University of Texas Game 5...
Saturday, February 7, 2009
University of Texas Longhorns (3) VS. Texas A&M University Aggies (8)
As the Longhorns reciprocated the travel to College Station, both teams anticipated the significance of the series’ finale – to sweep, or not to sweep. But Arctic Wolf Ice is the Aggie Home Ice, and A&M entertained their Maroon faithful with another spirited contest.
Both teams presented a controlled and tentative hockey presence during the first period as both teams felt the effects from the previous evening’s physical hockey game. The Longhorns broke the scoreless game at 12:24.
The Aggies tied the score four minutes later. Captain Phillip Lowery scored an un-assisted goal from the point on a long, mis-directed re-bound.
Good teams win. Successful teams respond to the challenge and rise to the occasion. A&M re-grouped during the break and scored 5 consecutive goals to open the second period.
During the first minute of the second period, A&M forced the play deep into the UT zone. After Nathan Banks centered a pass, Aubrey Berkowitz fought the scrum to initiate the attack.
Three minutes later, Eric Engelking won the battle of the puck deep in the Longhorn territory and Justin Cooley buried the re-bound; 3-1.
Four minutes later, Aggies converted on a power play opportunity. Lowery started the attack on a clearing pass to Berkowitz. A soft pass allowed Rookie Mike Zahner to sweet deke a defender and finish the effort; 4-1.
Three minutes later, Berkowitz continued the attack with a dump and chase. Zahner gained control behind the net and alertly pulled a wrap around; 5-1.
The Aggies next goal was systematic and ‘pretty’. At the seven minute mark, Nic Uccello won another puck battle down low in the UT corner, and passed to Dustin Roark. A fan favorite, feisty Mark Moreno, converted on the back door, and A&M established a dominating 6-1 lead to our appreciative Home fans.
The Longhorns battled back to score, and the period finished; 6-2 Aggies.
As the 3rd period opened, the Aggies continued to send the statement. From the opening face-ff, Banks moved the puck deep into the Longhorn zone and fed Zahner cycling behind the net. On the failed wrap around attempt, the rebound popped and was buried by Berkowitz.
With 15:58 remaining, the Longhorns tally their final score of the evening.
10 minutes elapsed before the Aggies earned their final score. With 4:45 remaining, Engelking picked off a mis-timed UT clearing pass and sniped a wrist shot, un-assisted to finish the game scoring at 8-3.
The Aggies will finish their season at Arctic Wolf Ice, College Station:
Friday, February 20 against Southern Methodist University Mustangs at 5:45 PM
Saturday, February 21, SMU at 5:45 PM
Game Notes:
Minor Penalties: A&M 16 UT 10
Shots: A&M 36 UT 39
On any given night, in any given series … The Aggie / Longhorn match ups have consistently produced exciting hockey games. At this time, we offer a fond Farewell to 3 gentlemen synonymous with the success of the University of Texas Longhorn Hockey Program and the exposure and growing popularity of Texas College Hockey:
Kyle Lizabeth – former TAMU Ice Hockey Assistant Coach, UT Assistant Captain / Captain, graduating in May from the University of Texas. Congratulations!
Keith O’Brien – Princeton grad, former CHL Austin Ice Bat player, UT Assistant Coach.
Best Wishes to you and your wife on the addition(s) to your family!
Bob Smith – transplant to Texas, USA Hockey Level 5, Head Coach of the first Texas Collegiate Ice Hockey program to earn a Regional bid, initiated First Annual Big 12 Ice Hockey Tournament in Dallas, 2006. Tagged to offer experience and insight to the local Austin Youth Hockey program.
Gentlemen, the State of Texas will miss your competitive nature, your love for the sport and your University, and your vision for the continued success and growth of Ice Hockey in the South. We affectionately offer a ‘Gig ‘em, Aggies’ as a salute to your energies!
And Longhorns, we will see y’all next year as the Aggies will defend (and retain) the Texas Cup for 2009-2010!
Hockey Fans – we hope to see you at Arctic Wolf the following weekend with your support for Texas Collegiate Ice Hockey!
