University of Texas Game 4...
Friday, February 6, 2009
Texas A&M University Aggies (7) VS. University of Texas Longhorns (4)
This week-end represented the final series match up for these two Texas Ice Hockey adversaries. The current 3-0 record is dominated by the Aggies as they focused to continue their winning streak. The Longhorns attracted a raucous, partisan crowd, filling the Chaparral for the Home Town Ice Advantage. Both teams responded to the energy of their respective fan base, and delivered a powerful, exciting Hockey game.
In perhaps the most physical of recent contests, both teams delivered, and delivered early.
With 26 seconds elapsed in the game, the Aggies lit the lamp. John Rortvedt dumped the puck deep into UT territory. Nathan Banks beat the defender, passed to Aubrey Berkowitz and a wrist shot from the slot; 1-0.
The Longhorns netted their own before a minute elapsed in the game to tie the score; 1-1.
At 17:56, the Aggies take the lead again. On a replication of the previous play, Banks fed Berkowitz in the low slot, wrist shot – Aggies 2-1.
Less than two minutes later on a power play opportunity, Brian Young fed the puck to Alan Xenakis positioned to the side of the UT goaltender. A deflected pass to a diving Nathan Banks, 3-1.
At 12:59 and 5:33, the Longhorns score two un-answered goals to tie the game at three apiece.
Less than two minutes later, the Aggies regained the lead. Berkowitz and Xenakis again forced the play to the front of the UT net minder. Banks corralled a rebound and shoved the puck into the net; 4-3.
The Aggies continued the pressure to finish the extreme first period. With 28 seconds remaining, the Aggies regained their two goal lead. From down low in the UT zone, Dustin Roark fed John Rortvedt on the point. A low, accurate slap shot tipped by Banks finished the 1st period scoring; 5-3.
The second period was fast, furious and controlled with some of the hardest, cleanest open ice contact from both teams this season. Loud fan participation. End to end action whereby both goalies earned their pay. However, the Aggies tallied the lone 2nd period score to take a commanding 6-3 lead.
With less than two minutes expired into the 3rd period, Nic Cullition began the A&M breakout with a clearing pass to Berkowitz. A two on one developed with Xenakis, and an errant pass deflected off the defender caught the UT goalie flat-footed.
The third period began where the second expired as both teams continued their physical, flowing, open styles. The Aggies scored first at 12:57.
On a power play opportunity, Young and Xenakis controlled the puck from the Longhorn blue line. On a shot to the front of the UT net, a re-bound was buried by Justin Cooley.
To their credit, the Longhorns re-grouped to score less than one minute later, and this effort finished the game scoring; 7-4.
Game Notes:
This game was definitely the most physical game of the season, and perhaps for the past 5+ years. The game tempo turned up a few more notches.
Berkowitz Hat Trick, 5 points – outstanding!
Banks 2 goals, 4 points
Xenakis 1 goal, 4 points
Next Game:
Saturday, February 7, 2009
UT vs A&M College Station, Texas at Arctic Wolf Ice 5:45 pm
