The Wranglers lost 3-5 last night, but it was a different game for them, probably the most different I've seen all season. There was a whole bunch of hitting going. I'm sure there are some Jags this morning who are sore. And, as a result of the many big hits the fans - all 258 of them - were very much into the game - at times the cheering was deafening. Right from the puck drop the agressive play started, neither side had an edge, and I'm sure the Jags were wondering who were they playing. Play went from end to end of the rink, the only difference was that the Jags made shots on goal, whereas the Wranglers didn't. 1st period shots were 17 by the Jags, and only 3 by the Wranglers. Late in the 1st the Jags posted two quick goals putting the Wranglers down, but not out at 0-2.
Shortly into the 2nd period the Jags added a 3rd goal. Again, there were lots of hits. The Wrangler "D" was proving their worth. Chase got the puck out of the Wrangler zone, then Long and Losey came on to the ice. The puck came back to Losey, who passed it over to Long and from the point, Grant scored. It was now 1-3 Wranglers and it seemed that the momentum had started to shift. Then, the Jags scored by flooding the crease with players and a shot came in from the point. The disappointment about this goal was that Gayet was being cross-checked by a Jag in the crease, this goal should not have been allowed, but it did. Gayet vehemently protested but the ref who had his "head up his a**" allowed it. From then on the ref had a definite impact on the outcome of the game. The score was now 1-4. Shots, Jags 17, Wranglers 7.
Summa started the 3rd period with a nice goal from the point assisted by Purslow and Jossie. Score now 2-4. The Wranglers were starting to come on strong, then the metamorphosis started with the "zebra changing into a jackass." There were so many missed calls - Long being high-sticked in the face, Chase being kicked by a skate, but this ref was now committed to his ignorance. At one point he put four Wranglers in the penalty box, forcing a 3 on 5 situation in favor of River City. But the Wranglers kept the Jags from scoring, again through great defensive play and hits. Both teams were becoming frustrated. The Wranglers frustrated that obviously fouls were not being called, and the Jags because they were getting hit and not allowed to run up the score. The Jags scored a quick goal, and then you could feel the tension build to the point that a fight erupted between Blase and the Jag's Micone. Paul definitely had the edge on this fight, landing several good punches. Decision Blase. The fans loved it and were chanting "Blase, Blase, Blase." Next, Losey and the Jags' Martin got into a tiff. Another fight that did not fair well for Losey. Martin definitely landed several great punches on Losey, although Losey got one or two good punches in too. Losey he's a scrapper, but definite decision Martin. Even after these two fights the game continued to be very much on edge. I could tell several players were "itching for a fight." The only thing better than a fight is a goal and Sam Jossie fired from the corner hitting the Jags goalie on the side and the puck went in. Score 3-5. After this goal River City played very conservatively until the game ended.
Gayet played a great game. He faced 41 shots and made 36 saves. He definitely deserves a star for his performance. He's got spunk and fire. Sam Jossie gets a star for a 3 point game - a goal and two assists. Sam has really developed into a solid Wrangler player. Finally, Grant Long gets a star for his goal, his hits, and his attitude. Honorable mention goes to Joe Chase who many players afterwards said "he was on fire" with his hits and agressive play. Another honorable mention goes to Joe Summa for his goal and agressive play. Once again, the Wrangler "D" (Long, Summa, Losey, Chase) came through for the Wranglers (2 goals and 2 assists). Good game boys.
