University of North Texas...
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Texas A&M University Aggies (6) vs. University of North Texas Mean Green Eagles (3)
Due to the Friday evening’s contest with injuries and penalties, both teams competed with smaller benches. Both teams also picked up from the previous evening’s level of play – aggressive, fast paced and determined. Both teams also continued to struggle with consistency but the intensity level remained high.
A&M opened the scoring within the first minute of play. On the first shift, Brian Young again was the playmaker and established control along the Eagle blue line. A cross ice pass to defensive partner Nick Culliton to unload a point shot, 1-0.
Both teams battled through the end of the first period scoreless. In the second period, the Home team answered the score at 13:23 and again at 8:04 on a power play to take a 2-1 lead into the period break.
The Aggies re-grouped, and started the period forcing the play to the Eagles. On even strength at 16:08, Matt Moreno maneuvered the flow to find open ice in UNT territory. A well positioned Captain Eric Engelking high in the slot fired a low shot into a screened goalie, tie game 2-2.
Less than a minute later, the Aggies pulled ahead to never again relinquish the lead. Justin Cooley moved the puck through the neutral zone and passed to Michael Zahner crossing into UNT territory. Julien Legrand received a pass on the point and fired past the goal tender, 3-2.
At 11:56, the Eagles notch their lone score of the evening. On a great individual effort, Le forces and scores on the ensuing penalty shot situation.
At 7:23 remaining, the Aggies match this effort. Dustin Roark crosses the Eagles blue line and creates a 1 on 1 situation. A strong move to capture the re-bound and the Aggies regain their 1 goal lead, 4-3.
The Aggies continue the pressure, and less than two minutes later, increase their lead by two. Nathan Banks battles for the puck and feeds Nick Xenakis. A nifty move to the backhand, back door – 5-3.
With 3:31 to finish, the Aggies capitalized on another power play opportunity. Xenakis and Cooley established good puck movement in the Eagle zone. With open ice, Engelking one timed the puck to finish off the scoring, 6-3.
Kyle Vrla and Clair Gannon split time between the pipes and constantly kept the Eagles off the board.
Team Statistics:
Shots Goals PP Minors Majors
Aggies 40 6 1 11 0
Eagles 31 3 1 7 0
The Mean Green Eagles visit Aggieland for a weekend series:
Friday February 5, 2010 Arctic Wolf Ice Center 5:45
Saturday February 6, 2010 Arctic Wolf Ice Center 5:45
This weekend, the Aggies host the Texas Tech Red Raiders:
Friday February 12, 2009 Arctic Wolf Ice Center 5:45
Saturday February 13, 2009 Arctic Wolf Ice Center 5:45
We thank our families and fans for their attendance and support during our recent Dallas trip, and hope to see all at Arctic Wolf this Weekend!
BTHOTT!
