Spider notch first loss of the season

Dec. 2, 2007

The Spiders notched their first loss of the season against the division-leading Rack Attack.

The Spiders are still playing without assistant captain Jim Maietta who is listed in the Spiders media guide as “day to day” with an unspecified upper body injury.

The Spiders started the game with their normal strong fore-check. Lots of jump and energy could describe the Spiders forwards’ offensive-minded attack as they outshot the Rack Attack 15 to 10 in the first period.

The first goal of the period came on a “coast-to-coast” run from D-man Shawn Tromiczak about 2 minutes into the period. Tromiczak showed his speed as he beat the Rack Attack goalie. Tromizack’s goal was followed by a Rack Attack goal (Havemeier). Soon after the Rack Attack marker, the Spiders’ Big Jim Green pounded two shots from the slot off a feed from Brad Butalla....the second shot beat the Rack Attack net minder and the Spiders went into the second period up 2–1.

The second period was all Rack Attack. The Spiders were either tired, or perhaps they were mesmerized by the short referees’ mullet, but in any case, they fell asleep at the wheel and let the Rack Attack control the period.

The Rack Attack notched 3 goals in the period and finished ahead at 4–2. The Spiders were outshot 17–6 and left goalie Chad Sande to flop around like a 2 lb walleye. Sande suffered a shoulder contusion, but tightened his breezers and hung in the net for the remainder of the game.

The third period brought a bit more life into the Spiders....the energy came from another Tromiczak goal early in the period. Tromiczak connected on a laser-like slapshot and pulled the Spiders within one goal at 4–3. A few minutes later, in the heat of the moment, Jack Delsing battled the Rack Attack’s J Bunting for possession along the boards, Bunting cross-checked Delsing, and Jack stood his ground. Both skaters were sent to the cooler for 2 minutes each. Delsing was innocent, of course.

The Rack Attack regained their two-goal margin on a nifty pass and brought the score up to 5–3. However, the Spiders were not ready to roll over and quit....late in the 3rd period Big Jim Green scored again by banging in a rebound off of a Brad Butalla snap shot. The Spiders now down just one goal, called for a time-out. With just under 2 minutes to go Captain Dave Schliesman pulled goalie Chad Sande to the bench for an extra attacker. The Spiders pressed hard, but were unable to notch another goal.

The Rack attack wins the match 6–4 and retains the position of first place in the division. The Spiders will re-group and play the Eagles next on December 15.