Aventinus (1-2-1) stumbled Sunday night, losing a tough battle with North Coast 1-4 in a game much closer than the score might indicate. Following a quick goal from the Coast, center Justin Baier answered back less than a minute later with a breakaway goal, evening the score. Goaltender Ryan Bidwell stood on his head, particularly in the first period, where he looked like a spinning top, sending pucks and sticks flying in his wake.
“That move was YouTube worthy,” exclaimed defenseman Ed Boucher.
The game turned, however, mid-way through the second period when North Coast took advantage of an injured Mohammad Stroshein, who recently signed with Aventinus through Plan-B free agency from the former Huskies team. Stroshein watched in pain as North Coast poured on the pressure in the impromptu man advantage, making it 3-1.
“I heard something pop,” Stroshein said. “I tried to pop it back, but…” He did not return to game, but stayed on the bench in a show of support.
Team doctor Steven Golombisky later said tests on the knee came up negative. “He just needs to ice it down, throw some heat on it, and stretch it out. He’ll be fine by morning.”
Management, however, expressed concern about the roster. In a late hour decision, GM Mark Woods stated that team scout Mark Johnston will hop on a plane to Mexico early Monday to check on Aventinus’ farm team, Dos Equis, for the most interesting prospects.