University of Alabama Game 1...
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Texas A&M University Aggies (12) VS. University of Alabama Crimson Tide (1)
Due to a 3-game weekend for the University of Alabama and the hospitality of the Longhorns, the Aggies were the Home team in a Saturday evening contest at Chaparral Ice in Austin, Texas.
After a hard fought battle on Friday evening, the Tide emerged as 5-3 victors over the Longhorns and were planning on developing a winning streak for their Texas Tour. A&M had a different ‘welcome wagon’ in mind and dominated UofA for a 12-1 victory.
From the first shift, A&M made a statement. Solid puck control into the ‘Bama zone by Michael Molge and a soft pass to Nic Xenakis created constant pressure on the goaltender. A quick shot, rebound and a wrap around goal by Dustin Roark put the Aggies on the board early, 1-0.
On a power play at 14:56, ‘Bama scored their lone goal for the evening and tied the score at 1-1.
At 8:48 on a power play, A&M executed a beautiful, well-timed break out. As UofA dumped the puck deep into A&M territory, goalie Clair Gannon alertly fed defenseman John Rordvedt. A quick bump pass to Nic Xenakis and another quick pass found Molge to beat the defense to a breakaway and the goalie, top right corner, 2-1.
Less than 30 seconds later, in a similar situation, Assistant Captain Eric Engelking stole the puck on the ‘Bama blue line and with a soft pass to Justin Cooley, skated in, top corner, 3-1.
Five minutes later, the Aggies continued the pressure. Deep in ‘Bama territory, the Aggies crashed the net, looking for a rebound. With the puck loose in front, Xenakis found Roark behind the net. On a nice give and go with the return pass, Xenakis found the back of the net, 4-1.
To finish the period scoring with 16 seconds remaining, the Aggies again control the puck in the Tide’s zone. With a shot from Brian Young at the point, Assistant Captain Jeff Diltz tips the puck and Justin Cooley buries the rebound, 5-1 Aggies.
Less than three minutes later, the aggressive fore-checking by Aubrey Berkowitz in the neutral zone allows a leading pass to Mark Moreno to enter the ‘Bama zone. An accurate pass finds Nathan Banks in good position for a score, 6-1.
The Aggies found the score board again at the second period mid-point. The defensive pairing of John Rortvedt created some open ice for his partner Brian Young and a hard, low drive lit the goal light, 7-1.
At 4:56 on a strong individual effort, Diltz eluded a UofA defender and was taken down from behind. Diltz was awarded a penalty shot, and with a nifty move to fake the goaltender, A&M 8-1.
In the last minute of the period, a 2-on-1 situation was created as A&M entered the ‘Bama zone. Xenakis crossed the blue line, pulled the defender, fed Molge, top shelf, 9-1.
At 17:39 in the third period, aggressive fore-checking in the neutral zone created another Tide turnover and another 2-on-1 situation. Berkowitz initialized the opportunity as Banks feeds Moreno, 10-1.
With 6:39 remaining, Diltz stole the puck in the ‘Bama slot and scores an un-assisted goal.
To finish the scoring with 37 seconds remaining, Nic Uccello gains control of the puck in the UofA zone. A soft pass to Nathan Banks and a one-timer by Captain Phillip Lowery from the point beats the goaltender.
Final Score: 12-1 Aggies
Game Notes:
A&M scored in the first three minutes of each period and the last minute of each period.
We enjoyed our match-up with University of Alabama and wish safe travels and a successful season for the Tide.
Sunday Scores: Longhorns 3, ‘Bama 2.
Next A&M Game:
A&M vs. Central Oklahoma
Friday & Saturday, November 7 - 8, 2008
Edmund, OK
Next Home Game:
UNT vs. Aggies
Friday & Saturday, November 14 - 15, 2008
Arctic Wolf Ice, College Station, TX. @ 5:45 pm
We thank you again, our fans, parents and sponsors, for your support of Texas College Hockey!
