University of Texas...
Friday, October 23, 2009
Texas A&M University Aggies (5) vs. University of Texas Longhorns (4)
In our trip to Austin, welcome to the beginning of our 5 game season series with the Texas Longhorns. Our rivals had just returned from a competitive Showcase Tournament in St. Louis, Missouri and the Aggies were looking to extend their current successes. Regardless, both teams have a long history of competitive and exciting matchups, and this weekend continued this tradition.
With a vocal, raucous contingent of burnt orange in the stands, the Home Team Horns established the play from the opening faceoff and forced the play in the Aggie zone. Fast and physical contact set the tone in this very physical, very open game. Each team had multiple chances but failed to capitalize.
A&M notched the lone score of the first period with 6:12 remaining. Aubrey Berkowitz and Jeff Diltz paired to create a strong shooting opportunity. The rebound was buried by Eric Engelking, 1-0.
The Home Team carried the second period with scores at 16:09, 10:36 and 6:13 remaining to take a commanding lead of 3-1 into the 3rd period.
The Aggies re-grouped and re-focused during the intermission. With 4 minutes elapsed in the period, A&M jumped back on the board. With the Horns in penalty trouble, Michael Molge established the power play on the UT blue line. A quick pass to Diltz on the perimeter allowed Justin Cooley time in the slot, high glove side, 3-2.
At 11:00 minutes, the Aggies tied the score on another power play. Diltz again controlled the puck long the boards and fed Cooley in the slot. A low quick shot produced a re-bound captured and buried by Patrick Madigan, 3-3.
Less than 2 minutes later, the Aggies regained the lead. Diltz moved the puck along the boards deep into Longhorn territory. A drop pass to Engelking, and a one-timer from Berkowitz low glove side produced the 4-3 score.
With 2:50 remaining, A&M again controlled the play deep in the Longhorn zone. With pressure in the crease Cooley found Dustin Roark in great position on the opposite post to place the Aggies at 5-3.
The game was not over.
The Longhorns re-grouped and pulled to 5-4 with 1:31 remaining.
Still not over.
The Longhorns force the play and draw an Aggie minor. After a timeout, UT pulled their goalie to create 6 skaters against 4 skaters.
An anxious clock ticked out as the Longhorns failed to score in regulation.
Final Score: Aggies 5 Longhorns 4
Team Statistics:
Shots Goals PP Minors Majors
Aggies 50 5 2 4 0
Longhorns 44 4 1 7 0
The series continues vs. the Longhorns:
Saturday November 28, 2009 American Airlines Center Dallas
Next weekend, the Aggies host the University of Texas - San Antonio Road Runners:
Friday October 30, 2009 Arctic Wolf Ice Center 8:00 PM*
Saturday October 31, 2009 Arctic Wolf Ice Center 5:45 PM
*Note the time change of 8 PM on Friday night - please support our local Brazos Valley Figure Skating Club Fall Festival at 5:45.
The Rivalry continues to flourish!
