Spiders on a learning curve while seeing Purple

Game recap by guest reporter Eric Ackermann

The Spiders’ first Monday game of the year wasn’t quite the thriller in Richfield that they hoped for, but rather it was similar to the comedic drama starring Whoopi Goldberg. Miscommunication on subs needed, a totally revamped roster, rookie referees and flying sticks all added to the tale.

Most of the team walked away with positives from this game — several good laughs at the absurdity of things, knowledge of a new position and new line mates, and the pride of keeping in the game the whole time against a newly moved-up D2 team with a much more “senior” roster than the Spiders’ “young” team.

Player of the game for the Spiders: Christian Heitzman continues to work hard on the ice and is rewarded with his second goal of the season.

Player of the game for the Maroons: The Unnamed Sub Goalie

The Spiders hold onto their eighth-place spot with four points for their 2–6 record, while the surging Nighthawks, who clobbered the Wingmen last week, are hot on their tail. The Maroons will leapfrog from seventh to tied with those Wingmen for fifth, and on the playoff-contention doorstep.

As if the on-again-off-again schedule has’t been kind enough to the Spiders’s rhythm, it’s yet another bye before facing the last-place Knights, who are 0–6–1 and will be hungry for a win. Catch the action on Sunday, January 10, at the picturesque Oscar Johnson arena.

For details, see the box score and game summary.

Game media

Game photos (and in-game tweets) courtesy Cory Vandenberghe.

Faceoff early in the first. The Vikings were already choking by this point.

Faceoff early in the first. The Vikings were already choking by this point.

First period, with the Spiders still in the game.

First period, with the Spiders still in the game.

The Maroons demonstrate the breakout to the Spiders.

The Maroons demonstrate the breakout to the Spiders.

Second penalty shot in as many weeks.

Second penalty shot in as many weeks.

The Spiders’ newest winger, Steve Finkelstein (28), discusses second-period strategy.

The Spiders’ newest winger, Steve Finkelstein (28), discusses second-period strategy.

Early in the third, preparing to mount a comeback.

Early in the third, preparing to mount a comeback.

The Spiders’ trademark “low” defensive formation.

The Spiders’ trademark “low” defensive formation.

Obermoller (34) and Johnson (42) demonstrate the five-foot rule.

Obermoller (34) and Johnson (42) demonstrate the five-foot rule.

Pettengill reprises his goalie role.

Pettengill (30) reprises his goalie role.

The final handshake.

The final handshake.

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