Salt Lake City Puts Missoula to the Test

As the boys arrive in Salt Lake City to face off against league giants, the Salt Lake City Moose in their first initial match up, they are pushed to their limits fighting for a playoff chance. I know all of Missoula's 65,000 residents would love to see the boys in a playoff run, as would I, but if they are going to make they have to step it up. I know that they want to win games and they want to make it in the playoffs and they want to win it all, but if they want to achieve that dream these very talented boys better kick into high gear. I am good friends with some of these guys and I desperately want to see them (all of them) succeed to the very end. They are going to have to play much more aggressive, bulk up their offensive game, bulk up their defenseman, and ultimately fight as one team. I do have to compliment them though on their perseverance and drive to continue moving forward through some very difficult situations. They have stuck together as a tight group through the drought and came out even stronger. I am very proud of all of them for their growth throughout the season and the families they have created during their current time in the Zoo. If you ever feel down about the losses boys think about what you have accomplished up to this point. You guys have fought from last place to 4th, keeping climbing the ladder, every one has my support!

The Moose struck first at 14:46 in the first period when #21 Adam Kresl was fed the puck from the stick of #22 Hank Parra and #6 Martin Tolkner. At 19:43, SLC went up 2-0 with a beauty goal from Martin Tolkner. Assists were given to #8 Tommy Breitfuss and #7 Viktors Ponatovskis to end the first period.

#2 Pat Dwyer scored an unassisted goal at 14:26 into the second to make it 3-0 in favor of the host team. Quickly finding a flaw, veteran Corey Schafer was able to score on a power play at 19:09 with help from Joey Porco to get the Maulers on the board. 

Adam Kresl started off the scoring in the third period as well with a geno at 2:11. Apples were given to #14 Matthew Morse and #5 David Barnes. Joey Sundgren ripped one into the Moose's net at 2:54 for a quick response. Corey Schafer assisted him on that play. The last goal of the game was scored at 19:30 by Martin Tolkner on an empty net unassisted.

There will be the second game on the 18th and the third on the 19th, with the last one scheduled for 12:05 pm. Then, the team will head down to Valencia, California to take on the Flyers on the 24th-26th. Keep strong!!

Statistics:

PENALTIES:

Period 1:

Salt Lake City - Pat Dwyer (Hooking) 2 Minutes, 8:00

Period 2:

Salt Lake City - Hank Parra (Interference) 2 Minutes, 11:07

Salt Lake City - Matthew Morse (Interference) 2 Minutes, 16:14

Salt Lake City - David Barnes (Slashing) 2 Minutes, 18:52

Missoula Maulers - Joey Porco (Slashing) 2 Minutes, 19:29

Period 3:

No Penalties

SHOTS ON GOAL:

Missoula Maulers - 35 total

Salt Lake City Moose - 27 total

POWER PLAYS:

Missoula Maulers - 1 for 4

Salt Lake City Moose - 0 for 1

GOALTENDERS:

#30 Michael Mcdaniel for Missoula Maulers: 58:54 Minutes played, 26 shots on goal 22 saves

#31 Brad Robertson for Salt Lake City Moose: 60 Minutes played, 35 shots on goal 33 saves