ANN ARBOR–Ashley’s Hopslam (10-7) dropped its second straight game to the Depot Town Stags 3-5 Saturday night despite a furious comeback bid in the third period. As video evidence provided by Stag Television shows, Hopslam was down 5-1 late in the second period, with only Andrew Thompson’s goal within the first 0:30 seconds of the game.
“I thought we had them after that first gaol,” said center Mike Leighton. “I really wanted that game.”
Seemingly down by an insurmountable lead, Gary Witt, with no regard to the score, scored late in the second period to give the team a lift. Defenseman Brad Johnson added a third goal late in the third, and despite a flurry of activity in the second and third period, Hopslam was unable to turn opportunities into goals.
Goaltender Jeff Phillion had a shaky start, giving up three goals in the first period, and two in the second, but stiffened in the third, keeping it scoreless for the team to make the comeback bid.
“We just ran out of time,” said GM Mark Woods, who also serves as a captain of the obvious.
Late into the second period, defenseman Mark Woods stated, “We need to do a better job of playing our positions. Someone needs to say something.” Woods serves as a co-captain of the obvious.
“You’re the captain,” said mercurial winger Keith Kotimko. “You should say something.”
“Or lead by example,” said Witt.
“Definitely opt to say something,” insisted Kotimko.