Written by Sullivan Arena, St. Anselm College, Goffstown, NH.
January 4, 2017.
Goffstown v. Spaulding, 730pm.
The Grizzlies celebrate their 5-1 win at home versus Spaulding. (Photo by Charron)
Since the Goffstown Grizzlies last played a game, we have experienced a snowstorm and lots of ice. Even so, we have also had a share of weather that was pretty nice. Then again, we said good-bye to 2016. We rang in a new year with some time off to celebrate in between. Or, you could just say, they played last week.
Goffstown lines up for a face-off against the Red Raiders of Spaulding. (Photo by Charron)
No matter how you slice it, the first game of 2017 was on the schedule tonight. The Grizzlies played host to the Spaulding Red Raiders, also 2-0 in league play.
Nick Nault and Tyler Riendeau would lead the way with 3 points apiece. Curtis McKay played very well in net, earning the win for the Grizzlies, saving 16 of 17 shots. The Grizzlies would end up capitalizing on 3 of 4 power plays in the game.
Curtis McKay was spot-on in net for the Grizzlies. (Photo by Charron)
Goffstown works hard to block shots and get into shooting lanes, as shown by Noah Charron. (Photo by Charron)
In the first period, neither team would score, however, Goffstown started to take control of the game. The Grizzlies would get 6 shots on goal, while just missing on several others. Defensively, the home town team was aggressive, and held Spaulding to just 3 shots on goal. Nick Nault would let two different slapshots fly in the opening minutes, only to see one be deflected just to the right of the net, and the other to the left. Max Lajeunesse would peel off a nice wrist shot that just sailed over the cross-bar. No score after one period.
Griffin Cook lets a shot fly against Spaulding. (Photo by Charron)
The second period would start slowly but that wouldn’t last long. After matching penalties, Goffstown would go on the power play. While the Grizzlies started to turn the tables, the Red Raiders were taking successive penalties. After all was said and done, Goffstown would score 3 power play goals in 101 seconds. First, Noah Charron would get the scoring started on a play set up by Tyler Riendeau and Nick Nault. Just 20 seconds later, Riendeau scored on a play set up by Nault. Then it was Brett Branscum scoring from Dylan Hyers and Nault. Just like that, it was 3-0 Goffstown. The period would end that way as well.
Sometimes, traffic is good, like when Noah Charron is shooting pucks on the power play. I believe this shot found the back of the net. (Photo by Charron)
Goffstown came out in the third period to make sure that there was no question on their intent for the evening. It took 15 seconds for Goffstown to build their lead to 4-0. Mickey Bridgeman scored an even strength goal set up by Max Lajeunesse and Tyler Riendeau. Then in another 21 seconds, Griffin Cook left a pass for Sebastian Beal coming up the right-wing, and Beal buried a wrist shot to give Goffstown a 5-0 lead with 14:24 left in the game. The Grizzlies would take three straight penalties, including a 5-minute major on Beal, and give Spaulding a chance to maintain some offensive pressure. And they did. Spaulding would get on the board when Garrett Langis would score on the power play from Ryan Ellis. The Red Raiders would pound the net; yet Curtis McKay with some good positioning, and some good fortune, turned everything else away. Spaulding would win the shots battle in the final period, 11-8, but the Grizzlies held on to win the game, 5-1.
Maggie Fifield might not be the biggest skater on the ice, but her engine is always running. (Photo by Charron)
If you are in the area, you have to check this one out; The Grizzlies return to the ice on Saturday afternoon to play Nashua North – Souhegan from Division I. This is a big game for the Grizzlies as the proceeds from this game will go to the Goffstown seniors’ charity of choice. This year, Veteran’s Count, is the charity the Grizzlies will support. Wear your camouflage, there will be a silent auction, a 50/50 drawing, and Veteran’s get in for free.
Summary:
Goffstown (2-0) v. Spaulding (2-0)
Mickey Bridgeman works the puck towards the net as Max Lajeunesse looks to fill a lane behind him. (Photo by Charron)
The thoughts and opinions expressed here are those of the individual contributors, mostly mine, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the schools, coaches, players, or characters listed in any of these blog posts. Or, maybe they do, but you would have to ask them directly. Either way, “It’s a great day for hockey” ~ the late “Badger” Bob Johnson.