ANN ARBOR–Goaltender Ryan Bidwell turned away the Yaks for two shutout periods, giving up only one goal with just under a minute to play as Aventinus cruised to a 3-1 win to pull back to even after Sunday’s season opener.
“Though I skate through the valley of the shadow of the Yak,” began Bidwell with religious fervor, “I shall fear no odd man rush.”
Such boldness came in handy as the Yaks made a last minute push breaking past the defense for what seemed like a breakaway goal with just under 20 seconds to play.
“Yakity yak!” exclaimed Bidwell, poking the puck away easily. When asked what the battle cry signified, Bidwell explained that it was Yakanese for “poke check.”
Center Justin Baier dropped in the first goal short-handed and added an assist late. Nathan Greenman added a goal in the second period, and Ken Coleman signed the insurance policy with the third mid-way through the third period.
However, the star of the game was clearly newcomer Jeff Meden, who earned the equivalent of academic tenure when he brought in several growlers (glass or ceramic jugs used to transport draft beer) of what sources report as “some premium (bleep)” from Meden’s private stock.
“Yeah, he pretty much is on the team for life as far as the guys are concerned,” said GM Mark Woods. “Good beer gets you here. Great beer keeps you here.”