California Cougars vs. Tri-Valley Blue Devils

California Cougars offense shut down in loss to Tri-Valley Blue Devils
 
The Tri-Valley Blue Devils opened up a close game in the third period to record a lopsided victory over the California Cougars in an exhibition match in Dublin on Sunday, Oct. 30. The Cougars defense, which had looked solid in its last outing against the Oakland Bears, allowed 28 third-period shots as the Blue Devils pulled away late.

The smothering Blue Devils defense also limited the effectiveness of the Cougars forwards, who managed only 9 official shots on goal.
Coach Rob Tenore suggested this exhibition game was a good learning experience for the team, which will need to have its laces tight when the squad takes on Santa Clara B next Sunday in the San Jose East Rink.

Overworked goalie Carson Murison was solid in net, making 48 saves. Defensemen Max Frenkel and Elliot Salazar broke up a number of scoring chances. Chase Bolling was especially solid at the blueline in the first two frames, while Ryan Bockholt and Thomas Beebe kept the score from being more one-sided as they kept the goal crease clear of Blue Devils.

On offense, Nash Berkowitz, Erik West and Kyle Tanaka had the best scoring opportunities, and they each put 2 shots on net. Center Adam Rosenduft and forward Shura Boz skated well but were turned aside as they circled in anticipation of rebounds. Matthew Lydon and Daniel Schmidt adroitly threaded several passes but the goals were not to come. Pace Farbstein nearly was able to find the twin on a backhand. Netminder Nick Gary and winger John Bohac were unable to participate in the action but vowed to make a difference in their next meeting.
 
Game notes: The team allowed its first powerplay goals of the year, plus one shorthanded goal. Berkowitz won a team-high 16 faceoffs. Lydon was also 50% on puck draws. The Cougars had 19 takeways from the high-powered Blue Devils offense; Farbstein led the team with 5 takeaways; Bolling had 4 and Frenkel and Lydon each had 3.
 
Next Game: Sunday, Nov.  6, 2011 at 3:00 pm vs. the Santa Clara Blackhwaks at the San Jose E. Rink (Sharks Ice at San Jose, 1500 S. Tenth St., SJ, CA 95112).