Ashley’s Hopslam (2-0) gave up a goal late in the first, but then rattled off six unanswered goals to beat Cubs AC 6-1 Tuesday night at Varsity Arena.
“That was a lot of fun,” said newly acquired forward Even Feezel, who had an assist for the night.
Defenseman Brittany Szczpanik got her first goal of the season to answer Cubs’ Victor Lacca’s score with just over two minutes left in the first. The teams remained even until about four minutes left in the second period, when Bob “Brue” Brock(ers) tapped in what would prove the game winner. Brock nearly had a second goal minutes later.
“I had it,” exclaimed Brock. “The goalie left it wide open.”
“Next time, hit it like you mean it,” offered defenseman Mark Woods, who contributed by giving the team an opportunity to pad it’s penalty killing minutes with a hook in the second period.
Paul Sholtis was strong in net, pitching two shutout periods. His play prompted Ashley’s Aventinus (from the rough and ready D2 league) to offer a contract to the budding star goalie. The contract reportedly would pay him in cookies. Sholtis was spotted at Stadium Arena Wednesday, duplicating his performance for Aventinus.
No cookies have exchanged hands, however, and Sholtis was seen leaving the building. Whether or not it was in a huff has yet to be determined by sources close to the team.
The highlight of the Hopslam game came late in the third when forward Matt Schaefer scored two goals in the last four minutes, including his second with just 0:50 left in the game. Schaefer then urged teammates to hurry to the line so the referees could drop the puck. “I think he thought we were down by five goals,” said GM Mark Woods. “In his defense, we often are.”
Woods has often been credited with putting together a strong team, working through the college draft and minor leagues. Most of the kudos have come from Woods himself, usually with no one listening… or caring.