Pointstreak- Behind two goals from Ryan Atkinson and one goal Terry Leibo, the Springfield Jr. Blues downed the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings 7-4.
Atkinson scored the first of his two goals at 11:38 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Springfield. Jeff McFarland provided the assist. Atkinson's next tally made the score 4-4 with 3:17 left in the second period. Parker Johnson picked up the assist. Leibo scored on the power play 18:02 into the second period to make the score 5-4 Springfield. Springfield had gotten the advantage when Kalamazoo's Trevor Boyd was sent off for holding. Johnson provided the assist.
The Jr. Blues put 30 shots on net during the contest, more than the 24.7 they average per game. Springfield's goal total was higher than its season average. This season, the Jr. Blues average 2.6 goals per contest. Springfield's penalty kill unit could not stop the Jr. K-Wings' power play, which converted on three of four opportunities. The defensemen of the Jr. Blues were also effective in Kalamazoo's zone, and came away with two goals.
Springfield also got points from Jack Sloan, who also grabbed one goal and one assist, Brett Skibba, who also had one goal and one assist, and McFarland, who also racked up one goal and one assist. Springfield also got a goal from Matt Iacopelli as well. More assists for Springfield came via Ji Young Li and Trevor Stone, who contributed one a piece.
The Jr. K-Wings relied on a core group of players for most of their offense, as Robbie Payne, Mike Fazio and Christian George took 13 of the team's 24 shots.
Mark Esshaki also scored for Kalamazoo. In addition, Kalamazoo received assists from Taylor Burden, Kyle Gattelaro, Nick Kovalchik, Mac McDonnell, and Danny Hamburg, who each chipped in one.
Matt Leon recorded 20 saves for Springfield. The Jr. Blues incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors. Alex Okicki made 23 saves for Kalamazoo on 29 shots. The Jr. K-Wings ended with 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major.
