ANN ARBOR–Ashley’s Ruination moved passed Thompson’s Pizza 4-3 Tuesday night at Varsity Rink on the strength of a Jason Spence 1st period hattrick. Jon Molnar also added what turned out to be the game-winning goal, also the first period.
“Score early, and score often,” said GM Mark Woods. “That’s what I always tell the boys to do.”
Added Woods: “Maybe I should have also said to ‘score throughout.'”
Thompson’s crept to within a goal in the second period, and made a serious thrust to tie the game late in the third. Fortunately, defenseman Mark Woods and winger Ricky Winowiecki charged into the game late to save the day. Woods changed the dynamic by being the odd numbered defenseman. Winowiecki did the same thing for the wing pairs.
“Three and oh on the face-offs, baby!” stated Winowiecki defensively.
Other standouts included Matt Schaefer, who had two assists for the game. Schaefer was acquired from Ashley’s Hopslam late in the season.
Also of note was the father-son duo refereeing the game. When asked if there were any problems with Pokorney Sr or Junior, GM Woods noted that he did not have any “complaints about Portnoy.” Woods also added that he suspected no one will get that literary reference, and kindly asked that a link to the book be placed within the article.
Ruination moves on to the semi-finals Saturday.