Norsemen have Eurekas’ Number

It wasn't long ago that these two teams met, just back on November 23rd.  In that game, the Norsemen's captain Blake Isenor, played in net and played outstanding as he backstopped his team to an 8-3 win.  Some said it would have been a different game with regular goalie Craig Burgoyne in net, and last night was our chance to see just how valid that argument was.

Lets just say that there was some truth to the comments.  With Blake Isenor playing out, the Norsemen were not going to score nearly as many goals, especially with him taking the puck in a scoring position in front and sending it to the corner, but I digress.

Just as in their previous game, the Norsemen jumped out to an early lead as Dylan Kugler finished an individual effort.  The Eurekas did their usual globetrotter thing, but Burgoyne wasn't leaving any room as he kept square to every shot towards his net.  But he couldn't sustain that for the whole period, especially as Chris Ryder roofed a shot, looking like one of the Matts.

The Eurekas may have tied the game, but then they took a penalty and the Norsemen showed that they know how to maintain puck possession as well, and with just 7 seconds left in their power play, Carson Colborne batted a rebound out of the air and into the net to re-establish the lead, which is where the first period ended.

The Eurekas, often a second period team, taking advantage of tiring opposition players, were unable find what they needed to finish their plays and instead it was the Rayne Man with the sizzler to the top shelf as the Norsemen bumped their lead to 3-1 with plenty of time left, just over 11 minutes.

This is where we have seen teams sit back and try to protect their lead, and the Eurekas have made them look stupid. Not last night.  Last night they made their effort, and found ample opportunities, but Burgoyne was looking like a young Patrick Roy out there.  

It took a great passing play with Brock Bethune providing the finishing touch as he tipped in the back door pass, to bring the game within one, but despite a final push, it would be as close as the game would get and the Norsemen proved that their team could beat the Eurekas in more way than one.  Their win means they are sitting alone in 2nd place as they await the result of the Tigers/Greyhounds game this evening.  For the Eurekas, .500 hockey has them in 5th place where they will remain until next week.