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