Dec 28, 2011 | bmiller | 280 views
Schlueter Hyundai Christmas Tournament Update
Schlueter Hyundai has pulled away with victories in their first two games of the annual Christmas Tournament.
The first win came against a resilient Libro squad on December 27. Schlueter jumped out to a quick two goal lead with goals coming from the line of Horvath, Flanders, and Anderson as well Dietrich, Garland, and Brookes.
Schlueter would hold the two goal lead until midway through the second when Libro would score to come within one. They would score once again early in the third period knotting the game up at two.
However the Schlueter team kept their cool and the line of Davis, Duquette, and J. Demers found their way onto the score sheet less then one minute after the game was tied. The line would also score the insurance marker, making the score 4-2, with just over a minute remaining in the third.
The defensive pairings of Haney and Elhedhli, as well as Domaratzki and Jones played well when called upon, especially considering the team was down to only two pairings. The increased ice time did not take its tole as the pairings played strong defense right until the final whistle. More importantly their play was strongest in the later half of the third period limiting Libro's scoring chances until the forwards could score the insurance goal.
C. Demers played fantastic in net holding a potent Libro team to only two goals.
On December 28 Schlueter won their second game of the tournament with a score of 8-3 over a much improved Lowe's Home Improvement team. The team was able to battle through line shuffling as they were forced to play with two centers and three sets of wingers, while the defense were once again back to three pairings.
The two centers Flanders and Davis played a strong game receiving points on four of the teams eight goals. The wing pairings of Anderson and Horvath, Duquette and J. Demers, along with Dietrich and Noble all played well. All three pairings were able make it onto the game sheet leading to a balanced offensive attack.
Brookes was once again a versatile player moving from forward to defense. Partnered with Garland, the pair played stellar defense. The other pairings of Elhedhli and Haney as well as Domaratzki and Jones also played their usual strong defensive hockey, helping the Schlueter team to keep their goals against for the tournament at five through two games, which is a division best.
C. Demers was once again in the net for the victory, showing his knack for saving breakaways more than once in the contest.
The teams next action comes December 29 against the Kitchener Rangers who have fought to two ties so far during the tournament.