ANN ARBOR–Ashley’s Hopslam (8-5) overcame some dubious calls by the referees Tuesday night to beat the Ice Dogs 3-2, halting a 2-game skid. Forward Shawn Lopez got back on track with a goal and an assist despite losing an edge on his skate, and losing his high-flying wing partner Matt Schaefer, who was forced out of the league just a couple of weeks ago.
“We used to watch game film together,” lamented Lopez, explaining his recent scoring slump.
The referees clearly had a score to settle with center Scott Coates, who was called for a hook, a cross check, and a trip. “They won’t stop until they kick you off the ice,” said Mike Leighton.
Coates had another run-in with the refs two seasons ago with “Jaske,” which ended with Coates receiving a suspension that carried into the next season.
“Scotty pisses a lot of people off,” said defenseman Mark Woods. “He’s very abrasive.”
“He doesn’t read these articles, does he?” asked Woods.
Though the official score sheet only recorded an assist for Dog Mike Bourgeois, it was clear that his skill level is comparable to Schaefer’s. In the second period, Bourgeois skated past all five Hopslammers and nearly backhanded one in. Later in the same shift, Bourgeois had a shot and was gathering the rebound for another but for the referee’s whistle blowing the play dead.
“I guess I’ll score later,” he said.
“They kick Matt out, but let this guy stay?” asked Leighton, incredulous. “He can skate around all of us!”
Yes, but he couldn’t score any more than an assist late in the game. With goals from Steve Gorham and Gary Witt, steady goaltending from Paul Sholtis, and the thought of ice cold beer in the locker room, Hopslam preserved the lead to earn their eighth win– doubling their wins from last season.