Spring 2002 Game Recaps
Knuckle It
Sixth Shutout a charm as Knuckles take title over Jokerit

Cori Smelcer, Colin Coolidge and a physical Knuckles supporting cast gave Brett Szymonik all the help he needed in shutting out Jokerit 3-0 to clinch the 2002 Spring PIHL Championship. The Knuckles swept both playoff series by a goal margin of 11-3, giving them a total of 40 goals against in 22 games.

Smelcer got things started a little over a minute into the first with a perfectly placed shot over the left arm of the Jokerit netminder. As it would turn out, that would be all the scoring the Knuckles would need as the Knuckles forwards and defenders consistently tied up the Jokerit offense with physical play in all three zones.

The game remained a physical struggle through the remainder of the first, through the second and into the third until Colin Coolidge, in his last game as a Knuckle, scored the insurance goal with help from Kevin Holt to give the Knuckles a 2-0 lead.

Jokerit rallied the troops and shortened the bench in the third, unleashing a strong final attack in front of the Knuckles goal. Szymonik and the Knuckles' defenders were up to the task, dumping Jokerit bodies around the crease and knocking pucks to safety.

Scott McBrayer added an empty netter with 10 seconds left from Coolidge and Holt to give the Knuckles the three goal advantage and guarantee of a championship in their first year at Polar Ice. The champagne and brewskies flowed well into the early hours of the next morning as Knuckles players celebrated their hard-earned title.

Knuckles Boot Lizards
Strong D helps Brown to 5th Shutout

Tom Brown turned away 16 shots behind the league's number one defense and Glenn Baker, Kevin Holt and Ron Leverock scored a goal apiece, as the Knuckles advanced to face Jokerit in the PIHL Finals with a 3-0 win over the defending champ Crease Lizards.

The Knuckles took control of the game early as their intense forecheck and puck possession game wore down the short-handed Crease Lizards. The Knuckles laid the rubber on Lizard's goaltender Garrod Tyler twelve times in the first. The closest the Knuckles would come to cracking Tyler came when winger Ron Leverock took a pass from Colin Coolidge around the back of the net and hit the right post.

The Knuckles increased the intensity in the second frame. At 11:10, Mit Morgan hit Ron Leverock with an alley-oop pass up the right wing. Leverock pushed the puck up to a breaking Jimmy Burns who drove the net with a hard low shot to the pads of Tyler. Leverock picked up the rebound and put it home to give the Knuckles the 1-0 lead. That would be the only goal the Knuckles would need as the defense chased down puck after puck and took man after man out of the play.

In the 3rd period, the Knuckles grabbed their insurance goal in the first minute as K Irvin was taken off for elbowing. Kevin Holt slipped the puck through the legs of Garrod Tyler to give the Knuckles a two goal advantage. Robin "Nickeldick" Shittsley provided the assist. Unable to generate any offense, the Lizards showed their fatigue and frustration when Bryan Leach's hustle resulted in #12 K Irvin taking two game misconducts on an interference call behind his net. The Knuckles immediately cashed in when Glenn Baker put home his first goal of the playoffs from Scott McBrayer and Jimmy Burns.

In usual Knuckles fashion, Brown would still have to come up with a big save to earn his credentials. With under a minute left, Scott Baker tested the shutout bound Brown with a quick wrister that Brown kicked out with his right skate. The Knuckles outshot the Lizards 38-16. It was a sweet welcome back for Brown and a hard fought win for the Knuckles.

Now it's on to the finals where the Knuckles will face the Finnish Jokerit team in what promises to be a classic matchup. The teams split the season series one game apiece with Jokerit taking the first game, 7-5 and the Knuckles taking the rematch, 5-2.

Knuckles Outlast Lizards
Burns, Szymonik cinch overtime thriller

Jim Burns scored on the 4th penalty shot and Brett Szymonik stopped all five shots in a goal-tenders' thriller that ended with the Knuckles on top 2-1.

The Knuckles dominated the first period, but were unable to slip the puck past Lizards' netminder, Garrod Tyler. The intense forecheck and speed of the Knuckles forwards, coupled with the quick outlet passing from the speedy Knuckle defenders kept the Lizards on the chase most of the first stanza.

With 3:53 remaining in the second, Kevin Holt launched a one-timer on a pass from Colin Coolidge. The puck deflected off the skate of Scott McBrayer and trickled just inside the right post, giving the Knuckles a 1-0 advantage into the 3rd.

The pressure continued through most of the 3rd as the line of Leach, Pinter and Schneider had several chances throughout the period. But they were denied repeatedly by Tyler.

With 4:55 remaining in the 3rd, the Lizards tied the game up with a goal by their leading scorer from last season, Scott Baker, a late add to the playoff roster. Baker trickled a puck through the legs of Szymonik to knot the game at one.

Regulation ended at 1-1, with the Knuckles outshooting the Lizards 20-11.

The teams faced off in a furiosly paced 15 minute overtime. The Knuckles once again generated chance after chance, only to be turned away by Tyler. At the end of 15 minutes, the score was yet to be settled.

The Knuckles sent Colin Coolidge, Cori "Chocolate Starfish" Smelcer, Mit Morgan, Jim Burns and Paul "Bitch Tits" Worthley up against the Lizards top 5 in a shootout finale.

Coolidge, Smelcer and Morgan were all turned away by Tyler. Next up was Big Jimmy Burns, the self-proclaimed badest ass in the west. Burns skated in, deked right and slipped the puck in past Tyler to give the Knuckles a one-goal advantage. Then it was time for Szymonik to finish it out. He stopped all five penalty shots to seal the Knuckles' victory.

The final shots were 28-18 in favor of the Knuckles.

Knuckles Win Finale
Moose defeat Meltdown as Brown bids farewell

The Moose Knuckles defeated the Meltdown by a score of 4-2 to close their regular season with their league leading twelth win. The game marked the final appearance of Knuckles goalie Tom Brown, who finished the season as the league's top goaltender with four shut-outs, two assists, and a 2.05 goals against average. The team finished with the league's best defensive record, allowing just 37 goals in 18 regular season games.

The Meltdown jumped out to an early lead at 14:28 of the first period when Chuck Lemahieu's shot was deflected over Brown into the top of the net. The Knuckles equalized at 9:09 when Don Pinter converted a pass from Brad Schneider. Jim Burns took one for the team with about five minutes remaining in the period when he fell in front of a dangerous shot and managed to smother the puck.

Ron Leverock gave the Knuckles the lead at 14:42 of the second period when he took a pass from Chris Reeves and skated in alone to roof a shot to make it 2-1. The Meltdown got a break at 9:47 when David Felan's shot from the top of the right circle deflected off a Knuckles defender and beat Brown to his right to even the score at 2 apiece.

The Knuckles finally took control of the game midway through the period as thier fore check wore down the Meltdown. Moose players fired 13 shots while allowing just 9 in the second period. Jim Burns made the most of the pressure, scoring from the point at 3:25 to give the Knuckles a 3-2 lead. Brad Schneider followed up with a goal from Kevin Holt with just 42 seconds remaining in the period to put the Knuckles up by two.

The third period saw the Meltdown try a more physical approach. Mitch Morgan was cut above the eye on a rough check early in the period and was forced to leave the game. With just over five minutes remaining, Cori Smelcer found himself on the wrong end of a holding call late in the period, then was given an extra penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Meltdown took advantage to fire six of their eleven third period shots during the power play, but the Knuckles defense was up to the challenge.

The Knuckles finish in first place with 25 points and record of 12-5-1 (19-5-1 overall). The Knuckles and Meltdown each had 29 shots. The Knuckles took three penalties to the Meltdown's one. The Knuckles have a first round bye and now wait to see who they will face in the second round of the play-offs.

Knuckles Have Last Laugh
Moose defeat Jokerit to clinch regular season title

The Moose Knuckles overcame a 1-0 first period deficit to defeat Jokerit by a score of 5-2. Brad Schneider and Cori Smelcer each had two goals to lead the Knuckles. The win puts the Knuckles atop the standings and clinches the regular season title.

Jokerit, comprised mainly of Finnish players, entered the game in first place with the league's top scoring offense (95 goals). The Fins came out flying in the opening period. Harri Hakanen opend the scoring in the second minute of play with a blast from the bottom of the right face-off circle that found the corner of the net over Knuckles' goalie Tom Brown's shoulder.

The Knuckles defense shook off the goal and Brown went on to make eight strong saves in the first period and 12 more in the second to keep the Knuckles in the game while they found their rythmn. Chris Reeves pitched in with some quick reflexes, grabbing then tossing aside a dangerous rebound after Brown made a difficult blocker stop through a screen of players.

With five minutes remaining in the second period, the Knuckles finally established their fore check and began wearing Jokerit down. Cori Smelcer took advantage of the pressure to even the score at one a piece with a goal at 2:30 from Brad Schneider and Glenn Baker. It was Smelcer's sixth goal of the season.

The Knuckles kept up the pressure to start the third period, but were victimized by the speed of Jokerit when Hakanen managed to split the defense on a counter attack to fire shot past Brown from three feet in front for his tenth goal of the season.

Kevin Holt responded two minutes later at 11:13 jamming home Paul Worthley's shot from Scott McBrayer to even the game again. It was Holt's fourth goal of the season.

At that point, Jokerit made an adjustment, moving their best defenseman, Gerrits, up to forward to create more offense. However, the move backfired as the Knuckles, sensing that Jokerit was now playing their game, took advantage of the hole in the blue line to intensify their fore checking pressure.

As a result, Schneider was able to score the game winner at 4:18, jamming home a Smelcer rebound from the top of the crease to make it 3-2. The Knuckles, realizing just four minutes remained, called time out to regroup in preparation for killing the clock.

The Fins made one last gasp after the time out, but Brown was equal to the challenge. The Knuckles broke out and never looked back. Smelcer broke Jokerit's back, picking up his second of the game with a shot into a wide open net on a mishandled puck by the goalie that Schneider was able to send his way.

Schneider capped a four point evening with his second goal (seventh of the season) unassisted with 12 seconds remaining.

The Knuckles are currently tied in points at 23 each with Jokerit, but have two more wins and hold a 2 point advantage in goal differential thanks to their outstanding defensive play all season. The Knuckles have one game remaining while Jokerit has concluded their schedule.

Only Controlled Chaos, who lost tonight to the Avalanche, have a chance to tie the Knuckles in wins or points. Like the Knuckles, they have one game remaining. However, their goal differential stands at +16 versus the Knuckles league leading +38, so the best they can finish is second place.

The Knuckles record now stands at 11-5-1 (18-5-1 overall). The Knuckles outshot Jokerit 32-29. The Knuckles took two penalties to Jokerit's one. Their defense has allowed a league low 35 goals in 17 games. The Knuckles earned a first round bye in the play-offs with their victory.

Avalanche Crushes Moose
Seven game unbeaten string ends

A play-off hungry Avalanche team executed a smart defensive scheme to hand the Knuckles their first loss in over seven games by a score of 4-1. The win moves the Avs (9-5-3) into a tie with the Knuckles for a share of second place. First place Jokerit, the Knuckles' next opponent, tied their game to increase their league lead to two points.

The game started out well enough for the Knuckles. They outshot their hosts 9-5 through the first period and were able to skate the puck into the attack zone consistently for the first ten minutes. The Avs countered with several dangerous thrusts, including one that forced Knuckles goalie Tom Brown to make what players from both teams later called the best save they had ever seen.

With a pile of players screening in front of the goal, Brown slid across the goal with his pads stacked to stop a shot at the right post. The shot was knocked back into the slot where a wide open Pius Coles launched a lazer shot from eight feet away toward the open top of the net. Brown saw the shot through the maze of players and, while still lying on the ice, kicked his right pad up over his head to deflect the shot out of harm's way. The save had players on both benches slamming their sticks against the boards in appreciation. According to Coles, "When he made that save, I thought oh no, he's at it again. We are never going to score on this guy."

With that realization in mind, the Avs settled into a defensive game in hopes of denying the Knuckles long enough to somehow steal a win. With five minutes remaining in the first period, they began executing a classic left wing lock that pulled a forward back to form a three man line across the defensive blue line.

The Knuckles managed to penetrate the wall just once over the remainder of the period, just long enough for Paul Worthley to score his ninth goal of the season from Glenn Baker to give the Knuckles a 1-0 lead. However, from that point on the Knuckles were completely nullified.

Despite recognizing the lock and realizing that a dump and chase attack was the only possible course, the Knuckles failed to make the necessary adjustments. This enabled the Avs to take the play to the Knuckles with counter attacks that resulted in a 7-4 edge in shots in the second period. The Avs converted at 10:10 when the Knuckles failed to clear their zone and turned the puck over to Craig Deacon. The league's second leading goal scorer (21 goals, 13 assists) was allowed to carry the puck across the top of the crease before firing a shot just past the outstretched glove a diving Brown to even the score.

The Avs took the lead less than a minute later at 9:14 on a disputed goal when Tom Granese was able to fire a shot from the slot that beat Brown on the screen. Coles was clearly in the crease screening and interfering with Brown before, during, and after the goal was scored. Despite shouting a warning at the Avs player during the play, the official allowed the goal to stand.

The Avs continued to frustrate the Knuckles in the third period with their lock and counter strategy, resulting in four Moose players going off for penalties. When the Knuckles managed to get past the blue line, Avs goalie Jeff Ramsey came up big. Buoyed by their success in the second period and multiple powerplay chances, the Avs began playing more agressive in the corners and behind the goal. Their work paid dividends at 14:22 when a wide open Danny Hough recieved a pass just six feet in front of the Knuckles' goal. With Brown left hung up to dry, the Avs forward fired a shot that slipped between the goalie's squeezed pads for a 3-1 lead.

The Avs continued to confuse the Moose with their counter attacks, scoring on play identical to their third goal at 9:33. Jeff Lister got the pass this time, all alone in front, from Deacon behind the net to make it 4-1 and put the game out of reach.

The Knuckles record now stands at 10-5-1 (17-5-1 overall). The Knucklesoutshot the Avs 21-19. The Knuckles took seven penalties to the Avahanche's three. The Avs join the Knuckles in a four way tie for second place.

Knuckles Knuke Meltdown
Coolidge scores hat trick as defense stays perfect

Colin Coolidge scored three goals and Glen Baker continued his scoring streak as the Moose Knuckles defeated the Meltdown by a score of 7-0. It was the second consecutive shut-out and fourth of the season for the league leading Knuckles defense.

The Meltdown entered the game coming off a tie the previous evening with Jerry's Kids and a forfeit loss to Team Boars Head in a game they won on the scoreboard, but lost due to roster concerns. For the first thirteen minutes of the game, the Meltdown looked hungry. Knuckles goalie Tom Brown had to come up with five saves in the first set while his teammates weathered the Meltdown's initial charge and began to wear them down.

Coolidge scored the game winner on the powerplay at 1:32 of the first period with a set up by Robin Pittsley. It was Coolidge's fourth goal of the season. He added his second of the evening and fifth of the season just 39 seconds later on a bizarre play in front of the Meltdown goal. With the puck drifting toward the crease on an icing play, the Meltdown goalie misplayed the puck, allowing Coolidge to skate in and tap the puck into the open net for the unassisted tally.

The Knuckles toyed with the Meltdown through the second period, maintaining constant pressure in the attacking zone while allowing just one shot on their own goal. The pressure finally pushed the Meltdown past the boiling point with 38 seconds remaining in the period when one of the substitute players contested by previous opponents took a slashing penalty. The Meltdown's captain, Chuck Lemahieu, lost control on the bench and was assessed an unsportsmanlike penalty twenty-five seconds later, putting his team two men short heading into the third period.

Don Pinter made the Meltdown pay for blowing their cool with his third goal of the season on the powerplay from Kevin Holt at 14:42. Baker continued his five game scoring streak with a goal at 12:52. Baker's ten goals and seventeen points lead the team.

Bryan Leach, the other half of the "A" team, scored his fifth goal of the season with help from Ron Leverock and Holt at 9:05. Coolidge completed his hat trick on the powerplay at 7:38 on a play set up by Chris Reeves with Crysdal off for an illegal check. Holt closed the scoring with a powerplay goal at 5:21 with an assist from Pinter.

The Knuckles improved to 10-4-1 (17-4-1 overall). The Knuckles outshot the Meltdown 28-9. It was the second lowest shots against total of the season, just two over the 7 allowed versus Coors Light. The Knuckles defense racked up their lead leading fourth shut out, allowing Brown to lower his league leading goals against average to 1.93. The Knuckles had five penalties to the Meltdown's seven.

The Knuckles are now unbeaten in seven games. Combined with Team Boars Head's 5-2 loss to Jokerit, the victory moves the Knuckles over the "Hogs" and into sole possession of second place, just one point back of Jokerit. The first and second place teams earn byes in the first round of the play-offs. The Knuckles have a game in hand over both teams.

Moose Make Knight Fall
Baker scores two as Knuckles get shut-out

Glenn Baker scored two goals and an assist to lead the Moose Knuckles over the last place Ice Knights 6-0. It was the third shut-out of the season for the league leading Knuckles defense.

Paul Worthley scored the only goal the Moose Knuckles would need at 1:54 of the first period on a blistering shot to the top corner on a set-up by Jim Burns. It was Worthley's eighth goal of the season.

Ron Leverock ended a personal scoring drought when he scored on a rebound from Chris Reeves and Baker at 6:43 of the second period to make it 2-0. Leverock returned the favor, setting up Baker for his first goal of the night at 1:54.

Baker tallied again to start the third period, patiently cashing in the rebound of a shot by Reeves at 8:23. Baker leads the Knuckles with nine goals on the season. He has scored at least one point in each of his last four games.

Don Pinter notched his second of the season at 5:03 on a feed from Mitchell Morgan. Kevin Holt scored his second of the season as well, closing the scoring at 3:52 with help from Cori Smelcer and Jim Burns. Smelcer leads the Moose in total scoring with 17 points.

The Knuckles improved to 9-4-1 (16-4-1 overall). The Knuckles outshot the Knights 30-10. The Knuckles defense maintained their league lead with the lowest goals against - only 29 goals allowed in fourteen games. The team has scored twice as many goals as it has allowed.

The win continues the Knuckles six game unbeaten streak. Combined with Team Boars Head's 4-2 loss to the Avalanche, the victory moves the Knuckles over the "Hogs" and into sole possession of second place, just one point back of Jokerit. The first and second place teams earn byes in the first round of the play-offs. The Knuckles have a game in hand over both teams.

Moose punches Loozers
Morgan scores in Knuckles debut

The Moose Knuckles overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Loozers last night on the North Pole. The game marked the return of Cori Smelcer and the debut of Mitchell Morgan.

Things got off to a rough start for the Knuckles at 13:52 of the first period when Mike Micozzi was left alone to knock the puck past Knuckles goalie Tom Brown. The puck was safely covered on the initial shot, however, the official failed to stop play before Micozzi swiped it from beneath Brown's glove.

The Knuckles continued to sputter through the period, failing to get their normal fore checking game started. The Loozers outshot them 7-6 in the period, but neither team managed to score.

Morgan, playing his first game in a Moose Knuckles uniform, evened things up when he converted on a rebound for his first goal of the season at 9:17 of the second with assists from Smelcer and Colin Coolidge.

The Loozers replied at 8:54 with a blast from the circle that went over Brown's shoulder and found the top corner to make it 2-1. The Loozers got a break a little over a minute later when Desimon's shot deflected off Knuckles defender Chris Reeves skate and past Brown to make it 3-1.

The fluke goal seemed to snap the Moose from their slumber. After playing most of the first half of the game in the neutral zone, the Knuckles finally started to penetrate and maintain pressure in the Loozers zone. Paul Worthley started the comeback when his hustle forced the Loozers' goaltender to misplay the puck resulting in a goal. It was Worthley's seventh goal of the season with assists by Ron Leverock and Jim Burns.

Coolidge scored less than a minute later on a set-up by Smelcer to even things up at 3-3. Then with just 31 seconds remaining in the second period, Smelcer notched the game winner with his fifth goal of the season, set up by Glenn Baker. The Knuckles outshot the Loozers 13-7 in the period.

The Loozers had several chances to equalize in the third period, especially late in the game with both Kevin Holt and Baker off the ice for penalties. The Knuckles defense managed to stall the Loozers on several plays, with Brown smothering several shots off face-offs to kill the penalties. However, the Loozers were served up one last chance when Worthley dropped a pass over his own blue line to nobody in particular. Brown came halfway up the slot as Worthley chased a Loozers forward after the puck. Brown was able to deflect the resulting shot into the netting above the glass with his blocker.

With the win, the Knuckles improved to 8-4-1 (15-4-1 overall). The Knuckles outshot the Loozers 27-21. Despite giving up a couple of fluke goals, the Knuckles defense maintained their league lead with the lowest goals against - just 29 goals allowed in thirteen games.

Moose draws Coors Light
Leach scores two for "Bare Knuckles"

The Moose Knuckles, once again playing with a skeleton crew, held on to gain a 3-3 tie against a much improved Coors Light team. The "A Team," alternate captains Bryan Leach and Glenn Baker, pitched in once again with two goals and an assist respectively.

Coors Light revealed their new, quick counter attacking style early. Just seconds into the game, they broke out with a dangerous rush up the middle. After getting forced outside by the Knuckles defense, one of Coors Light's new forwards turned inside and was able to cut across the crease, forcing goalie Tom Brown to make a diving glove save at the far post.

The close call woke up the Moose, who immediately countered with a dangerous rush of their own. Leach capitalized on the play, scoring at 13.44 of the first period with an assist by Don Pinter. Coors Light responded almost immediately with an odd-man break that scored at 12:28.

Coors Light continuted to apply the pressure, out-shooting the Knuckles 8-6 in the first period. Their tenacity paid off with 1:52 remaining in the period when the found themselves with three men poking at the puck on the edge of the Knuckles crease. Brown made the first save, but was unable to stack the pads quick enough to make a second, allowing Coors to take a 2-1 lead into the break.

The Knuckles didn't waste time as the second period started. Leach tallied once again at 13:24 with an assist by Brad Schneider to even the score. It was his fourth goal of the season. Defender Jim Burns notched his second goal of the season with a blast at 11:20 to give the Knuckles a 3-2 lead.

However, Coors Light was able to score late in the period once again as one of their forwards split the defense to cruise in on goal alone. Brown came out to challenge, but missed with a poke check, resulting in 3-3 tie at the end of two periods. The score remained knotted the rest of the way with both goalies stopping tough shots in the third period.

With the tie, the Knuckles improved to 7-4-1 (14-4-1 overall). The Knuckles outshot Coors Light 26-24. The Moose defense maintained their league lead with the lowest goals against - just 26 goals allowed in twelve games. The next closest total is Team Boars Head with 31 goals allowed. The Knuckles went 0-3 on three power plays.

Moose Puts An End To Chaos
Leach and Baker lead strong team effort

The Moose Knuckles, missing their top three scorers, took advantage of a strong team effort to defeat Controlled Chaos by a score of 6-1. The "A Team," alternate captains Bryan Leach and Glenn Baker led the way with two goals and an assist each.

Scott McBrayer opened the scoring for the Knuckles just 2:51 seconds into the game when he took a feed from Don Pinter and launched a hard shot from the right side that popped up off the goalie's pads and dropped into the goal. It was McBrayer's third goal of the season.

Leach scored what would prove to be the game winner just over a minute later at 4:02 when he jammed his own rebound in for a short-handed goal. It was his first of the season.

The second period opened with Pinter notching his first of the season off a pass from Brad Schneider at 2:42. Leach piled on again just over a minute later with a goal assisted by Colin Coolidge and Baker to make it 4-0.

Leach returned the favor at 12:58, setting up Baker for his sixth goal of the season. Chaos caught a break a minute later when they took advantage of a miscue behind the Knuckles goal to score their only goal of the evening. Lopez got credit for the goal, although the officials later acknowledged that it should not have counted as Chaos were caught with too many men on the ice during the play

Baker ended the Knuckles' destruction of the league's third rated defense with his team leading seventh goal of the season at 9:44 of the third period on the powerplay with an assist by Chris Reeves.

The Knuckles defense showed once again why they lead the league. The team of Reeves, Robin Pitsley, Jim Burns, and Kevin Holt held the strong offense of Controlled Chaos to just 17 shots on goal. They thoroughly controlled the neutral zone, preventing Chaos from building any sustained attacks. Several forwards contributed to the defensive effort as well. Pinter, in particular, played a strong defensive game, breaking up plays with back checking and winning key face-offs. When Chaos did manage to penetrate for shots, goalie Tom Brown came up with the big saves. With his performance, Brown lowered his league leading goals against average to 2.09.

Controlled Chaos came into the game with a record of 7-3 and a share of first place. With the win, the Knuckles improved to 7-4 (14-4 overall) and earned a share of first place. The Knuckles took advantage of 19 shots to score their six goals. The Moose lead the league with the lowest goals against - just 23 goals allowed in eleven games. If not for an missed call by the officials, the Knuckles would have gone nearly three games without allowing a goal.

Moose Cripples Jerry's Kids
Pointmen make point in 2-0 victory

The Moose Knuckles tripped Jerry's Kids with a dominating 2-0 performance that saw both goals scored by defensemen. The teams faced each other just once previously, a 4-2 victory by the Knuckles during the Polar Ice Memorial Day Tournament.

After a scoreless first period in which the Knuckles held the Kids to just three shots, Chris Reeves scored the only goal the team would need. His blast from the point passed through a screen of players to elude a blinded Kids' goaltender for the 1-0 lead. For Reeves, it was his first of the season on the powerplay.

Paul Worthley almost made it 2-0 on a break-away. However, the speedy Knuckles forward uncharacteristically lost control of the puck and failed to get a shot away.

The Knuckles continued to control the puck throughout the period, denying the Kids passage through neutral ice. Despite an approximately 90% possession rate through two periods, the Knuckles entered the third period with just a one goal lead.

The Kids came out in the third period determined to get the equalizer. Through the first five minutes of the period, they mounted several sustained attacks. However, the Knuckles weathered the storm and managed to regain their composure with Jim Burns scoring the insurance goal on another point shot, his first of the season, to make it 2-0.

Chris Brooks had a chance to make it 3-0 late in the third period, however, he was tackled from behind by a desparate Kids defender. A brief scuffle ensued as Brooks was prevented from getting up immediately by the defender whose knee had apparently locked.

After a Kids timeout at 3:50, the Knuckles found themselves shorthanded with Brad Scheider off for a minor penalty. Despite the advantage, the Kids were unable to sustain pressure. As time wound down to 1:30 remaining in the game, the Knuckles' Kevin Holt passed the puck from the side of his own net to a Kids forward alone in front for a point blank shot on goal that ensured goaltender Tom Brown would earn his shut-out.

As the buzzer sounded, the Knuckles skated off with a 6-4 record (13-4 overall). The Knuckles allowed just 10 shots on goal (second fewest this season), while taking 17 of their own. The Moose lead the league with the lowest goals against - just 22 goals allowed in ten games. They have not allowed a goal since the 26 second mark of their previous game.

Moose Deport Canadiens
Worthley uses his ass, Baker gets game winner

The Moose Knuckles defeated the Canadiens by a score of 2-1 on Monday night. The win gave the Knuckles a measure of revenge against a team that had defeated them earlier in the season by a score of 3-2.

The game got off to a scary start as the Canadiens' Chaz Kennington took advantange of a screen to blast a shot from inside the circle past Knuckles goalie Tom Brown just 24 seconds into play. Brown remained unfazed by the early goal and went on to stop six subsequent shots in the period.

The Knuckles tied the game at 8:16 of the first period on an unassisted goal by Paul Worthley. After skating in alone and getting a shot off on the Canadiens' goal, Worthley was knocked to the ice. From a sitting position, Worthley lifted the puck over the sprawling goalie for his sixth goal of the season, tying Chris Brooks for the team lead.

Glenn Baker scored the game winner on the power play with an assist by Brooks at 8:50 of the second period. It was Baker's fifth goal of the season. The Knuckles held the Canadiens to just three shots in the second period.

The third period saw the Canadiens turn up the tempo in an attempt to come back. Five penalties were called in the period, two Canadiens - three Knuckles, as tempers flared. The Knuckles faced a two man disadvantage at 9:20 with Robin Pittsley already off for hooking when Brown decided he had enough of Jeremiah Young's high sticking around his crease and took matters into his own hands resulting in a high sticking call of his own. However, Brown and the Knuckles defense were up to the test, killing off both penalties, as well as one to Scott McBrayer at 5:42.

As time wound down, the Canadiens pulled their goalie and made one final stab at the equalizer. But Brown came up with four clutch saves as time ran out to ensure the victory. After the game, Baker noted that it was the longest Brown had played without giving up a goal and not earning a shut-out. Brown and the Moose Knuckles lead the league with just 22 goals against so far this season and an average of 2.44 per game.

Hog Wash
Team Boars Head blanks Moose

Maybe it was over-confidence after winning the Memorial Day tournament. It may have been the week off. Perhaps it was the missing players. The excuses were many, but the result was a 2-0 embarassment at the hands of Team Boars Head. With the loss the Knuckles drop to 4-4 in league play (11-4 overall).

After winning five straight games on their way to the Polar Ice Memorial Day tournament, the Moose Knuckles, playing without regulars Robin Pittsley and Glenn Baker, looked flat and disorganized in their worst game of the season. The Knuckles were unable to establish their normal fore checking game, allowing Team Boars Head to control the game's tempo almost from the start.

The absense of Baker left a hole in the middle of the Knuckles' top line that had Corey Smelcer and Chris Brooks looking in vein for somebody in front of the net. Pittsley's strong play at the offensive blue line was sorely missed as Team Boars Head broke out of their zone effortlessly most of the night.

Goalie Tom Brown made 21 saves to keep the Knuckles close until the end, however, the team failed to give him any goals with which to work. Team Boars Head finally solved Brown at 8:13 of the second period when Dave Wachal scored on a two-on-one with a shot from inside the circle that split the five hole for a 1-0 lead.

Brown bounced back to make several difficult saves through the remainder of the second period and well into the third before getting beat at 5:21 of the third by Craig Griffith. Brown stopped Mike Smith's initial shot on the play, however, the rebound went to Griffith who fired a high shot toward the goal from the opposite side. Knuckles defender Chris Reeves attempted to knock the shot down with his glove, but the shot careened down toward the open net insteadof away. Brown reacted quickly, turning to slide pad-first to cover. But while he succeeded in getting a piece of the puck, it wasn't enough and the Hogs had their insurance goal.

Moose Rams Traktor
Coolidge lifts Knuckles to championship with late goal

The Moose Knuckles won their fifth straight game to take the Polar Ice Memorial Day Hockey Tournament on Monday, defeating Traktor of Houston by a score of 4-3. Colin Coolidge scored the game winner with just 5 seconds remaining in regulation to lift the Knuckles.

Traktor came into the finals with a 3-1 record, their only loss to the Knuckles in the tournament opener. They jumped out to a 1-0 lead at 12:39 of the first period on a powerplay goal as JR Morsvek moved in from the corner and found Rick Clark alone behind Knuckles goalie Tom Brown for the dunk.

The Knuckles answered at 8:40 when Pius Coles scored his second of the tournament from John McKay and Josh Fischer. Defenseman Robin Pittsley gave the Knuckles the lead, forcing Traktor goalie Chris Lipot to pay for mishandling the puck at 6:10. Glenn Baker scored his third of the tournament at 3:05 with assists from Ron Leverock and Paul Worthley to give the Knuckles a 3-1 edge.

Despite intense fore checking by the Knuckles, Traktor refused to buckle. They pulled within one with just 21 seconds remaining in the first period when Morsvek found Jason Thorpe unchallenged behind Brown for the backdoor play once again.

The second period saw the Knuckles bombard the Traktor goal, outshooting their opponents 8-2. However, Traktor goalie Lipot came up big repeatedly. Paul Worthley finally cracked Lipot with a shot that ripped into the Traktor goal, hit the rear support, and bounced back out, however, the officials were out of position and failed to see the apparent goal.

Traktor capitalized on a two man advantage to even the score at 12:13 of the third period on yet another back door goal as Morsvek found Clark once again unattended in the crease for the easy one-timer.

Feeding off their goal, Traktor turned up the pressure in the third period, outshooting the Knuckles 10-6. It was the first time that the Knuckles were outshot in a period during the tournament. Brown was forced to come up big with several point blank stops. With 4:46 remaining, Brown faced Morsvek on a break away, forcing him outside and finally behind the net without a shot. As Morsvek turned with the puck from the back boards, Jim Burns, chasing the play, ran into the goal and knocked it from its moorings resulting in a two minute penalty. The Knuckles defense killed off the penalty, setting the stage for Coolidge's last minute heroics.

With just over a minute remaining, Traktor called a time-out. At the Knuckles bench, Coolidge calmly told goaltender Brown that he intended to take the face-off down into the Traktor zone, then jam the puck past Lipot in a play that he practiced during warm-up. As play resumed, Coolidge found himself with the puck after the face-off thanks to passes from Worthley and Bryan Leach. Coolidge built up steam through the neutral zone with under a minute remaining. The tall Knuckles forward put a move on the Traktor defense that saw both defenders crash into one another in confusion, allowing Coolidge to go in alone on Lipot. With just 5 seconds remaining in regulation, Coolidge slammed the puck past the Traktor goalie for the game and tournament winner. Coolidge finished with 6 goals and an assist, second in scoring only to Worthley with 5 goals and 4 assists for 9 points.

Preliminary Round Results

In their first game on Saturday morning, Colin Coolidge scored a hat trick and Kevin Holt added an insurance goal in a 4-1 Knuckles win over Traktor, a touring team from Houston. The Knuckles held a 26-13 edge in shots on goal.

Later the same day, the Knuckles defeated the Snipers by a score of 8-2. This time Paul Worthley had the hat trick (a natural hat trick at that) as the Knuckles outshot their opponent 36-14. Brad Schneider, Chirs Reeves, Glenn Baker, Bryan Leach, and John McKay had a goal each.

On Sunday morning, the Knuckles came from behind to defeat Jerry's Kids by a score of 4-2. Kevin Holt had the game winner, with Paul Worthley, Chris Reeves, and Brad Schneider adding solo tallies. Goalie Tom Brown played an aggressive game, coming out to start several plays with his stickhandling, including one play that resulted in the game winning goal. On the day, the Knuckles outshot the Kids by a margin of 29-11.

Closing out the preliminary round, the Knuckles beat previously unbeaten Wicked Stick 7-2. Colin Coolidge scored twice with Paul Worthley, Glen Baker, Chris Reeves, Jim Burns and Pius Coles each netting goals. Brown came up big once again with a save on Paul Fobare as he broke in all alone late in the third period. The Knuckles outshot Wicked Stick 28-10.

Summary

The Knuckles finished the tournament with 27 goals scored and just 10 allowed. The Knuckles defense dominated the neutral zone, while the team's forwards out-worked their opponents in the attack zone. The team outshot it's opponents by a combined 142-65. Over the course of the tournament, the Knuckles allowed 0 goals in the second period and just 3 goals in the third period. The team's goals against average in the first period was just 1.40. However, probably most impressive is the fact that the Knuckles dominated opponents without their regular season leading goal scorer or leading point scorer, Chris Brooks and Cory Smelcer, both absent on holiday.

Jokerit Has Last Laugh
Knuckles lose wide open game

The Moose Knuckles lost 7-5 to Jokerit in a wide open contest that saw the team outshot for the first time this season. Jokerit, a team comprised largely of players from Finland and featuring the league's leading scorer, attacked early, out shooting the Knuckles 8-2 in the first period. The Knuckles over compensated for the speed of the Fins and backed away from their normal fore checking game. As a result, Jokerit was able to break-out at will and make numerous plays inside the Knuckles blue line.

Goalie Tom Brown made several point blank saves to keep the Knuckles in it early in the game, however, Jokerit finally solved him at 4:31 of the first period with a wobbling, dipping shot from the slot by Hakaneh that eluded the goalie's glove.

Scott McBrayer evened the score at 13:08 of the second period when he picked up a rebound in the low slot from a Paul Worthley shot and rammed it between the legs of Ron Leverock and past Jokerit's goalie. Jokerit responded almost immediately with a goal through a screen of several players at 12:30. The Knuckles countered at 10:15 when a blast off the stick of Paul Worthley beat Jokerit's goalie high to tie the score at two apiece.

The Knuckles took the lead at 7:21 of the second period on a play started by an outlet pass from Brown that saw Cory Smelcer connect with Colin Coolidge for a goal and a 3-2 lead.

Brown was tested eleven times in the second period, however, Jokerit continued to post screens in front creating problems for the Knuckles goalie. This tactic paid off at 6:21 of the second period when Derrick lifted a shot past a sprawling Brown on a rebound through a mass of players to knot the score. Jokerit's Hall scored through another screen on the powerplay with Bryan Leach off for hooking at 4:35 to give Jokerit a 4-3 lead.

Hakanen got his second goal of the evening at 12:11 of the third period to make it 4-3 on a rebound in front of the Knuckles goal. The league's leading scorer, Vesala, finally got onto the board at 4:48 when he was left alone in the slot to knock a rebound past a diving Brown to make it 6-3.

The Knuckles finally started to play their game late in the third period, staging a comeback with goals by Cory Smelcer and Worthley. Smelcer netted his fifth goal of the season at 3:23 with an assist from Leach. Worthley scored his second of the game and fifth of the season at 2:46 to pull the Knuckles within one.

However, with the Knuckles pressing at the Jokerit blue line, it was only a matter of time before their star, Vesala, got loose at center ice. At 1:16 Vesala broke across the red line with the puck and in alone on the Knuckles goal. Brown saw it coming and came out to challenge, forcing the tall Fin wide, however, Vesala was able to push the puck just beyond the outstretched pad of Brown as the goalie's stick tripped him, sending him flying into the boards as the puck crossed the line.

With one minute left, the Knuckles pulled the goalie, however, they were unable to mount sustained pressure. With the loss, the Knuckles drop to 4-3 (6-3 overall).

Moose Whitewash Avalanche
Brown stops 23 shots for shut-out

The Moose Knuckles shut-out the Avalanche 3-0 on the strength three goals by three different players and a 23 save performance by goalie Tom Brown.

The Knuckles scored the only goal they would need at 10:54 of the first period when Chris Brooks took a feed from Cory Smelcer and converted for his team leading sixth goal of the season.

Glen Baker scored his fourth goal of the season just seconds later at 10:25 with assists by Brooks and Smelcer.

Brown took over in the second period, stopping 13 shots while the team played shorthanded. After stopping three point shots off successive face-offs, Brown came up with two huge saves on scrambles in front of the goal during a two-man shorthanded situation with Robin Pittsley and Jim Burns off for tripping and high sticking.

Chris Reeves almost made it a three goal lead with a blast from the point that Avs goalie Jim Ramsey swatted over the glass at the last instant.

The Knuckles seemed to have trouble recovering from the previous period's penalties as the third period began. The Avalanche took advantage to continue their attack with several breaks. Brown made his best save of the evening on a rebound shot to the lower left corner that he managed to kick out with the toe of his skate while falling in the opposite direction.

The Knuckles closed out the scoring at 6:34 of the third period when Brad Schneider scored his fifth goal of the season off a feed from Colin Coolidge to make it 3-0.

The Avalanche had one last chance to get on the board with Pittsley off for hooking at 4:20 of the third period, but Brown thwarted their only dangerous shot and the Knuckles penalty killers did an excellent job of penning the Avs up in their own zone.

The Knuckles outshot the Avs 30-23 on the evening. With the victory, the Knuckles move into third place overall with a game in hand on the rest of the league. The Knuckles are just one point out of second place. A win tonight against Jokerit, combined with a loss by the Canadiens against the Crease Lizards will move the Knuckles into second place. They lead the league in fewest goals against and are second in team scoring.

Moose Eclipse Knights
Brooks scores hat trick as Knuckles romp

The Moose Knuckles defeated the Ice Knights 13-2 on the strength of three goals by Chris Brooks and two apiece from Ron Leverock, Robin Pittsley, and Brad Schneider.

The Ice Knights came out hard to start the game, looking nothing like the team the Knuckles defeated in the preseason by a score of 9-1. Goalie Tom Brown stopped seven shots in the first seven minutes, while the Knuckles managed just one of their own. After weathering the initial barrage, Colin Coolidge scored to turn the tide at 7:26 of the first period.

Brooks scored his first goal at 5:16 with an assist from Pittsley. Leverock scored what would prove to be the game winner just 33 seconds later off a pass from Kevin Holt. Schneider scored his first of the evening 46 seconds after Leverock's tally and the route was on.

Brooks opened the second period with a goal at 12:06 from Cori Smelcer and Jim Burns. Holt scored unassisted with a blast at 8:27. Brooks finished the hat trick at 8:19 with an assist from Smelcer. Pittsley scored two in a row, the first at 6:49 from Worthley and the second at 4:57 on a play started when Brown skated out to make an outlet pass that caught the Knights in a line change.

Leverock netted his second of the evening at 0:36, followed almost immediately by Schneider's second at 0:21 from Holt and Alex Brewer. Scott McBrayer scored his first of the season at 12:00 of the third period from Worthley and Brewer.

The Knuckles lost the shut out at 8:57 when the Knights jumped on a loose puck at their own line and started a two-on-none break the other way. The Ice Knights' Neblett deked Brown outside, then stretched to put the puck back inside for the goal.

The Knuckles responded with their final tally of the evening at 1:41 as Worthley scored with an assist from Pittsley. The Knights closed out the scoring at 0:56 after the Knuckles misplayed a puck behind their net. Brown made a glove save on a hard shot from the circle, then dropped it behind the goal for the defense to carry out. The Knuckles failed to play the puck cleanly, however, allowing the Knights' Gray to jam the puck under Brown on a wrap around play.

The Knuckles outshot the Knights 51-19 on the evening. With the victory, the Knuckles move into second place in the Adams division. They lead the league in both most goals scored and fewest goals against.

Moose Goose Loozers
Knuckles score 3 in second to ice game

The Moose Knuckles defeated the Loozers, a team that tied for the league lead last season, by a score of 5-2. Paul Worthley led the Knuckles scoring two goals and an assist for a three point night.

Cori Smelcer got the Knuckles on the board first at 13:26 of the first period with a goal on an assist by defenseman Jim Burns. Worthley notched his first of the evening at 2:25 from Robn Pittsley to make it a 2-0 lead. The Knuckles outshot the Loozers 9-0 in the first period.

Ron Leverock scored his first goal of the season to open the scoring in the second period at 11:49. Jim Burns picked up his second assist of the evening on the goal. Brad Schneider scored his second of the season at 11:37 with an assist from Worthley.

The Loozers finally got onto the board at 6:00 on a rebound goal by Tater from last season's scoring leader Mike Micozzi. The Knuckles answered with a goal by Glenn Baker, his fourth of the season, from Worthley and Don Pinter at 4:37. The Loozers closed out the scoring with ten seconds left in the second period on a shot from the slot by Furlong from McCormic and Jones.

The third period saw no scoring and just three penalties, including coincidental minors to Ron Leverock and "Sumo" Takeda for interference and cross checking at 8:42. The Loozers attempted to come back late in the third, but goalie Tom Brown smothered their hopes with a save on a break away with just minutes left in the game.

The win over the Loozers raises the Knuckles record to .500. They have a chance tonight to advance to 3-2 overall with a win over the Ice Knights (0-4).

Moose Slams Coor's Light
Knuckles regain scoring touch in 7-1 victory

The Moose Knuckles juggled their lines in a successful attempt to finish plays as they crushed previously unbeaten Coor's Light by a score of 7-1. The Knuckles dominated the game with ferocious fore checking that held Coor's Light inside their own zone most of the night and allowed just 7 shots. The Moose offense generated 37 shots, a season high. They have outshot their opponents 75-35 in three games this season.

After dominating play in the two previous games, but coming up short, the Knuckles moved Brad Schneider, Glenn Baker, and Scott McBrayer to center in an attempt to create more screens and general havok in front of the opposing goal. The strategy worked as all three large players attracted attention to the middle, providing their speedy wings with more open space from which to make plays. The pay-off came at 10:32 of the first period when Alex Brewer found Schneider in front for his first goal of the season to make it 1-0.

Coor's Light tied it at 9:44 of the first when Colin Coolidge coughed up the puck in front of the Knuckles' goal and Abdou was able to slip a shot beneath Moose goalie Tom Brown as he slid across to cover.

Although Coor's Light managed a flurry of shots to start the second period, the Knuckles took control for good at 12:48 when Paul Worthley scored his first of two goals with an assist from defender Bryan Leach. Worthley knotched his second goal at 4:47 with assists from Scott McBrayer and Ron Leverock.

The Knuckles continued to frustrate Coor's Light with their fore checking game in the third period, frequently preventing the opposition from making much needed personnel changes. This paid off when Chris Brooks was able to walk in unmolested from the corner to score his first goal of the season at 12:56 with an assist from Cori Smelcer.

The frustration mounted for Coor's Light, finally coming to a boil when Coor's Clymer knocked Worthley to the ice at the edge of the face off circle. Worthley immediatey bounced back up and landed a solid punch on the larger player before grabbing his jersey and pulling him to the ice. Both players were sent to the dressing rooms with double roughing minors and game misconducts.

If Coor's Light had any ideas of feeding off the energy of the fight, they were squashed when Brooks doubled his scoring total at 5:03, converting a play from center Glen Baker to make the score 6-1. Baker netted one of his own (second of the season) just seconds later, scoring at 4:50 with an assist from Smelcer.

Smelcer wrapped up a three point night by feeding defenseman Robin Pittsley for a goal with just two seconds remaining to close the scoring at 7-1. With his three assists, Smelcer increased his team leading scoring total to seven points in three games.

4/08 - Moose Lost in Chaos
Knuckles confused in loss to Controlled Chaos

Trouble for the Moose Knuckles continued on Monday night as they lost 4-2 to Controlled Chaos. The Knuckles came out strong in the first period looking to avenge their loss of the previous evening. The team managed to pen Controlled Chaos in their own end with a dump-and-chase attack and aggressive forechecking for most of the period.

The forechecking backfired late in the period when Controlled Chaos was able to get behind a pinching Knuckles defense for an odd-man break that resulted in a brief flurry of activity around the goal. Goalie Tom Brown slid across the goal to make the initial save on a hard shot to his right from Prusha, but Englehart was there to slide the rebound across to a wide open Kennedy on the far post for a dunk to make it 1-0 at 8:20.

The Knuckles continued to pressure and just two minutes later evened the score on Cori Smelcer's third goal of the season, assisted by Bryan Leach at 6:30. Just minutes later, the officials called two penalties in succession on Controlled Chaos giving the Knuckles a golden opportunity to put the game away early. They squandered this chance, however, when Ratzer was able to take a pass from Smith at center ice to go in alone on Brown. After deking to his right, Ratzer fired a shot over Brown's shoulder for the 2-1 lead to end the period.

From that point on it was all Chaos. Still stinging from the second goal, the Knuckles were on their heels to start the second period. Chaos sustained pressure in the Knuckles zone, rattling off six shots in succession. Four of those came off face-offs, but Brown was up to the challenge covering each time.

The Knuckles seemingly abandoned the dump-and-chase that was so effective in setting up the forecheck in the first period in favor of having one of their speedy forwards carry the puck in on every attack. While this allowed the Knuckles to maintain possession, it also enabled Chaos to concentrate their defense and keep the Knuckles outside along the boards where they posed little threat. Aside from the first line of Smelcer, Leach, and Baker, the Knuckles forwards were unable to get to the front of the net for any dangerous chances.

Chaos delivered the knock-out punch at 5:10 of the second period when McGowan scored with an assist from Ratzer to make it 3-1. With 1:03 remaining in the period, Brown allowed the second strange goal in as many nights when a shot bounced off the boards behind the goal and took an unfortunate roll past him as he tried to control it. By that time, however, the game was already out of reach.

Chaos came out strong to start the third period launching a quick attack at the Knuckles goal. Brown bounced back to make several strong saves, including a splitting glove save to his left, to snuff their advance. After that, Chaos seemed content to sit back and play defense for the rest of the game. Despite three powerplay opportunities, however, the Knuckles were unable to get more than three shots in the period. On the game, Chaos took five penalties to the Knuckles one. Glen Baker scored with 1:53 remaining to salvage some dignity for the Knuckles. For Baker, who worked hard in front of the Chaos goal all night, it was his first of the season, from Smelcer.

Final shots were 16-14 in favor of the Knuckles.

4/7 - Knuckles Drop Opener
Smelcer scores twice in 3-2 defeat

The Moose Knuckles lost their regular season opener to a slower, but rougher Canadien team 3-2 on Sunday night. Despite strong fore checking and a shot advantage of 22-14, the Knuckles failed to sustain a passing game. This effectively neutralized their speed and allowed the slower Canadiens to keep the Knuckles' forwards outside on the perimeter where they could do little damage.

Cori Smelcer got the Knuckles on the scoreboard first with a goal assisted by Bryan Leach and Glen Baker at 14:07 of the first period. The Canadiens evened the score at 3:44 of the first on a power play goal with Robin Pittsley off for hooking. Knuckles goalie Tom Brown made the initial save, but lost his stick in the scramble for the rebound in front of the net. The Canadiens' Homeler was able to snag a clearing pass in the slot and fire a shot through a screen that found its way into the net.

The Canadiens got on top when Beville broke in alone from the blue line and blasted a shot over Brown's shoulder that hit post and then net at 14:26 of the second period. The Knuckles came back at 9:16 when Smelcer notched his second of the season with an assist from Jim Burns.

With 5:42 remaining in the second the Knuckles found themselves a man short with Scott McBrayer in the box for roughing. Nelson of the Canadiens jumped on a loose puck in the neutral zone and fired a shot from just over the red line that slid through Brown's equipment to give the Canadiens all the margin they would need.

Adding injury to insult, forward Chris Brooks had to go to the locker room in the second period after recieving a deep cut to his lower lip during a pile up in the offensive corner. He returned early in the third period.

The Canadiens sat back and dumped the puck through most of the third period, content to let the Knuckles chase back and forth. Although the Knuckles outshot his team 7-4 in the period, Canadiens' goalie Bockenmehl was up to the challenge. Play became choppy with seven penalties called as the Canadiens fought to hold onto their lead. The penalties ended up six aside for the game. With just over a minute remaining, the Knuckles pulled their goalie and very nearly tied the game at least twice before time ran out.

The Moose Knuckles get a chance to redeem themselves against Controlled Chaos tonight. See the scouting report inside the Team section.

3/25 - Avalanche
Knuckles pound Avalanche 4-2 to stay unbeaten

The Moose Knuckles won their second and final preseason game on Monday night by a score of 4-2 over the Avalanche. The Knuckles launched 27 shots against the Avs, a team that was thought to have improved itself with new players since last season's tenth place finish.

The Knuckles got onto the board early with Cori Smelcer notching his first of the season at 3:31 of the first period with an assist from Colin Coolidge. Jim Burns made it 2-0 at 5:55 with an unassited goal.

Chris Reeves had what had to be one of the strangest goals anyone has seen when he took a pass from Coolidge and lofted a shot that floated over the head of Avs goalie Jeff Ramsey to find net.

The Avalanche got onto the board late in the first, when Danny Hough slid a rebound into the net after an initial save by goalie Tom Brown on an odd-man break.

Coolidge stuffed the fourth Knuckles goal between the legs of Ramsey after a shot by Alex Brewer, set up by Brad Schneider. The Avs countered at 5:55 when Craig Deacon found himself all alone at the right side of the net, lifting a shot off the tip of Brown's glove to make it 4-2.

The third period saw the officials call three penalties each as the Knuckles fore checking frustrated the Avs and play became scrappy. Ron Leverock closed the books with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty with 26 seconds remaining, after knocking down Hough as he desparately dug at a puck that Brown had covered during a last minute scramble in front of the Knuckles net.

3/21 - Ice Knights
Knuckles win 9-1 in game marred by accident

The Moose Knuckles opened their Polar Ice Spring season schedule on Thursday night with a 9-1 win over the Ice Knights. The Knuckles' offense dominated the game early, penning the Ice Knights in their own zone with aggressive fore checking and strong work on the points.

Kevin Holt scored the first ever Moose Knuckles goal just 5:42 into the period with an assist from Alex Brewer. With 8:45 remaining in the first period, Brad Schneider unleashed a shot from the point that caught an Ice Knight forward square in the face. Play was stopped for 25 minutes as paramedics attended the player who suffered broken cheek bones and eys socket, as well as a detached retina. After play resumed, Don Pinter scored at 11:25 on a set-up by Ron Leverock and Paul Worthley to make it 2-0.

The Ice Knights made a bid to come back early in the second period, mounting two dangerous rushes that resulted in scrambles in front of the Knuckles net. At one point, Goalie Tom Brown rushed out fifteen feet from the net to make a save on a dangerours puck lifted high over the defense. After blocking the initial shot, Brown covered the rebound as several Ice Knights tried to knock it free.

After weathering the Ice Knights attack, the Knuckles settled down and once again began to dominate at the other end. Forwards on all three lines opened up the game with a constant barage of shots that resulted in Alex Brewer's first of the season at 9:05 off an assist by Holt. Glenn Baker notched a goal at 14:05 from Holt to close the period at a score of 4-0.

The third period saw the Knuckles seal the victory with five more goals. Paul Worthey scored at 7:52 from Ron Leverock. Scott McBrayer found the net with the help of Jim Burns at 9:27. Bryan Leach finished a play set-up by Collin Coolidge and Chris Reeves at 11:19. Kevin Holt got his second at 12:18 from Coolidge and Leach. Ray Maher took things into his own hands with a blast from the point at 13:41 to finish the period's scoring. Maher picked up a tripping penalty at 4:42 that resulted in the lone Ice Knights goal, a dipping shot through a screen that caught the inside of Brown's leg pad and deflected into the net.

New Moose Knuckles Jerseys
Check out the new look of the official Moose Knuckles home and away jerseys.