Bucs advance to Clark Cup finals
Summary: Des Moines, IA (4/10/99): A loud, standing room only crowd was treated to great hockey as the Bucs defeated the Stars 4 to 2 to advance to the final round of the Clark Cup playoffs. The Bucs will face the Omaha Lancers later this week, with dates and times to be announced Monday.
The Bucs came out strong, killed off a 5 on 3, then Pete Fregoe scored a shorthanded goal to lead 1-0 at the end of period 1. Mark Krueger tipped in a perfect pass from Fregoe and the Bucs led 2-1 at the end of period 2. Kelly Miller made it a 3-1 game before Lincoln scored to make it 3-2 with 7 minutes left. The play was fast and furious as Matt Carney came up big when needed. Peter Sejna score the empty-netter with 1 second left to the delight of the Buc fans.
Fregoe (SH) (Krueger), Krueger (Fregoe, Jackson), Miller (Sejna), and Sejna (EN) (Novak) scored for the Bucs.
Rantings
It was the fifth game of the series and the last game; the deciding factor as to who would go on to play Omaha for the Clark Cup. Our fans were ready to carry along the Bucs should they need help, but Lincoln was ready too. For several sections were full of almost all Star fans who had made the trip. There were so many Lincoln fans that they were littering the road to the arena, actually stopping in the middle of the road and sitting there letting one another out. The arena was packed, with people spilling everywhere and very little space. It was good to see.
First Period
Stars fans were doing there utmost to cheer on their team and drown out everything else, but everytime they began to cheer our fans would respond with our cheer and completely stifle them. It was amazing to hear our fans get so loud, the loudest they’ve been all year. We got our first penalty at 10:50 when Krueger went for highsticking. However the Bucs were amazing during this period. Birrenkott taking the body in front of the net and Clarke aptly dumping the puck out. With the way we were playing at that point it would be hard for Lincoln to beat us. However, that penalty wasn’t over, because Stafford got a cross checking penalty when he took a guy down in front of the net. So for 59 seconds we were down two men. Smrek was fired up for this one and did some great effort on the penalty kill. We even scored a short handed goal during this time from Pete Fregoe. This goal was just beautiful! Fregoe skated down, completely stoned Russell and then shot it into the net at the last minute (assist to Mark Krueger). The players were getting feisty and as we saw in the game on Wednesday night Russell was starting to lose his cool. With about six minutes left he took down Nick Field and just punched him to the ice as the two met behind the net. Russell got called as a result of this. This wasn’t the end of some of the rough stuff. Not long after this #33 was skating down with Larranaga and in a display of brute force (actually just to get rid of the pest) Larranaga dumped the kid over his shoulders and to the ice. Oh the fans loved this! Erik Jensen went down after this and though I didn’t see it he had definitely gotten hurt. He was eventually helped up and back to the bench. Saves: Des Moines 7 – Lincoln 9.
Second Period
Let me tell you, this was the most excited I’ve been for a long time. When I yell into my recorder I know I’ve gotten excited, because normally it’s just very, very flat. At 17:47 of the second period we got our second goal, this too was a gorgeous goal. It was a one-timer of phenomenal attitude that Krueger blasted home (assist to Fregoe and Jackson). Donnette had been in a fighting mood during the second period. He got a double-minor for roughing when he sent a guy to the ice, I’m guessing there was blood with this. The guy had to sprawl on the ice and the have a little white towel brought to him. This power play for Lincoln didn’t do them much good. Fregoe was able to get a shot off on net all by himself. That boy was flying last night, he was definitely working his butt off, must be over the flu for sure now! With 11:25 left in the period, right off the face off, Dan Donnette dropped his gloves with #23 and the two went at it. With the onset of the fists it was beginning to get clear that Donnette had the kid beat. #23 found himself with his back to the glass, his face pounded on and then dropped to the ice under Danny. #28 got the Stars their first goal with 5:23 to go, but it wasn’t important (assist to 17). Our fans weren’t as loud and the Bucs weren’t as fired up, but we didn’t have much time before the end of the period. Saves: Des Moines 9 – Lincoln 8.
Third Period
3:28 into the start of the third Kelly Miller got our third goal (assist to Peter Sejna). The way the Bucs seemed to be playing it seemed logical to expect the Bucs to win. Russell began to get chanted on by our fans and the Lincoln fans responded with chants of their own. I didn’t have a whole lot to talk about in this period. Mostly because I was getting tired (all that energy from the first two periods wore me out!) and also because I was anxious to get the game over with while we were still ahead. One of the most interesting things that happened during this period was the idiot who ran down the stairs with a glass of beer, only to trip and spill it all over then turn around and run back up the stairs. I still have yet to figure out what he thought he was doing. When Lincoln got another goal with 7:04 left to go in the period the Lincoln fans began to get more life into them and the game changed a little bit. If they scored again we’d probably go into overtime, so just to make it a safe game we’d have to get another goal to put some distance between us. But this goal didn’t come until there was just 6 seconds left in the period. The fans within the last few minutes were getting back into the game. Lincoln took a time-out to discuss loss-prevention. This last goal by us would give us 4 goals for the win and it came from Sejna, he had to put it into the empty net a little fancy by skating it around the net first, Gretzky-like. So we won the game, but it was a hard fought series and well worth all five games to watch such a great game last night. Thanks Lincoln, I look forward to playing you guys again! Saves: Des Moines 13 – Lincoln 6. Total Saves: Des Moines 29 – Lincoln 23
Written by Sarah Bendy
OT thriller ends in 5 - 4 loss
Summary: Lincoln, NE (4/9/99): Noah Clarke scored with two minutes remaining to tie the score at 4 each and send the game into overtime. The Bucs found themselves down by two goals at the start of the second period and battled back in the second period to take a 3 to 2 lead. Lincoln came back to take the lead before Noah's late goal.
The Bucs looked to have the momentum in the overtime period, but at 8:56, former Buccaneer Eric Maksimenko set up Jake Wiegand who scored to win the game. Matt Carney was outstanding in goal and had 45 saves in regulation play. The Bucs were outshot, but still got 41 on goal.
Clarke (Fregoe, Jackson), Krueger (Birrenkott, Field), Krueger (unassisted) and Clarke (Smrek) scored for the Bucs.
Rantings
I know not all of you are guilty - I got many e-mail's agreeing with me and apologizing for the guilty and NONE defending the practice. Maybe those that yell "Stars!" during the national anthem don't have computers or can't defend their disrespectful practice.
On to the game... the pressure is on Lincoln because if they lose, the series is over for them. In fact, they have to win both remaining games. On the other hand, they are at home and the Bucs are down some key players. The Bucs would be without the services of Matt Shasby (sprained shoulder), KC Caudill (flu), Jerrid Reinholz (mouth injury) and Garrett Stafford (slight concussion). However, Rob Novak and Wade Chiodo are back giving us some help.
First Period
Wow, did the Buccaneers come to play! The Bucs got several quality shots on the first shift and the rough stuff began almost at once. It appeared that the ref was not going to call anything. Around the 6 minute mark the Stars really started putting on the pressure and Matt Carney had to really come up big - several of them. Josh Roach also had a great chance as he put a nifty move on Russell. After Roach's shot Lincoln was called for a penalty and the Bucs wasted no time with Jensen and Fregoe teaming up for a quality shot. Their was a tense moment when Brendon Hodge of Lincoln got a shorthanded chance, but Carney said, "no way!".
At 11:35, Chris Lieckfield scored for the Stars right after the penalty was killed off. Eric Maksimenko, the former Buc standout, came right back a minute later with some big pressure and assisted in another goal to make it 2 to 0. With one minute to go in the period, the Bucs were whistled for hooking, and Lincoln had their first power play of the night. Time expired, with Matt Carney coming up with 13 saves and Wayne Russell having 11 saves for the period.
Second Period
The Stars had a one minute power play at the start of the period, but it was Pete Fregoe who got a shot on goal first, and the Bucs killed off the penalty easily. I had no sooner breathed a sigh of relief when the Bucs were called again for another penalty. The Stars breathed a sigh of relief as Wayne Russell got up from the ice after being down and writhing in pain after a tussle around the net. The Bucs wasted no time in scoring their first goal as Jim Jackson and Pete Fregoe assisted Noah Clarke at 6:24. It was a perfect pass from Fregoe and Russell did not have a chance. Erik Jensen and Michael Chin were really working hard and the momentum began to change. It was just a matter of time. At 10:42 Mark Krueger tied the game at two goals apiece after Nick Field had a breakaway and narrowly missed. The assists went to Bill Birrenkott and Nick Field. Less than a minute after the goal the Bucs went down a man for the third time. The Stars were promptly called for a penalty and both sides skated with four skaters for 34 seconds, then the Bucs had a power play. The Stars were able to kill it off after tremendous pressure by the Bucs, but gave the Bucs another power play less than a minute later.
At 18:17, the Bucs would take a 3 to 2 lead when Mark Krueger beat Russell from close range. The goal was the result of a great rush by Nick Field. With less than a minute left, several penalties were called, with the Stars ending up with a man advantage. The period ended with Carney coming with 18 saves and Russell with 13. After the period had ended, there was some jawing and pushing and Fregoe picked up a slashing penalty and Russell got a roughing penalty. What a period! I wish the Bucs wouldn't wait for the second period to crank things up.
Third Period
Eric Maksimenko got a good shot on goal right away, then Peter Sejna did the same. The play was fast and furious. Two minutes into the period, Lincoln tied the game on a strange shot as it looked like Carney had it well covered. Somehow the puck slipped between his leg and the post.
The Bucs came back with shots from Mark Krueger and Noah Clarke. Both sides traded shots, but the Bucs seemed to have more hustle. Halfway throught the period, Pete Fregoe was on his way to a breakaway when he was pulled down, drawing a penalty. The Bucs were not able to do much at all, in fact, Lincoln got a short-handed shot that Carney stopped.
At 14:47, the puck was dumped in, hit the glass, bounced funny and Ed Cassin scored for Lincoln to take a 4 to 3 lead. The Bucs had 5 minutes left to score or we would have to settle this in Des Moines Saturday night. Pete Fregoe had a great shot that almost tied it at the 2 minute mark but was robbed. Noah Clarke was dumped after the shot which should have drawn a penalty, but the ref was not about to call a penalty this late in the game.
Noah Clarke got even on the next face off as he skated in across the blue line and let loose a quick wrist shot that beat Russell cleanly. Peter Smrek picked up the assist. The game was tied and despite a desperate attempt by both teams to end the game in regulation play, we were going into overtime. Russell had 13 saves and Carney had 14 saves for the period.
Overtime
Pete Fregoe took the draw, and we were into the sudden-death overtime. Pete was also the first to get a shot on goal. It looked as if the Bucs were not going to play conservatively but were going all out for the win. After 5 minutes of play, things started to even up as both sides traded shots. Kelly Miller and Wade Chiodo both got quality shots that would have ended the game had not Russell been playing so well. In fact, both goalies were putting on clinics.
At 8:56, Erik Maksimenko, who was all over the ice, set up Jake Wiegand who scored to send the series back to Des Moines for a winner take all game.
Written by Steve Bendy
Carney sparks 6-2 Buc victory
Summary: Des Moines, IA (4/7/99): The Buccaneers found themselves down 2 to 1 halfway through the second period, and needed to do something to get some momentum. Goaltender Matt Carney came up with several huge saves and then decided to get a little rough with an opposing player, drawing a penalty. The fans got into the game, rattling the rafters and pumping up the Bucs.
The Bucs scored 5 unanswered goals, 3 coming in the second period. Matt Carney made several saves that would have had to see to believe. Carney ended up with 34 saves and Russell had 27.
Clarke (Jensen), Donnette (Field), Field (Krueger, Stodgell), Sejna (PP) (Larranaga, Jackson), Jensen (Fregoe, Smrek) and Sejna (EN) (Donnette) scored for the Bucs.
Pre-Game Rant
After losing in Lincoln on Monday night it was beginning to get imperative that we win Wednesday, however there were many fans who were very skeptical. I wasn’t so skeptical for this night, but was for Friday night. However that goes beyond this game so we won’t worry about it now. Chiodo was out of the line up, as he went home, so we had all our defensemen dressed. So Birrenkott was stepping up into the fourth line as a forward. Lincoln would go with Wayne Russell who had been doing so well for them, and we stay with Matt Carney. And as the lights went down and the fans began to cheer, it seemed there were more lights then normal strobing in the arena. The fans had to get into this game to carry the Buccaneers to a victory. I really didn’t notice a whole lot of the Stars fans yelling "Stars!" during the anthem, but I salute Omaha for playing America the Beautiful instead. Have you ever thought that maybe they play it, not because they’re scared, but because they hate Lincoln? I’m sorry, no matter what anyone tells me, I cannot support this "tradition." I could care less if Dallas does that and that’s where the little chant came from. It’s just as cheap a trick down there as well. If my opinion bother’s, tough, that’s just what it is. Opinion. I’m sure you can handle it.
First Period
It was a warm day out, and the arena inside was a little humid. It made for beautiful short’s weather, but not for ice. The ice five minutes into the game began to get slushy. Nothing dramatic had really happened and it seemed like the two teams were just feeling one another out. From the get go the fans were very supportive, even when the Stars scored first at 13:10. The goal came from 22 (assist to 28 and 33). Carney had looked completely unprepared for that one. Perhaps that was what was needed, a wake up call, if you will. Because though we didn’t score in the remaining minutes of the first, our play had dramatically improved and the fans only got behind the team more. Saves: Des Moines 11 – Lincoln 11.
Second Period
The period started with some very good effort by the Bucs and it would be a matter of time before something happened. Tempers began to flare and Russell began to get testy. Chasing players out of the crease he ended up having to have a talking to. The end result wouldn’t do him a whole lot of good, he should have concentrated more on his game, instead of letting it get to him. With the way the action was going and how loud the crowd had gotten we got our first goal, and how could you help, but get excited?! This goal was at 18:21 and Noah Clarke scored it (assist to Jensen). The Bucs looked like they had a new life and were ready for yet another goal after this. But the first thing that happened was a penalty on us, Peter Sejna for holding. This was the first in what was going to be some of the most ridiculous calls I’ve ever seen. Our goalie gets mugged and they put our guy away? Out of a little fight that erupted around the net Matt Carney ended up getting a roughing call. So you could tell that emotions were high out on the ice. Then Stafford got put away for … taking down a man … (yeah, whatever) this was for checking from behind. The fans were getting mad, so was I. The ref was doing a lousy job, which interprets to…we were getting all the calls and meanwhile Lincoln was getting off scot-free. This was probably a good thing though, it made our players mad, and it made our fans mad. With 9:31 left in the period Lincoln scored yet again, they were now leading 2-1. Even with us penalty-ridden we were still able to stay neck to neck with Lincoln. We got a tying goal with 9:06 left when Dan Donnette snapped one home (assist to Nick Field). It just trickled behind Russell. When a penalty should have really been called it was at a dear cost to our team. Garrett Stafford had been taken down and could hardly skate back to the bench. In fact he wouldn’t play the next period at all. Let me tell you, the fans hated the ref at that time, and he was going to be lucky to get out of the arena alive. When Jensen went to defend Stafford a little bit, he got thrown away for a ten minute misconduct. Bona fide job Pochmara, could you be any blinder? With 4:19 left in the period came our first lead of the game, Nick Field did the honors of spoiling it for Russell (assist to Krueger and Stodgell)! Two minutes left and the fans were uproarious, because Lincoln finally got a penalty. I swear the fans were as loud as when we score! 22 got the penalty and the Stars complained the whole way about this one, c’mon guys take it like men! We got a power play goal out of this from Sejna at 19:10 (assist to Larranaga and Jackson). A very nice goal, a little unexpected and Sejna was very happy; from that point on the game was ours. Saves: Des Moines 10 – Lincoln 6.
Third Period
Jensen got the fifth goal of the game (assist to Fregoe and Smrek) at 9:27. Pochmara really began to call penalties on Lincoln. I suppose he was trying to make up for the second period. With 1:15 left Carney made an unbelievable save, down on the ice he still managed to snap his glove up to catch a puck that was going high over him. The whole line congratulated him after that and the fans saluted him. The last goal went to Peter Sejna, also his second of the night (assist to Donnette) the goal came with just 32 seconds left in the period and it was an empty-netter. Saves: Des Moines 13 – Lincoln 10. Total Saves: Des Moines 34 – Lincoln 27.
Written by Sarah Bendy
Stars win, series tied at one apiece
Summary: Lincoln, NE (4/5/99): The Lincoln Stars won their first game of the year against the Bucs and it could not have come at a better time, knotting the 5 game series at one apiece. The Bucs had previously won all six games against the Stars. The Bucs did not play poorly, its just that many shots went wide and the rebounds did not end up on the stick of a waiting Buccaneer.
The Stars played solid defensively, and both Matt Carney and Wayne Russell were sharp in goal facing roughly the same number of shots. Game number three will be played in Des Moines this Wednesday at 7:35. Tickets are available by calling the ticket office at (515) 278 - 9757.
Jensen (unassisted) scored for the Bucs.
Rantings
The torrents of rain today was good news because it meant that the weather was going to be cooler, making for better ice. The Bucs would need every advantage they could get as they are short Reinholz and Fregoe who will play but is still sick. The Stars know that they need to win tonight. The Bucs have won all 6 games against the Stars, but this is the Clarke Cup playoffs, and it is like a new season. The only question was would the Stars show disrespect for the flag by yelling "Stars!" during the national anthem. Yes.
First Period
The Bucs nearly scored with less than 30 seconds gone in the period as Noah Clarke intercepted a pass and let go with a quick shot, unfortunately the shot was knocked down by a defenseman. Pete Fregoe was out for a bit, but you could tell he was not 100%. Noah Clarke, Dan Donnette and KC Caudill seemed to be picking up the slack for Pete. The Bucs were getting some good shots and Russell is leaving some big rebounds.
And then it happened - a penalty was called on the Stars! The Bucs wasted no time in setting it up and Jimmy Jackson took a shot right away. The Bucs then struggled a bit as the Stars were able to clear it out of the zone and killed off the penalty. The Bucs then returned the favor as Matt Carney cleared the puck over the glass, drawing a delay of game penalty. Lincoln wasted no time and got 2 quick shots forcing Carney to come up big time. However, with a minute 49 to go, the Stars scored on the power play as Wiegand scored on a rebound. Carney had come up with the first 2 saves, but as they say, the third time is the charm. Russell ended up with 15 saves, Carney had 7.
Second Period
Disaster struck only 32 seconds into the period when Wiegand picked off a clearing pass and put it past Carney. The Bucs were now behind by 2 goals. The goal fired up the Stars and the Bucs looked sloppy as an errant pass was almost turned into another goal.
At the 6:03 mark tempers began to flair as Lincoln was a little too aggresive with Matt Carney. The ref ended up putting 4 player into the box, 2 for Lincoln and 2 for the Bucs. The rough-stuff continued, but no penalties were called. The Bucs responded but were slowed by the rough, physical play of the Stars. Finally, at 6:02, in a mess in front of the net Erik Jensen got a goal as the puck deflected in off of a Lincoln player. The goal seemed to inspire the Bucs as they turned the play up a notch. Michael Chin and Peter Sejna were working well together, and nearly scored more than once.
The Bucs found themselves down a man again as Larranaga went off for holding. The ref must have felt guilty because the Stars were called for hooking less than a minute later. The Bucs were able to work it around before the penalty was called but were unable to score. The Bucs then had a short 53 second power play. It did not do much good as the Stars were able to keep the Bucs from scoring. The final 35 seconds ticked off the clock and period number 2 was history. Matt Carney ended up with 18 saves while Russell had 10. Both goalies now had the same number of total saves.
Third Period
The Stars came out of the locker room ready to play, and you could tell it was going to go down to the wire. Peter Smrek had played a great game last night, but tonight he has made several strange plays. One resulted in the Stars second goal, and there were several other close calls. Still, when he launches a shot from the blue-line he makes up for everything. I could not help but thinking he was going to get another goal tonight.
The Bucs were getting pressure on the net, but it seemed like their shots were just a bit off - making the goalie look good. Russell was giving up rebounds but the Bucs just did not seem to be in position to slam it home. The period was now half gone.
With 7 minutes to go there was quite a flare-up of tempers and I thought that there was going to be fight. No gloves were dropped, but Kelly Miller looked like he wanted to go. Stafford, Miller and Shasby went into the box, and for a time I thought the Bucs were going to get a power play, but it was not to be. However, the ref could not ignore Noah Clarke getting pulled down and the Bucs had their third power play of the night with about 5 minutes left in the game. The Bucs got a shot off right away and then the Stars cleared it down ice. Darn it if Smrek didn't cough it up in front of Carney again - it is a good thing Carney was paying attention. The Stars killed off the penalty easily and it was crunch time for the Bucs - there were left than 3 minutes left.
Pete Fregoe was out on the ice giving it his all. With 2 minutes and 19 seconds left, Garrett Stafford was called for holding. What else can I say? The Stars had their third power play, leaving Peter Sejna and Kelly Miller up front to kill off the penalty. They teamed up for a short handed shot on Russell, but no goal. Would they pull Carney? Not yet. Maybe not at all. With a minute left, Wade Chiodo was out on the ice. He had been playing well all night, wouldn't it be neat if he could get the goal? Thirty seconds left and Carney went to the bench, but nothing doing - the Stars held on to win the game and even up the series. Matt Carney ended up with 12 saves for a game total of 37, while Russell had 13 for a total of 38.
Written by Steve Bendy
Clarke's OT goal beats Lincoln 3 to 2
Summary: Des Moines, IA (4/3/99): After 78 minutes and 40 seconds of penalty free hockey, Peter Smrek fed Noah Clarke who lit the red light, giving the Bucs a 3 to 2 overtime win over Lincoln. Although the unofficial stats gave Lincoln more shots in overtime, the Bucs dominated overtime play from start to finish. If it were not for a hot goalie, Wayne Russell, it would have been over much sooner. Matt Carney also had his hands full stopping 43 shots. The Bucs were outshot, only putting 34 shots on goal.
The Bucs scored the first two goals from Peter Smrek and Nick Field, then Lincoln answered with two of their own, all in the second period.
Smrek (Chin) and Field (Jackson) scored for the Bucs in regulation time. Clarke (Smrek) scored in overtime.
Rantings
The Bucs will be without the services of two key players tonight, Pete Fregoe and Jerrid Reinholz. Pete has the flu and even if he does end up playing won't be 100%. Jerrid has been out ever since he took that nasty wack to the mouth in the opening Clark Cup game against the Twin Cities. I don't know if this is accurate, but I heard he also has the flu. If the Reinholz family is reading this - please let me know what is up. We met Trevor Grimm of Grimm's Tales for dinner before the game and had a good talk about USHL hockey. We have just posted his second round predictions. As we arrived at the arena, I noticed that the crowd was arriving late - I doubt that the arena would be sold out. Only the hockey faithful would even know there was a game as the coverage by local media is so poor. Still as the anthem was sung the place did fill up and there were only a few seats unoccupied. By the way, I need to compliment the Stars fans for not yelling "Stars!" during the anthem - it was a dishonorable practice and I am glad to see it ended. Enough of that, let's talk hockey.
First Period
I was hoping that Maksimenko would start so that the Buc fans could cheer for him, but he did not. Nick Field, Peter Sejna, Michael Chin, Garrett Stafford and Peter Smrek started for the Bucs. The first two minutes of play was all Bucs. The Stars were not even able to get it into the Buc zone except for one dump in to get a line change. However it was the Stars who were to get the first shot on goal with a slap shot from the blue line. Matt Carney handled it well. Wade Chiodo got the first quality shot on goal for the Bucs. Would Russell be hot tonight? The answer, unfortunately for us, was yes as he stoned Wade. Wade has been looking very good for a newcomer to the USHL, and he already looks like a veteran out there on the ice. The Buc control continued for another 3 minutes with Michael Chin and Dan Donnette all working hard. Pete Fregoe was skating a few shifts, but you could tell he was not 100%. Another thing that was not 100% was the ice surface - it looked like peanut butter and as time wore on it seemed that the players sticks would be better used as oars. The humidity was very high in Des Moines. This was not good for Bucs.
It wasn't until there was about 8 minutes left in the period that the Stars began to put pressure on Carney. Matt appeared to be sharp, and stopped everything that came his way. Of course, there were several times when he just got lucky. Noah Clarke was also working hard and was almost rewarded for his effort on a semi-break. With less than two minutes left, the Stars then got a great two on one break and a nifty behind the back pass left Otten all alone in front of Carney. Carney stopped the shot but Otten went right into the back of the net dragging Carney with him. They were both rolling around in pain and Otten had to be assisted back to the bench.The time wound down and the first period ended in a tie. Matt Carney ended up with 12 saves and Russell had 6.
Second Period
The Bucs came out of the locker room on fire. It only took 12 seconds for Michael Chin to feed Peter Smrek who rocketed towards Russell. Russell got a piece of it but the puck went in to make it 1 to 0. The Bucs continued their pressure as Michael Chin and Noah Clarke were playing like this was the national championship. Peter Sejna scored three minutes later but it was waved off - something about a man in the crease. Now, I have to tell those of you that were not at the game that the ref (Nelson) was not calling penalties. Pete Fregoe was just mugged and than sat upon and there was no call. Somebody said that he had a hot date and wanted to get out early, but I think that he was getting paid by the job, not by the hour.
Dan Donnette nearly scored after overpowering a Star and getting a shot off, but it was Russell's night to shine and the puck deflected wide. With 6 minutes gone, off of a face-off, the future NMU star Jimmy Jackson blasted one from the blue line. You could hear the thud as the puck hit the pads of the goalie and then the cheers as Nick Field put the rebound into the back of the net. It was now 2 to 0. The fans were not really into the game. They were watching and responding, but they were not pro-actively cheering the Bucs as they would in a Sioux City or Omaha game.
The Stars were to score the next two goals, at 12:45 and 15:06. The second goal was a real fluke when a player (who has only scored a couple of goals all year) hit the puck into the boards from the blue line. The puck took a funny bounce and went in! It reminded me of a trick shot in foosball. The Stars had tied the score. The period wound down and both goalies had 6 saves.
Third Period
The ice was really mushy and neither team looked like they wanted to make the first move. Seven minutes into the period the crowd began to come to life after several of our players were dumped during scoring chances. The endearing "Ref you suck!" chant errupted and I think drivers on Hickman Road could have heard it with no problem. At least the ref was fair about his lack of calls. Erik Jensen high sticked Otten and then took him to the ice for good measure with no whistle. Even the players looked around in disbelief when the realized there was not going to be a penalty. Mark Krueger and Dan Donnette were really working hard, but there was no way the puck was going to go in easily. Garrett Stafford and Peter Smrek were really playing some quality defense, and were not afraid to take the puck in like a forward. The period ended with 10 saves for Carney and 9 for Lincoln. We were headed for sudden-death overtime.
Overtime
The Bucs came out of the locker room with a look of determination in their eyes. As soon as the puck was dropped you knew that it was just a matter of time before the Bucs won the game. They were skating hard despite the slushy ice. They were beating the Stars to the puck and getting quality shots on goal. Peter Sejna, Mark Krueger, Peter Smrek, Dan Donnette and Noah Clarke looked very impressive. Even Bill Birrenkott took a shot from the blue line! The whole team was on a mission and playing to win. I did not see one person in the crowd leave early.
With 1:20 left in the game, a Star Defenseman was trying to clear the puck and Peter Smrek came hustling forward from mid-ice to keep the puck in the zone. Peter got the puck to Noah Clarke who blasted it in so clean and hard that I thought it was going to rip the back of the net off. What a celebration as the bench emptied and swarmed Clarke. The crowd roared its approval as the Bucs saluted at mid-ice. Let's hope the ice is in better shape in Lincoln!
Written by Steve Bendy
