ANN ARBOR–Standing by the glass in the corner of the rink was Matt Schaefer, the standout forward who was shipped off to another league as part of a controversial “league decision” early May.
“Shucks,” said Schaefer, watching wistfully as Andrew Thompson, the recently required forward, added an insurance goal with just over five minutes to play. Ashley’s Hopslam (11-7) finished with a 7-3 victory over the Yaks.
“I really wanted to help this team win a championship,” said Schaefer last month in an exclusive interview.
The team has struggled a bit since his departure, going 4-4 with one game left in the season. However, the addition of Thompson has certainly energized the team. Thompson has scored 6 goals and 4 assists in five games. Those numbers would certainly put him on pace to equal Schaefer’s output.
Again, Schaefer could only look on and try to be supportive as he watched long time friend and former line-mate Shawn Lopez form an on-ice bond with Thompson. Lopez assisted on one of Thompson’s two goals for the evening, and Thompson assisted on one of Lopez’s two goals for the evening.
With a heavy sigh and a smile that belied the pain, Schaefer quietly left the rink, knowing the team was in good hands.
“I’m sure Matt and Shawn will skate together again, soon” said GM Mark Woods. “It could be tonight; it could be tomorrow.”
Added Woods: “But not Saturday. Shawn said he’s going to be at a wedding or something.”