April 6, 2023 – Tacoma Twin Rinks – South Rink
Muscle Hamsters vs. Polar Bears 5 – 0
Game Stats: https://stats.ttr.timetoscore.com//oss-scoresheet?game_id=28595&mode=display
Video Link: https://youtu.be/gTa7y4X_OWs
Goals at: 23:11, 28:00, 50:05, 1:01:42 and 1:03:37

Back in our purple sweaters for the first time in 3 weeks, it was time for another face-off with the Polar Bears. We had a distinct advantage in personnel numbers, with 14 on our bench to their 9, but our beloved Shae was absent from the crease, so there was cause for at least a little worry.

But the theme for this game was defense, and why not, with the triumphant return of “The Big Hamster” Chadd, who was back on the ice following an extended work engagement over in Port Angeles. Everyone on defense, Seth, Chelsie, Justin, Chad and Tanner built strong walls at the lines, and when the puck did happen to stray into our zone, they blocked the few shots that were made and made some pretty great passes to start breakouts the other way.

Our visiting tendy, Rob Perlot, only had to face 13 shots, and stopped every one. Thanks for filling in, Rob!

After a scoreless first period, Randy and Kevin decided enough was enough and got us on the board, each with their own unassisted goals. Randy’s came just 90 seconds into the second when he took the faceoff in our end, drove it the length of the ice and buried it in the back of the net. Tanner tried the same a few minutes later, but sadly was denied. Not to be outdone, Kevin put on his own show, taking the face-off in the offensive zone and immediately sent the puck where we wanted it to be. Justin even added an impromptu break-dancing show, spinning down the ice on his side!

The third period saw only 9 shots on goal from us, but we made the most of them, scoring three times! Almost half-way through the period, our points leader Adam joined the scoring fun, being at the right place at the right time, taking the rebound and burying it in the net. Five minutes later, the Bears’ tendy came out of the crease to charge Randy, who went flying, landing hard on the ice and dislocating his shoulder. Here he is at the hospital, still in his hockey pants, because yeah, he’s a bad-ass.

Unshaken, Mason and Quaid then scored the next two goals. Justin picked up another apple and Mason ended the evening with a goal and 2 assists.

Unfortunately, the fun was marred at the end when the Polar Bears’ tendy took offense at JR shooting the puck right at the buzzer, taking a swipe with his paddle and even dropping the gloves! Okay, it was a frustrating night, but it certainly didn’t call for that.

To emphasize the defense’s contribution to the game, to mark his return and to thank him for the slap shot to the tender’s head, Sanguinet was awarded to Chadd as the MVP. Unfortunately, he didn’t take Sanger home because he knew he wasn’t going to be able to make it to the next game. Congrats, anyways!

Starting on the 12th, we will have the potential of 9 games in 9 days, with the addition of the Spring Thaw tournament to our already busy regular season schedule. I will do my best to keep up with this blistering pace, but I can’t guarantee I’ll get them all.