Game) 2 Minutes, 17:15

Southern Oregon Spartans - Justus Saldeen (Delay of Game) 2 Minutes, 17:15

SHOTS ON GOAL:

Missoula Maulers - 35 total

Southern Oregon Spartans - 43 total

POWER PLAYS:

Missoula Maulers - 1 for 4

Southern Oregon Spartans - 0 for 3

GOALTENDERS:

#30 Michael Mcdaniel for Missoula Maulers: 59:28 Minutes played, 43 shots on goal 39 saves

#30 Ian Dvorak for Southern Oregon Spartans: 40 Minutes played, 24 shots on goal 23 saves

#39 Jiri Ponikelsky for Southern Oregon Spartans: 20 Minutes played, 11 shots on goal 9 saves

Happy Thanksgiving from Biscuits and Breezers!

Sparks Fly in a Fierce Game 2

The battle continues to push onward as the Maulers faced off against the Southern Oregon Spartans for the second time this weekend. The tides have turned and the team came out and played in a whole different light. The defensive forces were stronger and more aggressive and the forwards were constantly circling the puck and played as physically as they could. For most of the game, they were making some incredibly hard hits and were butting heads with many of the Spartans players. You can tell that the boys are starting to get more and more with chippy with each passing minute they are still in Oregon so it should be an interesting game in the Outdoor Classic. I can only predict that the mitts will be dropped more than once and an entire chirp fest will be going on between the two teams. Stockholm native Sebastian Gronborg was our tendy last night and it was great to finally get to see him suited up and in the cage again. This was his second time as a starting goaltender this season but hopefully we will gradually see more and more of him throughout the season. Also Gronborg put up with some major beatings tonight from the Spartans' attackers seeing that they crashed the net twice and completely wiped him out while he was freezing the puck both times. Props to Sebastian but to also to all of the blueliners on the team. They were working over time tonight and kept up with every pace of the game.

Spartans Forward Arturs Buss was the only player to score in the first period. His goal came 24 seconds before the period ending buzzer. The assist was given to forward Justus Saldeen.

Corey Schafer was put the Maulers on the board an amazing 35 seconds after the start of the second period. Apples were given to veteran defenseman Tyler Zandhuisen and rookie forward Nikita Sheptytskyy. This goal was unfortunately the last goal of the game for the Maulers.

In the third period, the Spartans lit the lamp 3 times for a 4-1 final. Forward #14 Tyler Spencer scored 2 out of the 3 goals, but his first one came 14 minutes and 2 seconds after the start of the period. He had a little help from forward #17 Taylor McConnell and Cy Jenson. Jason Henry, who played for the last part of the 2012-2013 season with the Maulers, scored 26 seconds later. Assists were given to his brother Ben Henry and forward #13 Austin Sartorius. At 18:02, Tyler Spencer found the back of the net again to score his second goal of the game. The puck was fed to him by Austin Sartorius and Arturs Buss. This was the last of the game.

The boys are headed to play on outdoor ice for the third and final game of this series. It is on a property outside of Medford called the Klamath Ice Sports - Bill Collier Community Ice Arena. This Outdoor Classic will not be filmed live instead to my understanding they will film it and upload the video after the game is over. I will have full coverage on that for all of you. The game will be played at 1:30 PST (2:30 MST) so tune in if you can! Hopefully they will play all of their cards right and come back to Zoo town with a well deserved win in the books. Good luck boys and fight, fight, fight!

During the first period (on my laptop)

Statistics:

PENALTIES:

Period 1:

Missoula Maulers - Erik Hartzell (Boarding) 2 Minutes, 9:05

Southern Oregon Spartans - Cy Jenson (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 12:10

Period 2: 

Southern Oregon Spartans - Mike Kowicki (Interference) 2 Minutes, 8:05

Period 3:

Southern Oregon Spartans - Justus Saldeen (Slashing) 2 Minutes, 9:52

Missoula Maulers - Henrik Ekestahl (Holding) 2 Minutes, 15:51

Missoula Maulers - Connor McNally (Roughing) (Double Minor) 4 Minutes, 15:51

Southern Oregon Spartans - Taylor McConnell (Slashing) 2 Minutes, 18:29

Southern Oregon Spartans - Trevor Hillman (Unsportsmanlike Conduct) (Misconduct) 10 Minutes, 20:00

SHOTS ON GOAL:

Missoula Maulers - 33 total

Southern Oregon Spartans - 32 total

POWER PLAYS:

Missoula Maulers - 0 for 4

Southern Oregon Spartans - 1 for 4 

GOALTENDERS:

#1 Sebastian Gronborg for Missoula Maulers: 60 Minutes played, 32 shots on goal 28 saves 

#30 Ian Dvorak for Southern Oregon Spartans: 60 Minutes played, 33 shots on goal 32 saves

Maulers put pressure on the Spartans in Game 1

The Maulers are now in full swing in the Southern Oregon Spartans series and are already showing the Medford crowd their offensive strength and great defensive drive. On Thursday night the boys left Zootown on a long night bus ride to Portland, OR for the first leg of their journey. They arrived safely around 12:45 that night and then on Friday, the team drove the last 4 hours and 18 minutes to the RRRink (Southern Oregon Ice Arena) to face off against the Spartans. Watching the game tonight, I was very impressed with the Maulers' abilities to drive the puck down ice, defend it from oncoming aggressors, and make Southern Oregon fight for the biscuit. The whole team had a very good balance of finesse and power during their shifts and had a tight knit team chemistry throughout the entire game. Also I would like to give a compliment to our veteran tendy Cody Janzen from Wymark, Saskatchewan for his performance tonight. He had some great saves and endured many net crashings from the opposing players.  Even though the final score was 5-3 in favor of the Southern Oregon, everyone in that rink as well as the public watching at home, knew that this is going to be a close and physically demanding series for both sides. The Maulers are in it to win as best as they can.

In the first period, Spartan defenseman #5 Ging Martin got Southern Oregon on the board with a power play goal at 4:17. He had help from Swedish forward Justus Saldeen and fellow defenseman Donnie Nagle IV. Then to end the scoring of the first period, Donnie Nagle IV notched a power play goal as well and lit the lamp for a goal of his own 12 minutes and 38 seconds into the first period. He had help from Ging Martin and Swedish forward #23 Carl Edstrom.

Latvian forward #18 Arturs Buss netted his own Spartans' goal at 8:57. Buss' shorthanded goal was assisted by defenseman Trevor Hillman. Taking matters into his own hands, Maulers veteran Corey Schafer put Missoula up on the board at 10:55. His power play goal was assisted by defenseman Tyler Zandhuisen and rookie sniper Erich Jaeger. At 17:19, Jaeger found the back of the net for his own short handed goal. An apple was given to captain and forward Anders Nord. Jaeger's goal concluded the scoring of the second period.

10 minutes and 31 seconds into the third period, forward #11 Ben Henry brought the Spartans' goal tally up to 4 with assists from Zachary Lovelace and Taylor McConnell. Scoring the last goal for the Maulers, veteran forward Matt Chamberlain lit the lamp at 13:48. Apples were given to rookie forwards Mason Jones and Craig Buford. Carl Edstrom closed the scoring for game 1 as he lit the lamp for Southern Oregon 18 minutes and 37 seconds into the third period. Arturs Buss was given the assist.

In my opinion, I believe the boys will bounce back for Game 2 and really show what they are capable of. I was able to briefly talk with defenseman Joseph Porco about Game 1 and here is what he had to say. I asked how he thought the team played overall against the Spartans and he responded, "I thought we came out pretty flat. We have to play good hockey all 60 minutes." I then asked is there anything he is going to change for the game on the 23rd and he replied, "We just have to be mentally and physically prepared for tomorrow's game." Thank you for your time Joseph and good luck to you as well as all of the boys tomorrow! Game 2 of the match up will be held on the 23rd of November at 7:30 pm PST (8:30 MST) at the Southern Oregon Ice Arena and the last game of the series on the 24th is an Outdoor Classic being played at 1:30 pm PST (2:30 MST.) Unfortunately this will not be broadcasted on FastHockey.com but I will still have a full report on that game for all of you as well so no need to worry! Make sure you don't miss any of the action going on before the Maulers are off on their holiday break!

Pregame Pump Up

Statistics:

PENALTIES:

Period 1:
Southern Oregon Spartans - Zachary Lovelace (Interference) 2 Minutes, 1:06
Missoula Maulers - Erik Hartzell (Checking from Behind) 2 Minutes, 3:54
Missoula Maulers - Tyler Zandhuisen (Interference) 2 Minutes, 10:06
Missoula Maulers - Derek Griffin (Tripping) 2 Minutes, 12:08
Period 2:
Southern Oregon Spartans - Ben Henry (Hooking) 2 Minutes, 6:00
Southern Oregon Spartans - Rob Donovan (Checking from Behind) 2 Minutes, 7:41
Missoula Maulers - Josh Ingram-Rehm (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 10:21
Southern Oregon Spartans - Trevor Hillman (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 10:21
Southern Oregon Spartans - Zachary Lovelace (Cross Checking) 2 Minutes, 10:21
Missoula Maulers - Christian Manning (Grabbing Face Mask) (Major) 5 Minutes, 12:31
Missoula Maulers - Christian Manning (Grabbing Face Mask) (Game Ejection) 10 Minutes, 12:31
Missoula Maulers - Anders Nord (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 12:31
Southern Oregon Spartans - Rob Donovan (Slashing) 2 Minutes, 12:31
Southern Oregon Spartans - Rob Donovan (Spearing) (Major) 5 Minutes, 12:31
Southern Oregon Spartans - Rob Donovan (Spearing) (Game Misconduct) 10 Minutes, 12:31
Southern Oregon Spartans - Cy Jenson (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 12:31
Missoula Maulers - Craig Buford (Tripping) 2 Minutes, 16:07
Period 3:
Missoula Maulers - Anders Nord (Head Contact) 2 Minutes, 0:56
Missoula Maulers - Edward Pollon (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 6:40
Southern Oregon Spartans - Justus Saldeen (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 6:40
Missoula Maulers - Billy Bigham (Interference) 2 Minutes, 7:09
Missoula Maulers - Austin Auzzinnaro (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 8:42
Southern Oregon Spartans - Cy Jenson (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 8:42

SHOTS ON GOAL:

Missoula Maulers - 30 total
Southern Oregon Spartans - 42 total

POWER PLAYS:

Missoula Maulers - 1 for 5
Southern Oregon Spartans - 2 for 6

GOALTENDERS:

#31 Cody Janzen for Missoula Maulers: 60 Minutes played, 42 shots on goal 37 saves

#30 Ian Dvorak for Southern Oregon Spartans: 60 Minutes played, 30 shots on goal 27 saves

Maulers show new side of talent

Last night was the final game of the 3 game series against the Ogden Mustangs and the boys showed every one in attendance what they are capable of during their shifts. The team sticks to together very well and puts up one heck of a fight. These boys are fighters and there is no denying that. The fight always lasts until the final buzzer. I thought that the team had a great physical game all throughout this weekend as well as a technical one. Their passes improved, the overall puck handling was great, and they always seemed to find each other on the ice. I greatly admire the sense of team they have as well. They work well with each other, they connect fantastically, and they are always there until the end, no matter the circumstances, as 1 team. Even though the Mustangs took home 2 out of 3 wins, I want everyone to know that these weren't the easiest games they had played. The boys made them work for the biscuit every period and definitely showed their incredible skill and talent. I know I might say this quite a bit but I mean it every time. I am very proud of these boys and what they are accomplishing. Pats yourselves on the back and let's give them a round of applause because the Maulers are a great group of players this year that have an undying passion and drive to win.

Veteran Matt Chamberlain got your Maulers on the board at 2:23 in the first. Assists were given out to rookies Tanner Todd and Edward Pollon. Ogden then responded with a goal of their own from the stick of Dusty Watt 7:30 in. The last goal of the first was assisted by Sean Haltam.

There was no scoring in the second.

Swedish defenseman #2 George Babos of the Mustangs recorded a hat trick in the third period, and the first goal came on a power play 3 minutes and 27 seconds into the period with assists from Seth Giles and Sean Haltam. His second goal came again at 7:05 when Carson Duggar helped him find the back of the net. Captain Anders Nord fought back and put one last goal up for his team on a power play 2 minutes and 41 seconds later. Corey Schafer had the assist. Babos completed his hat trick 19:06 into the third with an assist from Cam Russell. This was the last goal of the game.

I was able to catch up with Anders Nord, Matt Chamberlain, and Assistant Coach Joren Johnson after the game. I asked Anders how the last goal played out for him and said, "Schafer just walked in and took a shot and I happen to be right there." I also asked what went through his mind after this happened. He said, "Hopefully got the momentum going and we can make a comeback before anything happens." I also talked with Matt and asked him what happened out on the ice as he scored the Maulers' first goal of the night. He replied, "Well I mean I blocked a shot and saw my line mate Tanner Todd go down the ice and I thought to myself that I can't get off, I have to support the puck here, just I need to pull in and have a nice shot and it shot right off the pad right to me so it was one of those easy ones I couldn't miss." Also what went through his mind when this happened? "Probably about time to score, missed my chance last night." The last person I was able to talk with was Joren and I asked him what he thought of the boys' performance. He said, "We've got a lot to learn, we started the game pretty well tonight which we hadn't been doing lately, but we were dumping the puck too much, we're a puck possession team, and we are dumping the puck too much. And when we are dumping it, we're not going and getting it. Just basically giving up the puck too much." I then proceeded to ask how things will change for the Spartans. "We're just going to have to dig deep in practice for the next 2 weeks and get back to what we do. I think we got away from it, panicked a little bit, and we got away from how we play." Thanks Anders, Matt, and Joren for talking with me! The Maulers won't have another game until the 22nd-24th when they will be dueling the Spartans in Southern Oregon. If you can make sure to watch it on FastHockey.com because this will be quite the match up! S.O. Spartan Jason Henry will be facing off against his team as of late last year so it will be exciting to see how the team responds.

Maulers and Mustangs during warm ups

Statistics:

PENALTIES:

Period 1:

 Missoula Maulers - Joey Porco (Head Contact) 2 Minutes, 3:29

 Ogden Mustangs - Tommy Pokorney (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 3:29

 Ogden Mustangs - Jon Mencer (Interference) 2 Minutes, 7:27

 Missoula Maulers - Corey Schafer (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 7:27

 Missoula Maulers - Niko Pukkila (Tripping) 2 Minutes, 12:56

 Ogden Mustangs - Seth Giles (Head Contact) 2 Minutes, 15:16

 Missoula Maulers - Erich Jaeger (Cross Checking) 2 Minutes, 18:35

 Ogden Mustangs - Jon Mencer (Head Contact) 2 Minutes, 18:35

 Ogden Mustangs - Craig Moore (Checking from Behind) 2 Minutes, 19:05

 Ogden Mustangs - David Clements (Cross Checking) 2 Minutes, 19:31

Period 2:

 Ogden Mustangs - Tommy Pokorney (Tripping) 2 Minutes, 7:08

 Missoula Maulers - Derek Griffin (Roughing) 2 Minutes 16:12

Period 3:

 Missoula Maulers - Josh Chamberlain (Cross Checking) 2 Minutes, 0:00

 Missoula Maulers - Corey Schafer (Tripping) 2 Minutes, 0:42

 Missoula Maulers - Corey Schafer (Unsportsmanlike Conduct) 2 Minutes, 0:42

 Ogden Mustangs - Sven Johnson (Too Many Men) 2 Minutes, 4:54

 Ogden Mustangs - Jon Mencer (Head Contact) 2 Minutes, 8:46

 Ogden Mustangs - Jon Mencer (Slashing) 2 Minutes, 13:35

 Ogden Mustangs - Jon Mencer (Unsportsmanlike Conduct) 2 Minutes 13:35

 Ogden Mustangs - Jon Mencer (Unsportsmanlike Conduct)(Misconduct) 10 Minutes, 13:35

 Missoula Maulers - Erich Jaeger (Unsportsmanlike Conduct)(Misconduct) 10 Minutes, 20:00

 Ogden Mustangs - Tommy Pokorney (Unsportsmanlike Conduct)(Misconduct) 10 Minutes, 20:00

 Missoula Maulers - Joey Porco (Head Contact)(Major)5 Minutes, 20:00

 Missoula Maulers - Joey Porco (Head Contact)(Game Misconduct) 10 Minutes, 20:00

SHOTS ON GOAL:

 

Missoula Maulers - 25 total

Ogden Mustangs - 46 total

POWER PLAYS:

Missoula Maulers - 1 for 8

Ogden Mustangs - 1 for 5

GOALTENDERS:

#30 Michael Mcdaniel for Missoula Maulers: 59:16 minutes played, 46 shots on goal 42 saves

#31 Connor Webb for Ogden Mustangs: 60 minutes played, 25 shots on goal 23 saves

ATTENDANCE:

An amazing 1,512 fans!

Maulers conquer Mustangs in OT stunner

Tonight was the night for the boys. First off I would love to congratulate them on their plays tonight. They were outstanding! They fought through every single period, they were filled with passion, shifts were executed amazingly, and most of all they fought as brothers. The boys were hungry for a win and that is exactly what they got. Passes were tape-to-tape, all players were circling and keeping watchful eyes on the puck as well as team mates and the Mustangs players, the checks were bone-rattling but clean, and the core unit was amazingly strong. They really showed their passion and hunger for the game. They were with each other until the very end. Also shout out to tendy Mike McDaniel! He made some incredible saves that, at times, took my breath away. The Maulers played a nice and tight game ending in a 4-3 OT stunner. This may have been one of, if not the best, junior games this writer has ever been to. Great work, I am very proud of this team. They are hard workers and even better hockey players.

Forward #17 Jon Mencer started this scoring for this game. He netted one on a power play 7:09 into the first. The goal was assisted by Jimmy Peplinski and David Clements. This was the last goal scored in the first.

Swedish defenseman Henrik Ekestahl put the Mauleres on board 3 minutes and 7 seconds into the second period. This power play goal was assisted by Billy Bigham and Nikita Sheptytskyy. Niko Pukkila found his own opportunity to score at 4:32. Apples were given to Joey Porco and Mason Jones. Ogden fired back with two goals of their own. One was from the stick of Jimmy Peplinski 4 minutes and 10 seconds later with assists from David Clements and Dusty Watt. Forward #12 Dusy Watt lit the lamp for Ogden at 15:35. This power play goal was assisted by Jimmy Peplinski and David Clements. Fighting back, Derek Griffin put the Maulers back in the fight with a power play goal of his own at 18:24. He had help from Nikita Sheptytskyy and Anders Nord. Griffin's goal was the last of a fiery 2nd period.

There were no goals scored in the third period.

2 minutes and 2 seconds into the overtime, rookie forward Erich Jaeger scored an outstanding goal to lift the Maulers over the Mustangs and send Glacier Ice Rink into a frenzy of excitement. Apples were given to Anders Nord and Derek Griffin.

I chatted with Erich Jaeger, Michael Mcdaniel, and Nikita Sheptyskyy after the game and asked them what went through their heads during the game tonight or what their strategies were. Mike replied, "I just played my game, stuck to my game, and didn't let anything affect me. When they got a goal or scored one, I just let it go and moved on. Nikita responded, "I just played my best and made plays happen." Erich answered, "I had my line mates help for it. I mean they did all the work for me." Thanks boys and it was great to talk with all of you! There is one more game in the series on Saturday the 9th so make sure you don't miss it! There is going to be some great hockey played in this unforgettable game!

The team celebrating after their OT win

Statistics:

PENALTIES:

Period 1:

 Missoula Maulers - Matt Chamberlain (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 6:05

 Missoula Maulers - Corey Schafer (Elbowing) 2 Minutes, 13:59

 Ogden Mustangs - Seth Giles (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 15:05 

 Ogden Mustangs - Anthony Catalina (Tripping) 2 Minutes, 15:57

Period 2:

 Ogden Mustangs - Sean Haltam (Interference) 2 Minutes, 1:26

 Ogden Mustangs - Seth Giles (Hooking) 2 Minutes, 2:17

 Ogden Mustangs - Dusty Watt (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 4:43

 Ogden Mustangs - Tyler Underwood (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 4:43

 Missoula Maulers - Niko Pukkila (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 4:43

 Missoula Maulers - Corey Schafer (Roughing) 2 Minnutes, 4:43

 Ogden Mustangs - David Clements (Holding) 2 Minutes, 5:30

 Missoula Maulers - Erich Jaeger (Head Contact) 2 Minutes, 8:15

 Ogden Mustangs - Jimmy Peplinski (Head Contact) 2 Minutes, 11:23

 Missoula Maulers - Niko Pukkila (Tripping) 2 Minutes, 14:28

 Ogden Mustangs - David Clements (Unsportsmanlike Conduct) 2 Minutes, 15:35

 Ogden Mustangs - Charlie Reed (Interference) 2 Minutes, 18:13

 Ogden Mustangs - Simon Teodorsson (Facemask) 2 Minutes, 19:54

 Missoula Maulers - Max Rebholz (Boarding) 2 Minutes, 19:54

 Missoula Maulers - Josh Chamberlain (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 19:54

 Ogden Mustangs - Seth Giles (Elbowing) 2 Minutes, 19:54

Period 3:

 Missoula Maulers - Corey Schafer (Interference) 2 Minutes, 1:40

 Ogden Mustangs - Jimmy Peplinski (Tripping) 2 Minutes, 2:34

 Missoula Maulers - Erich Jaeger (High Sticking) (Double Minor) 4 Minutes, 4:14

 Missoula Maulers - Max Rebholz (Tripping) 2 Minutes, 9:00

 Missoula Maulers - Tanner Todd (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 17:25

 Ogden Mustangs - Seth Giles (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 17:25

 Ogden Mustangs - Seth Giles (Fighting) (Removal of Equipment) (Major) 5 Minutes, 17:25

 Ogden Mustangs - Seth Giles (Removing Opponents Helmet) (Game Ejection) 10 Minutes, 17:25

 Ogden Mustangs - Seth Giles (Unsportsmanlike Conduct) (Misconduct) 10 Minutes, 17:25

Overtime:

 Ogden Mustangs - George Babos (Unsportsmanlike Conduct) (Misconduct) 10 Minutes, 2:02

 Ogden Mustangs - Craig Moore (Unsportsmanlike Conduct) (Misconduct) 10 Minutes, 2:02

SHOTS ON GOAL:

Missoula Maulers - 38 total

Ogden Mustangs -  39 total

POWER PLAYS:

Missoula Maulers - 3 for 10

Ogden Mustangs - 3 for 8

GOALTENDERS:

#30 Michael Mcdaniel for Missoula Maulers: 62:02 minutes played, 39 shots on goal 36 saves

#35 Tyler Fallica for Ogden Mustangs: 62:02 minutes played, 38 shots on goal 34 saves

Great promise shown throughout Game 1

Last night marked the first game of a 3 game series on home ice here at the Glacier Ice Rink against the Ogden Mustangs. First off I would just like to say that I saw a power and intensity in these boys that I have not seen in quite awhile. The physical play out on the ice went from minor in the first period to you could have cut the tension with a knife in the last minutes of the third. I thought the team had great stick handling, puck control, and passes. These three games are going to very physical, very intense, and incredibly aggressive. I was proud of the boys because they stuck together through thick and thin and they stood up for each other when it was needed. Even though it was a 3-1 final in favor of Ogden, the Maulers showed them that they would never back down to a challenge they faced. Instead, they will put all of their effort out on the ice and make a battle out of it. This will be a series that no one will forget.

Schuyler Seyfert started the scoring for the game as he put one up for Ogden 4:40 into the first. He was assisted by Swedish forward Simon Teodorsson. This was the first and last goal scored in the first period.

After coming out of a very physically demanding first period, the Mustangs lit the lamp again but this time from the blade of forward Sean Haltam. He had help from Tyler Underwood and Dusty Watt 15:42. Finding a hole in Connor Webb's defense, Austin "Auzzie" Auzzinnaro put the Maulers on the board with a power play goal 24 seconds later with help from rookie forward Erich Jaeger. This goal ended the scoring for the 2nd period.

Stockholm native and forward #47 Martin Hallin scored the last goal of the game 14 minutes and 8 seconds into the third period. This power play goal was assisted by fellow Swedes Simon Teodorsson and Stockholm native defenseman #2 George Babos. 

I was able to talk with Ausin Auzzinnaro and Corey Schafer briefly after the game. I asked Auzzie what he thought of the outcome of the game and what he will do differently for the next game. He responded, "I think the outcome of the game was a bad one we had our ups but we had downs as well. I didn't play so hot this game and I had a lot of mental and physical mistakes that shouldn't have happened. I am ready to bounce back tomorrow and give it my all for the guys. Need to find a better way to get ready for big games when I have school that day. I just want a win." I then asked Schafer for a quick quote and he responded, "Disappointing, we need everyone play at their best, every game." Hopefully we will see more of Corey's physical side in Game 2. Thanks boys and best of luck to both of you, as well as the whole team. The Maulers will face off against the Mustangs again on the 8th and 9th. The play will be fierce so don't miss any minute of the action!

Maulers during warm ups

Statistics:

PENALTIES:

 Period 1:

Missoula Maulers - Corey Schafer (Boarding) 2 Minutes, 9:37

Ogden Mustangs - Seth Giles (Slashing) 2 Minutes, 11:25

Missoula Maulers - Derek Griffin (Interference) 2 Minutes, 11:25

Missoula Maulers - Matt Chamberlain (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 15:18

Ogden Mustangs - Dusty Watt (Hooking) 2 Minutes, 15:22

 Period 2:

Ogden Mustangs - Sean Haltam (Elbowing) 2 Minutes, 3:42

Ogden Mustangs - Seth Giles (Boarding) 2 Minutes, 9:36

Ogden Mustangs - Tyler Underwood (Interference) 2 Minutes, 16:03

Ogden Mustangs - Sean Haltam (Slashing) 2 Minutes, 16:03

Missoula Maulers - Tanner Todd (Holding) 2 Minutes, 16:03

 Period 3:

Ogden Mustangs - Carson Duggar (Tripping) 2 Minutes, 3:16

Missoula Maulers - Tanner Todd (Tripping) 2 Minutes, 13:17

Ogden Mustangs - Jon Mencer (Slashing) 2 Minutes, 14:45

Ogden Mustangs - Dusty Watt (Slashing) 2 Minutes, 18:05

Missoula Maulers - Matt Chamberlain (Slashing) 2 Minutes, 18:05

SHOTS ON GOAL:

Missoula Maulers - 30 total

Ogden Mustangs - 32 total

POWER PLAYS:

Missoula Maulers - 1 for 6

Ogden Mustangs - 1 for 3

GOALTENDERS:

#31 Cody Janzen for Missoula Maulers: 60 minutes played, 32 shots on goal 29 saves

#31`Connor Webb for Ogden Mustangs: 60 minutes played, 30 shots on goal 29 saves

Maulers fight through clincher in Phoenix

Yesterday marked the end of a 3 game series against the Phoenix Knights and the Maulers definitely ended it with a bang. The boys were great out there especially the defenseman. They were working extremely hard on their shifts and cooperated well to get things completed. Also I would like to recognize 3 specific players that I thought performed extremely well this weekend. These three players would be Josh Chamberlain, Max Rebholz, and Nikita Sheptytskyy. They all recorded 2 or more points and helped the team out in dire situations so props to each of you. All in all the whole team did an exceptional job at handling the puck well, communicating with each other to get the job done, and carrying plays out so that they could be executed correctly.We can't forget about our goalie, Mr. Cody Janzen, either. Coming fresh off the IR list, Janzen denied the Knights 87 potential goals. This game went into overtime as well and they fought through every minute of it. Pat yourselves on the back boys because you put up a heck of a fight.

Josh Chamberlain started the scoring for this game in the Maulers' favor. With an assist from Max Rebholz, Chamberlain put the Maulers on the board 9:23 into the first. This also was the last goal scored in the first period.

The second period came around and so did 2 Phoenix goals. Shane Fitzpatrick gave the Knights 1 goal at 16:08 with help from David Hornak and Brynton Macnab. Max Mahood decided to claim a point for himself at 18:58. Assists went to Jordan Cullum and Kelby Minshull.

Veteran forward Corey Schafer dominated the third period by beating Knights tendy Alex Taylor and sending the game out of regulation and into yet another overtime. He recorded his point 7 minutes into the last period. Max Rebholz and Josh Chamberlain helped in the process.

With the second overtime of the weekend, the final goal of the series was scored 57 seconds into the extra period. It came from the stick of Phoenix Knights veteran forward Max Mahood. Captain Kelby Minshull assisted Mahood.

Before I end this I had a quick 2 question interview with Cody Janzen after the game. I asked if it was difficult to come off the Injured Reserve list so fast and directly into the game and he replied, "Well I felt like I came back way faster than expected but I got the feel of the puck right away so I was able to build from there." Lastly I asked if he was happy with his performance this weekend to which he responded, "Our performance this week improved from Friday as a team. I was satisfied with my play for the most part. You always want to get the win as a player and back to back overtime losses doesn't feel good right now but it's something we will be able to work on and improve for Ogden Thursday!" Thank you Cody, it is always great to interview you as well as get a goaltenders perspective on the game! The boys will fly back to the Zoo early this morning and it will be good to have them back on home ice. The Ogden Mustangs come to town this Thursday to take on the Maulers in a 3 game series as well.

The smiling faces of Pollon, Jones, J. Chamberlain, Hartzell, Mcdaniel, Buford, Griffin, and Porco
at In-n-Out Burger for a post game meal in Chandler, Arizona

Statistics:

PENALTIES:
 Period 1:
No Penalties were given
 Period 2:
No Penalties were given
 Period 3:
Phoenix Knights - Nick Kujawa (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 8:40
Missoula Maulers - Niko Pukkila (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 8:40
 OT:
No Penalties were given

SHOTS ON GOAL:

Missoula Maulers - 30 total
Phoenix Knights - 47 total

POWERPLAYS:

Missoula Maulers - 0 for 0
Phoenix Knights - 0 for 0

GOALTENDERS:

#31 Cody Janzen for Missoula Maulers: 60:57 minutes played, 47 shots on goal 44 saves

#30 Alex Taylor for Phoenix Knights: 60:57 minutes played, 30 shots on goal 28 saves

Game two in Arizona winds up in Overtime

The second day in Phoenix brought a game full of suspense and aggression. Players from both teams were eager to get back out on the ice and play through some amazing shifts. Coming out of last night's game, the Maulers were prepared for anything and definitely ready to attack. Veteran tendy Cody Janzen was released from the Injured Reserve list after suffering a pretty nasty concussion received in the preseason and was placed in the cage. Missoula's captain Anders Nord found the back of the net 12:50 in the first period on the power play and started the game off on the right foot for the team. He had assists from Austin Auzzinnaro and Nikita Sheptytskyy.

Getting back on the ice for the second period, Sheptytskyy beat goaltender David Deadman for his 3rd goal of the season at 6:48. Nikita was assisted by forward Tanner Todd. Seeing that they were under from 2 unanswered goals,  assistant captain for the Knights, Max Mahood lit the lamp 1 minute and 29 seconds later with an apple for #11 forward Robert Smith. Being the huge offensive force that he is, Nikita ripped the biscuit into the back of the net at 18:29 once again to lift the Maulers up by 2 points and end the scoring for the second period.

Down by two, the Knights switched goaltenders and retaliated by scoring two goals of their own in the third period. Forward #9 Jordan Kaspick racked up a point 15 minutes and 7 seconds into the period with assists from Robert Crisci and Colin Bresnehan. Following Kaspick, Slovakian forward David Hornak scored 37 seconds later with help from Tanner Branch and Kelly Minshull. This was the last goal in regulation.

Up next was overtime. 4 minutes and 52 seconds into the OT, Jordan Collum ended the game with a goal assisted by Tanner Branch and Kelly Minshull. Tension was high out there on the ice tonight and The Maulers coped very well with it. I can't wait to see what the squad brings next. They fought as one and it definitely showed. There was a certain flow between the players that produced great plays, strong shifts, and high morale. Game #3 will be awesome to watch because tension as well as aggression levels have risen exponentially so we could see some mitts dropped. Hopefully we will get to see beast goaltender Sebastian Gronborg in the net tomorrow night as well. Good luck boys!

OT ladies and gentlemen!

Statistics:

PENALTIES:

  Period 1:

Missoula Maulers - Niko Pukkila (Tripping) 2 Minutes, 6:50

Phoenix Knights - Brennan Johnsson (Hooking) 2 Minutes, 11:15

 Period 2:

Missoula Maulers - Erik Hartzell (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 3:37

Phoenix Knights - Ryan McNeely (Tripping) 2 Minutes, 11:21

Missoula Maulers - Erich Jaeger (Cross Checking) 2 Minutes, 12:17

Missoula Maulers - Austin Auzzinnaro (Holding) 2 Minutes, 18:36

Phoenix Knights - Jordan Cullum (Cross Checking) 2 Minutes, 18:36

 Period 3:

Phoenix Knights - Tanner Branch (Boarding) 2 Minutes, 3:30

Phoenix Knights - Tanner Branch (Boarding) (Misconduct) 10 Minutes, 5:30

Missoula Maulers - Craig Buford (Holding) 2 Minutes, 8:56

Phoenix Knights - Tanner Branch (Hooking) 2 Minutes, 16:27

 OT:
No Penalties given

SHOTS ON GOAL:

Missoula Maulers - 22 total

Phoenix Knights - 47 total

POWERPLAYS:

Missoula Maulers - 1 for 5

Phoenix Knights - 0 for 3

GOALTENDERS:

#31 Cody Janzen for Missoula Maulers: 64:52 minutes played, 47 shots on goal 43 saves

#35 David Deadman for Phoenix Knights: 38:29 minutes played, 13 shots on goal 10 saves

#30 Alex Taylor for Phoenix Knights: 26:23 minutes played, 9 shots on goal 9 saves

Maulers battle the Knights on Arizona ice

 The Missoula Maulers arrived in Arizona for the first series of 3 away games against the Phoenix Knights in their inaugural WSHL (Western States Hockey League) season. They arrived in Phoenix on November 1st, prepared for some great hockey. Goaltender Michael McDaniel was in the cage and was one of the keys to their defensive power. Knights captain and defenseman Kelby Minshull struck first blood 15:26 into the first period with an assist from forward #22 Jordan Cullum. The Maulers were quick to react when rookie forward Mason Jones lit the lamp for his first point of the season 1 minute and 38 seconds later. He had assists from Ukrainian forward Nikita Sheptytskyy and #17 Josh Ingram-Rehm.

After the intermission Phoenix players Max Mahood (14:59 unassisted) and assistant captain Robert Crisci (15:46 with assists from Brynton Macnab and Collin Bresnehan) both found the back of the net in the second. Then heading into the third, the last goal of the game was scored by Trent Boschman of the Phoenix Knights 6:05 into the period with help from Jordan Cullum and Kelby Minshull.
     
The final score of the game came out to be 4-1 won by the Knights. Even though the Maulers did not record a win this game, they fought incredibly hard! They had strong determination and a rock-solid core unit. The puck was handled well and passes between team mates were executed with ease. The second game of the series was on November 2nd, which was today, so that blog will be quick to follow!

Faceoff in Phoenix, beginning of game 1

Statistics:

PENALTIES:

 Period 1:

Missoula Maulers - Tanner Todd (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 9:50

 Period 2:

Phoenix Knights - Shane Fitzpatrick (Holding) 2 Minutes, 4:19

Missoula Maulers - Max Rebholz (Interference) 2 Minutes, 9:34

Phoenix Knights - Ryan McNeely (Tripping) 2 Minutes, 16:51

Missoula Maulers - Austin Auzzinnarro (Crossing Red Line) 2 Minutes 17:11

Phoenix Knights - Colin Bresnehan (High Sticking) 2 Minutes, 18:33

 Period 3:

Missoula Maulers - Niko Pukkila (Roughing) 2 Minutes, 5:19

Phoenix Knights - Tanner Branch (Hooking) 2 Minutes, 7:01

SHOTS ON GOAL:

Missoula Maulers - 25 total

Phoenix Knights - 46 total

POWERPLAYS:

Missoula Maulers - 0 for 5

Phoenix Knights - 1 for 3

GOALTENDERS:

#30 Michael McDaniel for Missoula: 60 minutes played, 46 shots on goal 42 saves

#33 Troy Anderson for Phoenix: 60 minutes played, 25 shots on goal 24 saves

Introduction

   Welcome to the first article of Maulers Recapped! On this blog, you will be able to follow the Missoula Maulers throughout their seasons with exclusive interviews from the players, game highlights, statistics, and much more. Experience the world of a Junior A hockey team one post at a time!

- Sophia H. (Rauvola) Etier

Founder/Chief Editor/Writer for Maulers Recapped