Spider faithful pass fitness challenge

March 26, 2008

Playing for more than just pride, the Spiders closed out their season in dramatic fashion. With an extremely short bench (only 9 total skaters), the Spiders demonstrated playoff-style hockey, grinding out a 3-3 tie against the playoff-bound Roadrunners. “This is the best we have played as a team all season, my hat goes off to the Spiders’ faithful they really played their hearts out tonight,” Captain Dave Schliesman told reporters after the game…

The Spiders opened up the scoring late in the 1st period when Chris Stalpes connected on an odd-angle shot off a pass from Doug Thorson. The rest off the 1st period belonged to substitute goalie Dirk Jacobson as he turned away everything the Roadrunners could muster.

The runners were able to pick up a couple early goals in the second period and it looked as though they were going to open season on the weary Spiders. In between huge gasps of air, winger Bob Harnett could be heard uttering motivational phrases to his squad… His inspiration was enough for the iron-nine to rise above the side-aches, muscle cramps and dry-heaves. His inspiration provoked the Spiders to find a whole other gear they were unaware they had when right about the 10-minute mark of the period Jim Maietta was able knock in a rebound on the power-play assisted by Thorson and Gustafson. Just 38 seconds later those three teamed up again for a little tic-tac-toe passing capped off by a blast from Gus. End of the 2nd: Spiders 3, Roadrunners 2.

The third period was up and down, wide-open hockey as both teams were on a shooting frenzy. The Roadrunners tied it up early in the third. Jacobson was a force in the net and kept the Spiders in a position to go out with a win. They had ample chances, but the Roadrunner net-minder was also up to the challenge. Perhaps the Spiders’ best opportunities came in the extra frame when they had a 2-man advantage for the final 1:10 of OT. It was a perfect display of Spider tenacity as they crashed the net time and again. In the end, the Roadrunners and Spiders settle for a tie.

After the game, the Roadrunners held a moment of silence and reflection thankful that they do not have to face the Spiders in the playoffs.

The number one star of the game goes to sub-goalie Dirk Jacobsen who faced 57 Roadrunners shots, turning away 54 of them. Yes, that is right, 54 saves, but the Spiders still dominated the game.

Attendance for the Spider finale was zero but for those who were contemplating coming to watch … the Spiders thank you. You are the greatest hockey fans in the world.