2003-04 Bantam B - Regular Season Game 9 Details vs. Capital Thunder

1/24/04 - Cougars lose to the league leading Capital Thunder, 2-1

Period 1
Cougars hosted the almost undefeated Capital Thunder for the last regular season game between these two teams. Both teams came out with physical play early, and the Cougars seemed to dominate the offensive zone through most of the period. #25 Alan Reese had his Wheaties that morning, taking down several Thunder players in his pursuit of a goal. #77 Rickey Niday had several great scoring chances of his own. Unfortunately, the Cougars found themselves down a man late in the period. #20 Eric Berner had to be on his toes, but didn't get much help from his teammates, as the Thunder scored on the power play.

Period 2
The Cougars got some great scoring chances again from #77 Rickey Niday, who gave the Capital Thunder some trouble in front of the net. The Cougars had a breakaway chance from #7 Max DeLance, but the Thunder goalie came up big. #16 Denis van de Goor did a great job at the blue-line to help the Cougars offensively. The Capital Thunder scored their second goal on a defensive breakdown at the blue-line. The rest of the period was riddled with penalties on both sides; unfortunately, the Cougars couldn't convert on the man advantage.

Period 3
Cougars got on the board early in the period on a goal from #11 Nathan Ellison, assisted by #81 Zefan Hurley. This seemed to fire-up the Cougar bench as each line had several good scoring chances. #17 Conor Sullivan and #4 Chase Johnson had a 2-1 break, but were unable to convert. #25 Alan Reese had a great chance off a pass from #2 Kevin Heyl. Line mates #14 Josh Bautista, #10 Alan Nguyen, and #77 Rickey Niday (yes another chance) also had a great opportunity. #4 Chase Johnson hit the post late in the period. Although the clock was ticking down, the Cougars kept on coming. #47 Jordan Fragoza had the best scoring chance with seconds left in the game, unfortunately, the Thunder goalie stopped the Cougars cold.

Summary:
I thought the team played great, considering we've never played this team with a full roster. Outstanding defense from #64 Shoshana Levine, #88 Derek Green, #81 Zefan Hurley, and #16 Denis van de Goor. The Cougars never gave up but continued to pressure throughout the whole game. I thought it was one of the better played and officiated games of the season. Let's get them in the playoffs!!!!!