University of Louisiana - Lafayette Game 1...
Friday, September 26, 2008
University of Louisiana-Lafayette Rajun’ Cajuns (0) VS. Texas A&M University Aggies (9)
On behalf of the entire Texas A&M Ice Hockey Team, we welcome all fans to our Website, to our Arctic Wolf Ice Center and to another successful and entertaining season. We also extend a special ‘Thank you’ to the Brazos Valley Ice Hockey Club for their attendance and assistance during their Youth Hockey Week End.
With the nucleus of last year’s 20-8 team returning, a strong Rookie contingent and a balanced schedule, the players and coaching staff anticipate continued improvement and victories.
As the season opener for both Teams, the Cajuns traveled to Aggieland looking to start their schedule on a positive note. As the weekend progressed, the Aggies dominated both series’ games.
The opening shift stated the tempo of the game. With control of the puck from the face-off, the Aggies patiently set their attack from their blue line. A short pass to Dustin Roark to a moving Nick Xenakis found Michael Molge crossing into the ULL zone. An accurate slap shot from the face-off dot found the back of the net; 1-0.
Just over three minutes later on a power play, a similar attack developed. Defenseman John Rortvedt II moved the puck from the corner to a waiting Molge. A soft pass allows a one-timer between the goalies’ legs to produce Xenakis’ first goal of the season.
To finish the first period scoring, 5th year senior (grad student) Mark Oberstoetter aggressively fore-checks deep into Cajun territory. Rookie Aubrey Berkowitz picks up the loose puck, maneuvers out to the low slot and fires a strong wrist shot to the top corner. Period ends at 3-0 Aggies.
The Cajuns found their travel legs during the period intermission, and held the Aggies to one score with 2:29 remaining in the second period. Eric Engelking forced the original pressure in the Cajun zone. A nice feed to Jeff Diltz allowed an accurate pass to Justin Cooley to finish in the slot with a one timer.
The Aggies were held scoreless until 10:28 of the 3rd period. On an un-assisted, even strength goal, Mark Moreno alertly steals the puck from the Cajun defender and deftly backhands the puck past the goalie. Nice hustle. Nineteen seconds later, Berkowitz tallies his second score of the game on a creative passing system from Moreno and Dominic Marino. With 39 seconds elapsed, the Aggies continued the pressure with an un-assisted power play goal from Ben Lang – well positioned to pounce on an errant re-bound.
The Aggies finish the game scoring with two additional power play goals. With 6:07 remaining, Jeff Diltz capitalizes on the un-assisted break away goal. Minutes later, Xenakis takes a pass deep in the Cajun corner from Marino, skates to the slot to challenge the goal tender and pops a backhand, top corner.
Final Score: 9 - 0, Aggies.
We acknowledge the efforts of our competitors this evening – starting their schedule on limited practice time, travel issues and half the man power to the Aggies full bench – tough road.
The Cajuns also fought hard, delivering seventeen shots to the Aggies twenty five, and forcing the Aggie net minder Clair Gannon to earn the shut out.
