Ashley’s Hopslam (1-0) took an early and fought back late to win a roller coaster opener Saturday night 4-3 over a Mott-improved Gates team (0-1). Mike Leighton, who played for Mott before moving to Ashley’s through Plan B free agency, dominated the game, scoring two goals and adding an assist.
“I’m exhausted,” said Leighton after the game.
Defenseman Al Johnson opened the scoring with a wrist shot from the point, sailing the puck past netminder Charlie Huber’s shoulder early in the first period. After Hopslam made it 2-0 in the second, Gates went on a tear, scoring three goals in a n eight minute span. Not to be denied, Leighton tied it up with a minute left in the period.
The two teams went back and forth for the third period, and it looked as though the game would end in a tie when forward Matt Schaefer found forward Shawn Lopez on the other side of the net. Lopez roofed the shot, popping the water bottle, giving Hopslam the lead with just 0:29 seconds left in the game.
“I told Shawn I was going to pass him the game-winning puck,” said Schaefer.
The addition of Johnson and Schaefer combined with moving Lopez to forward has energized the team. “That’s it! They’re on the squad,” stated forward Tom Colis resolutely. “It’s our turn (to win a championship)!”
Hopslam will face rivals Cubs AC Tuesday night.