Southern Methodist University Game 4...
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Southern Methodist University Mustangs (1) VS. Texas A&M University Aggies (9)
In the season ending game for both teams, both teams held strong aspirations for the victory. However, the home ice advantage rewarded the Aggies to finish the season on a win. And in another penalty filled game, the Mustang’s short stable was their Achilles Heel in the 9-1 final score.
The Ponies enjoyed their evening’s entertainment and held the Aggies at bay, and opened the scoring with 7:43 elapsed.
The Aggies responded to open their scoring five minutes later. Brian Young and defense partner John Rortvedt paired to create an open ice situation for Jeff Diltz. A low, quick shot – tie game. Two minutes later, Phil Lowery and Eric Engelking combined to move the puck to Nick Xenakis – a high blocker shot gave the Aggies the lead, 2-1.
Another two minutes, and Mike Zahner found Xenakis again facing down the goalie. A quick deke and the goal finished the 1st period scoring 3-1.
A&M opened the 2nd period scoring at 16:11. Xenakis created an opportunity for Rordvedt on the point, and a low glove side slap shot found the mesh, 4-1.
With 5:37 remaining in the period, Brian Young and Jeff Diltz corralled the Mustangs in the neutral zone. A quick pass created a breakaway situation, and Engelking converted, 5-1.
Less than a minute later, Mike Zahner won a puck battle behind the SMU net and with a sneaky wrap around move; the Aggies were up, 6-1.
Within the first two minutes of the third period, the Aggies continue with a 7-1 lead. Mark Oberstoetter fed Justin Cooley for a quick shot, and the rebound was netted by Jeff Diltz.
At 11:58, Nic Culliton fired a low slap shot on net, and the rebound was buried by Mark Moreno.
With 3:40 remaining, A&M finished the game scoring. With pressure in the Mustang zone, Oberstoetter and Young forced the play to the front of the SMU goalie and a quick rebound is buried by Dustin Roark.
Final Score: Aggies 9, Mustangs 1
We congratulate the Mustangs on their perseverance, and we look forward to continuing the series in 2009-2010.
Game Notes:
Minor Penalties: A&M 16 SMU 18
Shots: A&M 50 SMU 25
A&M completed the 2009-2010 season with a 20-5-1 record with 1 Home loss – our most successful season to date. To a large component, this continuation of our successes from 2008-09 can be credited to our Arctic Wolf Ice Center and to the Aggie faithful.
On behalf of our entire Texas A&M University Ice Hockey program, we thank the AWIC staff and our loyal fans for their continued support.
We wish all an enjoyable summer, and please anticipate a successful and entertaining 2009-2010 Fightin’ Texas Aggie Ice Hockey season!
