Ashley’s Hopslam (3-1) are off to their best start after beating the Yaks 5-1 Tuesday night at Varsity Rink. Winger Matt Schaeffer scored three goals– a feat known as a “hat-trick” in hockey circles, though its origins date back to an 1858 cricket match in England– in a dominating display of speed and talent.
“It’s a good line,” said defenseman Mark Woods, referring to Schaefer and line-mates Dexter Benda and Shawn Lopez. “Though I’m a little surprised Shawn didn’t get a goal. He’s been trying to get everyone to call him Goal-a-Game Lopez.”
“I guess he just didn’t want it bad enough,” added Woods.
Lopez was reportedly exasperated. “I went to the forehand. I went to the backhand. Nothing!” he said.
Goaltender Rusty Barron was brilliant at net, nearly pitching a shut-out before Yak forward Mark Buster spoiled things with just under six minutes left. Frustrated by the game, the Yaks committed eight penalties, including four in the third period. Yak Number 85 Dave Tuzinowski slashed Hopslam Number 85 Gary Witt (who had a goal in the third) and received an unsportsmanlike after hitting Witt in the back of the helmet.
Hopslam will face their toughest challenge of the young season Saturday when they take on the IceMen, who dismantled Hopslam 3-7 in the playoffs last season.