University of North Texas Game 1...

 

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Texas A&M University Aggies (9) VS. University of North Texas Green Machine (6)

The Texas Aggies traveled to the Valley Ranch Dr. Pepper Star Center in Irving to contest with the Green Machine of the University of North Texas. The week end series was a continuation of the previous season’s match ups – physical, penalty filled hockey with multiple lead changes and momentum shifts.

The Aggies started fast and strong with 2 quick scores to open the game. During the game’s second shift, Michael Molge controls the Aggie possession deep into UNT territory. A quick pass to defenseman Nick Culliton and a low, controlled slap shot from the point finds Jeff Diltz to bury the re-bound. On a quick break out at 17:43, the Aggies create a 2 on 2 crossing into the UNT zone. Mark Moreno develops an open ice situation for line mate Aubrey Berkowitz and an accurate wrist shot finds the mesh; 2-0.

The Green Machine tightened their systems to produce 2 scores and tie the game at the period mid-point.

At 8:10, Dustin Roark aggressively fore-checked the UNT defense. Nick Xenakis captured the loose puck and found Molge for a tight wrist shot, top shelf.

With less than 2 minutes to the end of the period, UNT ties the score to send the teams to the break at 3-3.

The Green Machine found inspiration in the dressing room. They completely shut down the Aggie offense and netted two scores to take a commanding 5-3 lead to start the final period.

During the intermission, the Aggies found their own system to finish – stay out of the box. At 16:45, the Aggies closed the gap to 5-4. Diltz found Molge for another wrist shot from the high UNT slot.
Less than 1 minute later, the Green Machine re-gains their 2 goal lead.

That was the final tally for UNT for this game.

The Aggies called a time-out, and re-grouped to finish the game from a 2-goal deficit.

With 11:48 remaining in the final period, the Aggies capitalized on multiple UNT penalties with back-to-back power play goals from Brian Young. On a 5 on 3, play maker Diltz finds Justin Cooley cycling down low. Young receives an accurate pass and converts with nice wrist shot. Three minutes later, defense partner John Rordvedt finds an open Young to the side of the net. Patience with the re-bound ties the score at 6-6.

A&M re-gains the lead with 8:05 remaining. Diltz steals the puck from a UNT defenseman and scores the eventual game-winner on a break-away.

With 2:03 remaining, net minder Kyle Vrla earns an assist. UNT pulls their goalie to allow for an extra attacker. On a dump and change, Vrla alertly captures the puck and with a strong wrist shot up ice, finds a moving Justin Cooley – an accurate wrist shot to find an empty net.

With just over a minute remaining, Nick Uccello continues to pressure the Green Machine and forces a loose puck. Berkowitz finds Ben Lang to tenaciously bang home his rebound.

Game Notes:

This game was much closer than the score – hard victory, tough loss.
Teams split 8 power play goals
Teams split the 32 penalties
3rd period: 12 total penalties, Aggies with 3

Next Game:

Sunday, October 5, 2008 @ 1:00 p.m.
Dr. Pepper Star Center, Irving