THE

UPPER VALLEY HOCKEY LEAGUE

Gamblers
Nordiques
1st
0
2
2rd
2
2
3rd
3
1
FINAL
5
5
Shots
33
33
November 24th, 2009 - 6:30PM
Union Arena - Woodstock, VT
Pre-Game
Recap
Box Score
Discussion
Game ID: 601

Gamblers continue UVHL dominance

Another battle between Whalen Cup contenders went right down to the wire yet again. The Gamblers have not had a loss in 6 games so far this season, and sit undefeated atop the standings with Tuck and the Nords in pursuit. The Nords had this one under control until they gave up 3 unanswered goals to start the third period, and then it went to an extended shootout with 7 players per side getting an opportunity to be a hero for the extra point and the win.

The Nords struck first against substitute goaltender Pete Bartline on loan from the Brewers in the net for an injured Jered Condon who tweaked his knee last week during action against the very same Brewers. Kelly Park solved Bartline and let him know it at 11:14 assisted by centerman Jordan McGee to put the Nords up first on the scoreboard. Nords speedy winger Alex Brands stole a puck in deep late in the first netting an unassisted goal with 2:35 to go to make it 2-0 Nords. Ian Coates headed to the Nords box for hooking at 2:00 in the only penalty of the game and the Nords PK kept the Gamblers off the scoresheet, but it was truly Turner%u2019s incredible sprawling glove save that robbed the Gamblers of almost a sure goal from in tight. Gamblers captain Will Meyer was late for the game and entered the rink to see his team already down 1-0, but his team was solid in his absence and showed that they can hang with the Nords without their superstar.

In the second the teams traded two goals apiece while fighting hard for loose pucks and offensive chances. There were several non-calls as the two refs let it go evenly, and there was nothing over the top that put any players at risk. Meyer scored the first goal of the second from defenseman Jason Young quickly pouncing on a rebound at 11:44. Brands potted his second unassisted goal of the game at 9:32 to give the Nords a 2 goal lead once again. Both goalies were tested, and both came up big with key saves to keep the score low. The Gamblers pulled close with another goal at 8:29 as power forward Matt Marrazzo benefited from a Marc Gattie point shot whose rebound came right to Marrazzo who made no mistake at 8:29 hammering it past a shocked Turner. With the lines mixed-up and the Nords going with two centers, a new connection was made for a goal as Jim Kerrigan put one past Bartline at 3:37 fed by McGee and winger Poli Nightingale.

The Nords seemed to have control heading into the third, up 4-2, playing well, and playing to win. Unfortunately, they then started to play not to lose, and they gave up three unanswered goals in a row to a Gamblers squad that took charge of the game proving why they are undefeated so far this season. Tyson Seely was fed for a breakaway on the first shift of the third as Ruben Lyons caught a loose puck in his own end and saw Seely immediately take off outside the zone. Nords D Kelly Park had cheated in to get a pass and let Seely get in behind him. McDermott gave chase from the other side of the ice but the angle was too perfect for Seely to go in alone, and he snuk one past Tuner at 14:11 and made the Nords pay for the mistake. Suddenly the mood changed, and it was a one goal game. The Nords lost a fight for the puck on the half-boards to the left of Turner and the shot was tipped over his shoulder by Allison Malcolm in front as Nords D Drew Crapser was rubbing her back, stroking her hair, and making sure she was comfortable parked at the top of the crease. Malcom%u2019s goal was at 10:38 from defenseman Mike Harrington who won the battle on the boards and allowed the Gamblers to tie the game. The Nords looked nauseous. Then they played like they were sick. Malcolm fed Dan Ammel in the neutral zone who crossed into the Nords zone with the puck, and as soon as McDermott stepped up Ammel let loose a quick screen shot that fooled Turner and suddenly the Gamblers were up by one. McDermott felt a bubble of bleu cheese well up from the depths of his stomach. He wasn%u2019t sure if that was entirely bad, but it was accompanied by a nauseous feeling as the game started to slip away. Pissed that the goal came on his watch McDermott got open and took a perfect D-to-D pass from Park and streaked up the right side of the ice, beating two Gamblers defenders and found McGee trailing the play making a perfect pass to McGee for the game tying goal with 5:07 to play. Both tenders turned away late chances but this game was destined for OT in a shootout.

SHOOTOUT:
Nords Gamblers

McGee %u2013 goal Marrazzo %u2013 save

Brands %u2013 save Meyer %u2013 save

Coates %u2013 save Ammel %u2013 goal

Park %u2013 save Seely %u2013 save

O%u2019Neil %u2013 save Lyons %u2013 save

Marsh %u2013 save Gattie %u2013 save

Crapser %u2013 missed the net Drew %u2013 goal

McGee scored first to put the Nords in charge, but Ammel extended the shootout by scoring on the third shootout attempt on a shot that beat Turner to the glove side. Drew%u2019s GWG came as he came down the left side, cut across, and just got it over Turner%u2019s left pad.

Final Score: Gamblers win 6-5 in shootout

Final Analysis: The Nords lost this one, plain and simple. Yes, the Gamblers came back, but it was the Nords that opened the door for them. The Nords should feel lucky to leave with a point after blowing chunks the entire third period. Why Kelly Park did not send super sniper Roger Phillips into the shootout is a total mystery to me%u2026 Why Greg Marsh went in on his weak side for his shootout attempt is also a mystery. Why Park sent Crapser in there to miss the net proved his parents tried to drown him as an infant and he is suffering from brain damage secondary to anoxia. The Gamblers deserve credit for battling back, and have proven that they are the real deal and are the team to beat this season. Both goalies played great in this one, but the Nords let Turner down once again, and if they don%u2019t play better in the third period they%u2019ll be playing for 5th place in April.

Final Tally: Check out the Boxscores section and don%u2019t forget to vote for the Long Trail UVHL Player of the Week. The winner gets a FREE case of beer thanks to Long Trail CEO Brian Walsh!

LEAGUE PICK 'EM
 67%
Gamblers
33% 
Nordiques
9 PICKS
THREE STARS

Robert Ammel

GOALS: 1
POINTS: 1

Jordan McGee

GOALS: 1
POINTS: 3

Brendan Drew

GOALS: 0
POINTS: 0

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