Southern Methodist University Game 1...
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Texas A&M University Aggies (12) VS. Southern Methodist University Mustangs (1)
The Fightin’ Texas Aggies travelled to Addison this past week end to the wrangle with the Mustangs from Southern Methodist University – where the Home Team enjoyed their enthusiastic fan base – very prevalent and very loud. The Aggies always enjoy the trips to the Big D for a rare Saturday/Sunday match-up, and we were also focused on a strong finish to our 2008-2009 season.
The Aggies started aggressively, and punched the play into the Ponies’ zone from the first whistle and scored the first three goals in less than 3 minutes.
At 16:42, Nathan Banks and Mark Moreno hustled the puck to the slot and Aubrey Berkowitz buried a low shot past the net-minder. At 15:06, Justin Cooley fed Brian Young stationed behind the SMU goalie. A quick pass to Assistant Captain Jeff Diltz moving in the low slot; 2-0. At 14:37, Nic Uccello eluded a defender and moved the puck again to the slot. A nice wrist shot from Dustin Roark and the Aggies take an early 3-0 lead.
The Mustangs responded with their lone score of the evening and the final tally of the period at the period mid-point, 3-1.
As much as the Aggies pressured, SMU mounted their own attacks and held the Aggies at bay until the final 4 minutes of the second period. Defenseman John Rortvedt shot from the point. A re-direct by Nic Xenakis, a scramble, a rebound and Assistant Captain Eric Engelking scored his first of 4 goals for the game. The second period expired, 4-1, Aggies.
The Aggies opened the third period on a quick goal within the first minute. Gaining possession on the opening face-off, the Brian Young worked the puck quickly into the zone. Berkowitz established positioning behind the goal, and fed Nic Xenakis for a one-timer, 5-1.
To this point, the game was closely contested. SMU brought effort and heart to the ice, and maintain their presence despite an early deficit. However, the Aggies also found new energy and motivation during a called time out and dominated the period for the balance of the game.
Aggies 12:01 Roark from Mark Moreno
Aggies 11:08 Xenakis from Young
Aggies 7:06 Cooley from Engelking
Aggies 6:55 Engelking from Mark Moreno and Nic Culliton
Aggies 4:55 Engelking from Cooley and Xenakis
Aggies 4:36 Cooley from Engelking
With 2:17 remaining in the game, Rortvedt fires from the point, and Nic Xenakis adds to the goal crease scramble. Rookie Mike Zahner, after joining the Aggies in January, scored his first goal in his first start, by alertly burying a re-bound. Congratulations!
Both teams played well, but the depth of the Aggies prevailed for a 12-1 final score.
Game Notes:
Minor Penalties: A&M 5 SMU 7
Scorers: Engleking 3 goals (3rd Hat Trick for season)
Roark 2 goals
Rookie Zahner scores his first goal of season on first
Next Game:
A&M vs. SMU
Sunday Feb. 1, 2009 Addison Ice Center 2:30 p.m
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Texas A&M University Aggies vs. Southern Methodist University
The game was cancelled due to a Zamboni mal-function.
This game will not be re-scheduled.
However, the Mustangs are scheduled to visit Arctic Wolf and the Aggies for a double header:
Friday February 20, 2009 5:45
Saturday February 21, 2009 5:45
The following weekend the Aggies face the Longhorns in a Home and Home series:
Friday February 7, 2009 8:00 Chaparral Ice Austin
Saturday February 8, 2009 5:45 Arctic Wolf Ice College Station
And we continue to thank our Hockey fans from all venues and facilities for their continued support of Texas College Hockey!
