University of North Texas Game 4...
Saturday, November 15, 2008
University of North Texas Green Machine (5) VS. Texas A&M University Aggies (10
The bright lights of our humble city must have been the magic elixir for the Green Machine. This game pitted UNT as an underdog and continues to prove why the game must be played. Heart and determination are always huge factors – this contest was much closer than the scoreboard.
Within the first three minutes, A&M opens the scoring on a fluke play. John Rortvedt fed Nic Xenakis crossing the UNT blue line, and defensive pressure forces ‘X’ to wrap the puck around the boards. A strange bounce found the goaltender out of position, and with an empty net, Roark puts A&M on the board, 1-0.
UNT evens the score at period mid-point.
A minute later, A&M gains possession in the UNT zone. Solid puck control and cycling allows Nathan Banks to find John Rordvedt with open ice on the point. Scrambling and screening in front of the UNT goalie creates confusion – Johnny sniped a slap shot top right corner - Aggies, 2-1.
At 17:51 in the second period, Aggies take a 3-1 lead on a power play opportunity. Again with consistent pressure, the A&M forwards patiently moved the puck in the offensive zone. A good read from Brian Young created an open ice soft pass from Jeff Diltz. An accurate slap shot, 5-hole, puts A&M up, 3-1.
Less than one minute later, UNT replies, 3-2.
At 13:34, A&M earns a 4-2 lead on a shorthanded goal. Eric Engelking, on a strong extra effort, fore-checked into UNT territory, fought off contact, eluded a defender and performed a ‘wrap-around’. Great job.
Three minutes later, the Green Machine scores, 4-3.
With 2:42 remaining, A&M forced a turnover and created a 2 on 1 situation crossing into UNT territory. After the receipt of a pass from Engelking and by using his forward as a distraction, Young found the back of the net and a 5-3 lead to end the period.
By 15:50 of the third period, the Green Machine fought the game back to a tie by scoring two unanswered goals, 5-5.
Both teams felt the pressure and the game seemed to take on a new aura as the score remained tied until 7:54 remained. But the long bench prevailed.
A&M continued to pressure the UNT defense as Rortvedt found Ben Lang down low. With a quick pass, Jeff Diltz cycled behind the goal, skated out in front and fired a wrist shot home on the short side. This tally was the straw that broke the Green Machine stride as A&M tallied four more unanswered goals in less than five minutes.
At 6:55, Lang again provided the playmaker. Mark Moreno received an alert pass and converted with a quick shot from the high slot.
At 6:07, A&M continued to force the tempo with another shorthanded goal. Xenakis aggressively fore-checked deep into the UNT zone. With a pass from behind the net, Aubrey Berkowitz shoots one home.
Two minutes later, Rortvedt from the point found an open Diltz in the corner. Another quick pass allowed Justin Cooley to attack an (exhausted) goalie short side, 9-1.
The Aggies finish the game scoring with 3:40 remaining. Banks secured possession of the puck in Green Machine territory and blasted the puck towards the net. Lang crashed the net and banged home the rebound.
A&M continues to enjoy a very balanced offensive attack with nine individual scores. The Green Machine also capitalized on their opportunities as presented.
Game Notes:
18 minor penalties assessed: A&M 11, UNT 7
Team Shots: A&M 76 UNT 22
All goalies performed very well, but the UNT goalie truly deserves a raise...We wish the University of North Texas Mean Green Eagles safe travels and continued success with the balance of their season.
Next A&M Game:
A&M vs. UTSA Roadrunners
Friday & Saturday, November 21 - 22, 2008 8:00 PM
Northwoods Ice Center, San Antonio, TX
On behalf of Texas A&M Ice Hockey, we continue to sincerely thank our fans, parents and sponsors for your support of Texas College Hockey!
