Spiders Take Care Of Business With 7-1 Win Over Renegades

Feb. 6, 2010

The Spiders were at a crossroads going into their game at Richfield on Saturday. A win would solidify their one-game lead over the Sled Dogs in the division. Standing in their way was a red-hot Renegades squad that had won three straight and six of seven after a slow start to the season. The Spiders would also be without the veteran leadership of captain Dave Schliesman and assistant captain Jim Maietta.

The Spiders got on the board first with a goal from Brad just minutes into the game. The Renegades evened it up on a pretty tip from a shot from the point while on the power play midway through the period. Late in the first, Brian Armagost and Jay Hilden scored ten seconds apart and the rout was on.

The Spiders continued the onslaught with goals by Bruce Gustafson and Brian Armagost in the first five minutes of the second period. Aaron Bedessem added a goal early in the third and Tim Stalpes scored a shorty two minutes later. Final score: 7-1 Spiders.

Besides the win, the Spiders got to take part in what is shaping up to be a history-making season. Renegade Andy Suerth led the division in penalty minutes last season as a member of the Diablos. He has since parted ways with the Diablos and is now playing for both the C2 East Nemesis and the C2 North Renegades. Suerth is second in the East in penalty minutes and came into Saturday tied for first in the North. Never before has an AHA player led two divisions in penalty minutes in one season.

Midway through the second, Suerth pummeled three Spiders in front of goalie Brian Dow and asked, “Anyone else?” before heading to the box. Minutes later, Suerth was again penalized as Spider Greg Lindsley went down near him. By all accounts it was a weak call but that’s what you get after you earn your reputation. When asked about his pursuit of AHA infamy, Suerth remarked, “I believe I have the temper, aggression, and mass to accomplish something special this season.” The Spiders play the Renegades again the last game of the season, so they will need to remember to tighten their chin straps and keep their heads up as he closes out his quest of villainy.

The Spiders will be back in action on Sunday, February 14th at 7:50 p.m. at Biff Adams against the Eagles. Yep, a Valentine’s Day game again. Hopefully the better halves of the Spiders enjoy Valentine’s Day lunches.

Attendance: 17