San Jose State University Game 2...
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Texas A&M University Aggies (5) VS. San Jose State University Spartans (5)
The Aggies enjoyed the non-travel day, and re-grouped in expectation of Saturday’s contest. The Spartans were looking for a sweep on their series, and to blank A&M from all California wins.
The Spartans took advantage of the sluggish A&M start and quickly established their home ice advantage with a 3-0 first period lead.
During the period intermission, the Aggies dug deep into their hockey soul for the biggest gut-check of our season.
The second period recorded the Aggies with five consecutive scores against the Spartans.
At 15:23, Captain Phil Lowery chipped a clearing pass out of the Aggies zone. An interesting bounce created a break-away opportunity for Nick Xenakis to beat the goalie top right corner, 3-1.
Two minutes later, defensive partners Brian Young fed John Rortvedt to shot the puck on the Spartan goalie. The rebound was captured and buried by Justin Cooley, 3-2.
A power play opportunity produced a score at 11:23. Cooley and Jeff Diltz cycled the puck in the SJSU zone, and Eric Engelking buried the puck from a mid-slot one-timer, 3-3.
Less than one minute later, Rortvedt and Young maintained the pressure in the Spartan zone. Xenakis again converted on a scrum from the front of the net and the Aggies took the lead, 4-3.
With 8:10 remaining, the Aggies continue the scoring pressure. Roark gathers a clearing pass and feeds Xenakis leaving the Aggie zone. Berkowitz deftly captured a pass on the fly and blasts a top of the slot slap shot between the pipes, 5-3.
Unbelievable.
The Spartans still were in the battle and responded with two tallies at 5:47 and 3:56 to even the game score 5-5.
The third period was anything but timid. Both teams played with controlled abandon and both goaltenders kept the opposing snipers zeroed. Multiple scoring opportunities from both sides were turned away to finish regulation tied at 5-5.
After a five minute respite, both teams engaged in a four on four sudden death overtime. Again, both teams displayed heart and determination in an exhausted exhibition of quality College Hockey. And again, the goalies maintained their composure and skill as the overtime expired.
Final Score: Aggies 5, Spartans 5.
Great. Hockey. Game. (I have never been so happy to earn a tie).
Our sincere Thank You to our Spartan competitors – we enjoyed the matching of skills and strategies and we also look forward to a re-match.
We also wish both California hosts continued success for the balance of the 08-09 season.
Game Notes:
Power Play Goals: A&M 1; Spartans 1
Minor Penalties: A&M 9; Spartans 11
Game changing moment – A&M goalie stymied a Spartan on a 3rd period penalty shot.
Again, the Aggies played with grit and determination, fighting the travel miles to battle the Spartans. We offer both teams a standing offer for a re-match.
Next Games:
The Aggies now host the Arizona State University Sun Devils at Arctic Wolf Ice, C.S.
Thursday, January 15, 2009 at Arctic Wolf Ice, 8:00 pm
Friday, January 16, 2009 at Arctic Wolf Ice, 5:45 pm
The Sun Devils continue their Texas swing with contests Sat. and Sun. vs. the University of Texas – San Antonio Road Runners.
We look forward to the balance of our 2008-2009 schedule in the friendly confines of our home Rink and home Fans!
