By Roy J. Akers- www.skyviewsports.net
Plymouth, Mich. – Augustana is making their bones playing in the CCHA this season and they took a key measuring stick with their 4-1 win over the USNTDP 18U team on Friday. They key is earning goals by four different players playing in a road series that would measure the program. The Vikings cruised to an early lead and win and the Saturday conclusion. Augustana would find this game much more dramatic but they held the lead for most of the game. Here is how it happened.
First Period
Team USA earns early shots on goal on Augusta Vikings goaltender Christian Manz. Early in the game, USA is called for a bench penalty at 3:31 and Augustana goes on the man advantage and they fire off four weak shots and the power play is squashed. A non descript goal by the Vikings Brett Meerman at 7:02 gets Augustana on the board. Assists by Joey Delgreco and Hayden Hennen makes it 1-0.
A nifty save by Manz drew a penalty as Easton Young puts the hook on a streaking USA player and the power play belongs to the home team. The USA powerplay is harmless and both teams go back to full strength. USA’s Jack Murdaugh uses a poke check for a breakaway on Manz but the shot is foiled at 16:00. The equalizer would come for USA at 18:11 as Jake Stuart is in the slot and the unassisted goal makes it 1-1. The period ends with a 1-1 tie. Shots on Goal: (SOG) Team USA 13- Augustana 11.
Second Period
The second stanza is played with mostly few quality chances by both teams. Team USA outshot Augusta 6-5 through the first 14 minutes of play before Augusta breaks through at 14:03. Third liner Simon Falk beats USA’s Joey Slavik clean with assists from Colton Friesen and Owen Bohn. Augustana 2- Team USA 1. A scrum breaks out at the 16:56 mark as both teams push and shove behind the Vikings net. Augustana is now a man short. Jacob Kvasnicka, (the Minnesota Golden Golphers recruit) goes to the box for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Vikings are called for a for a second minor for holding at 17:31. Uula Ruikka hits the box. USA has a four on three. USA holds the zone for most of the two man advantage but Augustana kills the USA 5-3. SOG – USA – 9/22, Augustana 7/18.
Intermission Laugh: The Team USA usually sells rubber ducks for a mid ice toss to raise money for charity. Tonight, they did not clear the local players entertaining the crowd an nearly a 1,000 fans had a team to aim the ducks at. The announcer told the crowd to stop throwing the ducks.
Third Period
Team USA controls much of the early period but has nothing to show for it except for three SOG. Both teams continue to play even steven defense with Augusta State coming on as the period moves along in the first ten minutes. The SOG are light for both teams. Team USA starts peppering the Augusta net with a couple of shots kicked away by Manz. Then, at 17:21, Team USA earns the equalizer. Pressuring with the puck, Will Moore from down low with assists from Jack Murdaugh and Conrad Fondak. Its now 2-2.
Not For Long
Aususta scores just two minutes later with just :30.1 to go. Hunter Bischoff from Brett Meerman. Augusta 3-USA 2. The game ends moments later. SOG – USA -9/27- Augusta 9-27
Final- Augusta 3-USA 2.
Three Stars
One- Augustana Brett Meerman
Two- Team USA Will Moore
Three Augustana Christian Marz
An announced crowd of 1,933 were in attendance
Team USA next plays Michigan State in Plymouth
Roy J. Akers is a multi-media reporter and covers several sports for www.skyviewsports.net