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