Hunters Become the Hunted

Final Score
Shockers 5
Iron Wolves 1

Despite the Shockers coming off a 2-game losing streak, despite missing 4 players out of their line-up, despite the PTM website predicting that the Shockers were going to lose, the Shockers brought their 'A' game to the table when they took on the Iron Wolves this past Saturday. The Wolves were hungry for a big win as they, like the Shockers, are fighting for playoff positioning.

"We knew we had to win, another loss means a tougher playoff schedule for us," commented Corona-crusher, Joey Rae.

According to the PTM website, which is 2 games behind on updates, the Shockers hold a 4-point lead on the Iron Wolves and are just 2-points to move from 9th to 7th. With the Shockers win and assuming I.T.T and Saints lost their two games, the Shockers jump to 7th and hold a firm 6-point lead over the Wolves.

Before the game, the Shockers received word that 3 of their core defensemen would be out of the line-up, Greg Emmanuel, Marc Boucher and captain Francois Hamelin. As always out with a serious groin injury, Frankie Ortuso. Mike Rossi, deemed interim captain for the night, called on friend Nick Petosa who has seen some ice-time with the Shockers and posted up some impressive numbers but was unable to make it. Gary McDermott called up former Shockers, Dwayne Pilon, to fill in on defense and notably was McDermott's line-mate.

"I've been waiting for [Francois Hamelin's] call all this time and finally I got my shot," commented Pilon.

The first period started off shakey for the Shockers as the Iron Wolves poured on the attack. The Shockers were bailed out by the acrobatic-antics of goalie, Giancarlo Capaz, who was standing on his head at some points. Shockers regrouped and posted up a 1-0 lead when Andrew Stevens' slapshot found the back of the net.

The second period kicked off with a good performance by the Shockers, for a change, but things would take a turn when the Iron Wolves trolleyed in and found a way to beat Capaz to tie up the game 1-1. That would be short-lived as the Shockers rumbled back with Carlo Varano potting a goal for a 2-1 lead. Right before the period was all was said and done, Capaz froze the ball, dished it to Gary McDermott who then fed Varano who Hail Mary'd to Mike Rossi who chipped it by the goaltender to make it 3-1 with just 4 seconds left in the frame.

The third period was all Shockers, who played disciplined hockey even though the Iron Wolves were showing signs of frustration. Pilon scored midway through the period with a howitzer from the point and Mike Minkiewicz slap-chopped the ball home off a one-time feed by Varano to make it 5-1.

The Shockers dominated much of the game and the win was well-meritted.

"We did quick changes, played smart and we actually worked together out there. Good all-around game," commented Capaz.

The Shockers will now have a 2-week down time until they restart the schedule against the Pythons on Saturday, January 30th @ 3:00pm. Last time these teams face, the Pythons stomped all over them and easily took it 6-1, however, Shockers will look to make it respectable and hopefully surprise the Pythons by stealing a win.