Ephs Hockey Falls to Statesmen, 6-1
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The game marked the first time either team had played since Dec. 8, the last game before the holiday break.
The Statesmen (10-2), in the first of a series of goals to start periods, were able to capitalize on the rusty Ephs early miscues in netting the games first two goals off shots from Ryan Adler only 1:47 in and then Patrick Moriarty just 31 seconds later. The Ephs recovered from their early shock and were able to repel Hobar's attack, and despite their significant shot disadvantage for the period (Hobart 13 – Williams 4) were able to put the pressure on the Hobart defense.
However, the opportunistic Statesmen countered with a quick transition goal from Mathew Wallace, with 4:22 remaining. The Ephs (2-5-1) were not deterred by their significant deficit and hit back at Hobart when Matt Dreiheim took the puck on a picturesque wrap around before dropping off in front of the net for a streaking Brandon Jackmuff, who punched it past ace Statesmen goaltender Keith Longo (25 saves) with 1:23 left on the clock.
Hobart would not be denied in the second period, however, and in the Ephs rendition of the start of the first period, netted one goal and produced one very near miss in the periods first 2:03. The first shot was narrowly stopped by a brilliant glove save by Eph goaltender Marc Pulde (38 saves) but the Statesmen converted less than a minute later when forwards Nick DeCroo and Shawn Houde put together a series of quick passes in front of the net culminating in a DeCroo goal 2:03 in.
This time the Statesmen's momentum continued throughout the period, as their defenders seemingly appeared to be present in every Eph passing lane while their forwards continuously swarmed and harassed the goal. They would add a goal from Blake Bonham only 6:05 later, making the score 5-1 were it would stay for the remainder of the period.
Keeping with the trend, the Statesmen were able to add an early goal to start the third period, when Matthew Wallace converted a short pass in front of the net only 2:14 into the period. The game would open up towards the end of the period, but the Ephs were unable to get the puck past Longo, and the game ended in 6-1 defeat.
