ANN ARBOR– Ashley’s Ruination (6-4) won its third straight game and first of the season over bitter rival Goon Squad 4-2 late Tuesday night on Stadium Ice. Goaltender Rusty Barron fought off two first period goals, pitching two shut-out innings to earn the win.
“I’m pretty jazzed,” said forward Ricky Winowiecki.
The game was marked by numerous penalties as both teams racked up 66 minutes and a total of seven games in suspensions for players. Defenseman Jason Spence, one assist short of a “Gordie Howe hattrick” (a goal, an assist, and a fight), was given a three-game suspension pending the final word from league headquarters in Toronto following a brawl that left Goony Alex Davis with a bloody nose.
“That’s fine,” said Spence.
“Those guys (Goon Squad) make the same three mistakes over and over again,” said defenseman Anthony Ciatti. “They’re just dumb.” Indeed, the score sheet revealed the three penalties most often committed: roughing (5), hooking (2), and slashing (2).
The defense held tough throughout the game. Defenseman Mark Woods, in particular, received praise from several teammates. “You had one of your better games,” said forward Devin Collingridge.
“The key is to minimize your mistakes,” said Woods at the press conference. “I think I played my best hockey in the last five minutes of the game.”
Woods sat the bench the last five minutes of the game.
Lost in the excitement was the fact that newcomers Jon Molnar (2) and Phil Schiller had goals, including Molnar’s short-handed game winner in the second. “That’s what I try to do, most of the time,” said Molnar.
“It’s better to score than not to score,” he added.
Goon Squad found out that no truer words in hockey have been spoken.