Saturday's game was a better showing for the Wranglers. You might say 6-1 loss how can this be any kind of "better showing?" Well if you happened to watch Friday's game you would know.The first period ended 3-0 T-Hawks, but opinions were that it was played pretty evenly. The T-Hawks would have a down ice rush towards the net, and then the Wranglers would do the same. The only difference is that the T-Hawks are more experienced at putting the puck in the net, and they showed how it was done three times. The Wranglers were per usual - not making that one last pass to the open guy at the net; or shooting the puck right into the goalie's chest insted of trying to hit one of the corners.
The 2nd period has recently been the worst period for the Wranglers. This game was no exception. The T-Hawks scored 2 more goals making the 2nd period score 5-0. It was a hapless period - not a lot of energy from the team or the crowd. Hapless because the Wranglers could do nothing with their 4 powerplay chances. Ugh! Maybe the only bright spot of the period was Kramer brick-walling the breakaway chance for the T-Hawks' Surgalski.
The Wranglers needed some 'energy' and what better way to get the crowd and the team fired up but a fight. Just after the 3rd period started Summa and Meyer got into it. This was a good tilt each of them getting a couple of good shots in. Summa got the better punches in - decision Summa. This brought the very large crowd of 471 to full voice on Papa Murphy's Pizza night at the RRRink chanting "Summa, Summa, Summa." Way to go Joe. But alas, the Wranglers wasted the opportunity and gave up a T-Hawks goal a minute later. Score 6-0.
All game long, Surgalski had been pestering Long, an elbow here, a check there, a slash, and I believe the stick to the face was enough and Grant took him on. This was Long's first fight and it was a dandy. What was more, I understand his mom flew down from Edmonton to visit and got a show. As moms go, I bet she didn't care for the fight. He handled himeself very well against a more experienced fighter landing a lot of punches and stripping Surgalski of his jersey and pads. Opinion is... decision Long.
As the 3rd period wore on, the classless T-Hawks showed their real selves with their coach and several players getting unsportsmanlike penalties. Cocco and Vivan got ejected for having stupid and big mouths. Finally, the Wranglers got a 'respect' goal late in the 3rd by Robison (assisted by Long and Riermersma). Of course it was too little too late, but the fans - all 471 of them - (another season high) loved it. Wrangler fans are the best.
Stars, hmmm? Grant Long gets a star for a throwing plenty of big hits, (the rest of the Wranglers could learn from him), his fight, and his assist. Jeff another star for you, because you're a great all around player, have hustle, and tenacity, and finally Kramer for stopping 31 of 37 shots. Way to go boys.
Finally, I want to say a huge thank you all for the assist on the above write up. You're all great. I watched a lot of hockey this weekend - 7 games. One Wenatchee Wild v. Fairbanks Ice Dogs NAHL game - these guys are fast and oh so many BIG hits, the Wranglers online, and 5 games of youth hockey. You know what? There's a lot of good players out there. I saw some goals and play that simply amazed me. Now, if the Wranglers could seize some of that talent...
