October 17, 2006... TIGERS LOSE TO THE ROYALS...AND THE REFS

The Tigers and Royals met for the 2nd time in the regular season, with the Royals taking the 1st game. There is a bit of a rivalry developing between these 2 intense teams as well as the supporters in the stands. From the opening drop of the puck it was clear that there would be an intense pace. True to form both teams moved the puck, creating chances at both ends to no avail, it was quick if not frantic at times.

4 minutes into the period the Royals capitalized on a bad bounce as the Tigers failed to clear the puck out of their zone. Soon after their goal the Royals took a hooking penalty, giving the Tigers the power play. With the clock counting down the Tigers mounted an attack and had a couple of good chances but the Royals goalie stymied each opportunity.

Penalties played a major factor in the game with both teams playing shorthanded, 4 on 4, 5 on 3 and any other combination you can think of. Nick Wallace was a force early with his effective shorthanded mastery of the puck in the Royals zone. His reach and adept stick-handling were all factors that contributed to his ability to maintaining control. At times he used some of the more diminutive Royals players as pylons.

Riley “Sky” Skyba made his presence known with a solid check into the boards as the Royals player rushed down the right wing. Unfortunately the thunderous check sent the player into the glass sending him crashing to the ice. Like a true warrior the Royals player was able to get up and leave the ice with assistance.

The spirited 1st period ended with the Royals leading 1-0.

In the second period the Tigers continued to be called for some questionable infractions, prompting some vocal protests by the Tigers supporters of which the only thing I can actually write is “you can quote me on that!!”. It was rather unfortunate as when the teams were even strength it was some of the most exciting hockey displayed this year.

As the frustration levels continued to rise the Tiger’s finally got a break as one of the defenseman pinched. Justin Iskra recognizing the charging “D” covered the point and positioned himself at the left point. The puck found it’s way back to him and despite being on his wrong wing he moved in without hesitation and stepped into one that glanced off the post to tie the game. With 2:48 remaining Jace McGrath, who’s hustle all night, was rewarded for his play with a goal giving the Tigers the lead for the 1st time.

The 3rd period started with the Royals having a 2 man advantage and despite some spirited penalty killing they scored on the power play to tie the game at 2-2. The Tigers however would mount a counter attack that almost saw them take the lead back quickly but with the Tigers pressing it was the Royals who quickly transitioned from defense to offence breaking in and scoring the go ahead goal.

The Tigers continued to press and played with pride. Down 2 players with Matt Raleigh and Sean Corvetti not available for the game, for the 1st time this year it was the Tigers who seemed tired. The Royals are to be commended for there effort as they continued to hustle right to the final buzzer. The Royals scored one more time to make the final 4-2.

Many players left the game tired and wounded but ready to continue the journey….

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