Mar 13, 2016 | Trevor Russwurm | 810 views
Novice Reps skate to 3-3 tie with Ilderton in exhibition play
The McLaughlin Auto Wholesaling Novice Reps hosted the Ilderton Jets on March 12th in an exhibition battle that featured constant end-to-end action. At the end of the game, fans that purchased a seat were left wondering why they didn't just pay for the edge!
The teams played a scoreless first period before Ilderton opened the scoring early in the second with a powerplay goal.
Jordan Visneskie would tie things up a couple of moments later, converting a beautiful pass from the corner of the ice into the corner of the net. Ilderton regained the lead soon after with a blast from the point that changed direction and eluded goalie Jack Bree. Answering back quickly was Zach Houben on a breakaway set up by a nifty shovel pass from Jack Miller, assisted by Hayden Nicholson. Ilderton would regain the lead 3-2 before the horn would go. Things looked bleak for a comeback from the locals early in the third when they drew a body contact penalty, but the penalty kill found that extra gear and generated several shorthanded scoring chances including Visneskie being stopped cold on a beautiful 2-on-1 pass from Houben.
Opportunity knocked late in the third when Ilderton drew two quick penalties, giving the locals a 5-on-3 powerplay. Coach Steve Geiger threw everything but the kitchen sink and Jackie's purse at the Ilderton net but could not buy a goal. Finally with 0:10 left on the game clock and the goalie pulled, a six-man scramble down low produced a bouncing puck onto Houben's stick in the slot and he made no mistake for his second goal of the game to preserve the tie.
Fan Appreciation Night was held in Manager Kyle Marshall's shop later that evening.