ANN ARBOR–“They were ahead 3-1 and they pulled their goalie!” joked Chris Sutton.
But, truth proved stranger than fiction as Aventinus (11-3-5) completed a third period comeback with seven unanswered goals to beat Goon Squad 8-3. Sutton had four goals and an assist for the night.
“Nice job, Mark (Woods),” said Goon Squader Matt McIntosh sarcastically. The so-called compliment was a critique levied against defenseman Mark Woods, who has played in the C-league– the nation’s top league (after B-league, pee wees, mites, high school hockey, travel hockey, the OHL, and the NHL in that order).
McIntosh, who plays for the C-league Goon Squad team, knows Woods plays in the C-league (for Ashley’s Ruination), but clearly did not recognize him despite skating against him the night before. The sarcastic remarks were made to defenseman Joe Crossno.
Crossno, upon hearing that his on-ice play was mistaken for Woods’ play, expressed dismay to think that his skills may have eroded to the point of being compared to Woods. He vowed to work harder and longer to improve his game.
“That’s a real wake-up call,” said GM Mark Woods. “No one wants to hear that.”
For the night, Scott Bray chipped in with two goals, and defenseman Ed Boucher scored his first goal (short-handed) of the season. Jeff Phillion started the third period with a slash, and completed the Gordie Howe hattrick with an assist that tied the game, and then the game-winner just 40 seconds later.
The team finishes the season with their best record ever, but looks to an uncertain playoff picture. However, given their offensive prowess, particularly in light of Wednesday’s game, the team is cautiously optimistic. Savvy veteran Ron Coleman summed it up best: “There aren’t many problems that seven goals in the third [period] won’t cure.”