Hockey Night in Canada’s Battle between Spiders and Diablos

Jan. 25, 2009

It was Hockey Night in Canada with a nationally televised game between the first place Spiders and the second place Diablos. It was an anticipated game of the leagues two top teams. While final television ratings are not in, it is believed to have attracted as many viewers as the NHL All Star game on the ever popular Versus.

The Spiders came out on fire in the first period. They fired 14 shots on goal with many scoring opportunities. The Spiders first goal of the period came from Doug Thorson with assists by Forcelle and Tim Stalpes. Mark Bortnem ended the first period with another goal on an assist from Chris Stalpes. The Spiders enter the second period leading 2-0. They again open the second period with a lot of momentum, until two quick penalties were called on the Spiders. The first by Doug Thorson and the other by goalie Brian Dow for having an "On ice Discussion" with the referee. If there was a time for the Diablos to get in this game, now was going to be the chance. The Spiders defended the 5 on 3 and snuffed the Diablos. The Spiders had another 12 shots on net and added a goal by Shawn Tromiczak unassisted. He flat out stuffed it around the net. The Third period saw the tired legs of the Spiders starting to show fatigue. This was not going to stop the first place Spiders. With another 10 shots on net, the Spiders bury another goal, this time unassisted by Doug Thorson. The Diablos finally got on the board in the 3rd.

Shots on goal

Spiders 36 vs. Diablos 22

The Labatt's Beer 3 stars of the game

• #3 star Brian Dow (despite his linguistic finesse)
• #2 star The Spider Blue Line (Lindsley, Tromiczak, T. Stalpes, C. Stalpes)
• #1 Star of the Game with 2 goals and 347 minutes of non-stop skating, DOUG THORSON

Attendance 3