Forward Dexter Benda knocked in a rebound from a Steve Pouliot shot from the point late Tuesday night for the go ahead goal… so it seemed. But, like any good movie, there’s always a twist.
The referee (Phillips), in a controversial decision, disallowed the goal, claiming Benda was in the crease. Ironically, the same referee allowed a last second goal off the leg of a Blackbears skater in the crease. The Ruination (2-1-1) had to settle for a 4-4 tie.
“I didn’t see whether or not he was in the crease,” said the referee, D.J. Olszewski. “I was trying to locate the puck.”
Goaltender Rusty Barron was notably upset, taking extra time to compose himself before entering the locker room. “It’s not your fault,” said center Devin Collinridge, who scored what would have been the game-winning goal.
The questionable calls overshadowed an otherwise spirited game that saw several lead changes. Trailing 2-3 in the second period, defenseman Brett Vogel weaved through all five Bears for a highlight shot and score. “That’ll be on ESPN,” said one of the players in the midst of the cheers.
Defenseman Jason Spence, returning from a broken skate, was rather truculent, seen arguing with the referees at several points during the game, though later admitted the futility of it. Spence has also threatened to boycott Saturday’s match-up with Goon Squad– a rematch of last season’s championship game, which would most certainly affect ticket sales.
“It’s a matter of principle,” said Spence.
GM Mark Woods, when asked about the possible boycott, stated, “We’re hoping Spence was just blowing off some steam. We’re all upset, but not playing isn’t the answer.”
Added Woods: “It just wouldn’t be fair to the fan.”