Ashley’s Aventinus (6-2-3) had their seven-game unbeaten streak snapped Sunday night, losing to Mott D2 2-4 in a game that slowly slipped away.
Mott winger Andy Meyer broke through the defense mid-way through the first period to give Mott the early lead. However, Chris Sutton, returning from Florida, tied it up late in the first period. Defenseman Joe Crossno grabbed the lead early in the second, only to have it tied up late in the period.
A goal early in the third from Laura Williams and one late made it clear that the streak was over. Sutton, however, was optimistic. “That was only our second loss, right?”
Indeed, despite the loss, Aventinus is having their best season since the league expanded. Critics have brought GM Mark Woods under fire in recent seasons over his controversial Goalie Committee— employing several goaltenders over the course of the season– including five this season alone. The decision prompted Rusty Barron to quip, “I wasn’t the goalie you deserved but the goalie that showed up…”
Woods has defended his management style as one borne of necessity. “Ask Ryan (Bidwell) where he is,” challenged Woods.
“I am in DC,” said Bidwell from his iPhone.
“There you go,” said Woods. “Goalies are like snowflakes; unique and unpredictable. And you need like a million of them to get through the season.”