THE

UPPER VALLEY HOCKEY LEAGUE

Nordiques
Brewers
1st
1
1
2rd
1
2
3rd
0
2
FINAL
2
5
Shots
30
33
December 8th, 2009 - 7:55PM
Union Arena - Woodstock, VT
Pre-Game
Recap
Box Score
Discussion
Game ID: 608

Brewers continue dominance over Nords

FYI: I am trying a new format for the game write-ups and will omit recounting every goal, assist and penalty in consecutive order since you can easily see that in the boxscores section. I will primarily focus on game highlights and analysis in the body of the report, and will continue with my trademark Final Score, Final Analysis, and Final Tally at the conclusion.

Are the Nords the Brewers' bitch? It seems that way after a 3-0 spanking and a convincing 5-2 win (including an empty netter). Or are the Nords just matched up poorly against the Brewers in particular? From my foggy memory no team has beaten the Nords in consecutive match-ups since the Storm Kings last season. I'll tell you one thing, it isn't a fluke, and the Brewers are the hottest team in the league right now, but it doesn't mean that the Nords didn't show up either.

The Brewers have learned how to play a great team game against the Nords, and it has worked well the past two games. These squads match up well in all three positions: goal, defense, and forwards. Thus, it usually comes down to hard work, a defensive mistake, and a bounce here or there. It was no different in this contest, and the Nords broke down for two quick goals by the Brewers in 6 seconds and that was it. I don't recall either goaltender making spectacular saves, they were just both solid and had really good fundamentals all game. Bayley's goal just snuk between JT's legs, and Turner got a good piece of the 6 foot slapper from the slot, and Johnson's goal was on a loose puck in front that he put in off the post after being left uncovered at the side of the net with Nords forwards looking on.

The best play of the night was Marshy's diving play to keep the puck in the Brewer's zone, and he swiped at it hooking the puck to Brands for the goal on the surprised Bartline. In the middle of the third there was a UVHL first: Matt Crowson, who is traditionally a goaltender and started the season very capably in the Brewers' net before Bartline's return, playing on the wing scored his FIRST EVER GOAL AS A PLAYER! Congrats, Matt! Way to go! The empty netter was on a good play by Smith as he forced Park to try and pinch to keep the puck in on offense while the Nords pulled Turner for a 6th skater. Smith chipped it out past Park and had the angle the whole way down the right side, didn't shoot it from the redline like a douchebag, and got into the Nords zone before putting it in the empty net while getting pressure from Park.

Final Score: Brewers 5, Nords 2 (incl. empty netter)

Final Analysis: The Nords played very well in both of the past two games against the Brewers, but the Brewers played just a little bit better and, taking nothing away from the Brewers, they earned both wins. The Brewers are using smart stretch plays to move the puck up the ice, and are retreiving most of the pucks in their own end and are transitioning well thereby forcing the opposing D to have to back off to cover their forward hanging high. The Nords were using good breakout plays, and were penetrating into the Brewers zone well advancing up the ice with a different strategy going East-West rather than South-North. Both squads had plenty of good chances, and there were many great defensive plays in both ends to go along with good saves. All the penalties were obstruction calls, and this was a clean game with very little garbage. If a fan was watching either game they would have been entertained watching some really good hockey. Thankfully that is the status quo in the UVHL: show up and be ready to play a competitive hockey game.

Final Tally: Check out the Boxscores section for the stats, eh! Don't forget to vote for the UVHL Long Trail Player of the Week. The winner gets to pick up a FREE case of beer at Long Trail Brewery thanks to super CEO (and former Notre Dame superstar and UVHL Brewer) Brian Walsh!
LEAGUE PICK 'EM
 55%
Nordiques
45% 
Brewers
11 PICKS
THREE STARS

Matthew Crowson