The Springfield Jr. Blues had to travel over 3,500 miles for their weekend series against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs, but the end results were well worth the trip. Springfield came out on top 4-2 on Friday and then secured a 4-1 victory on Saturday to wrap up a two-game sweep of the home team.
The Jr. Blues were able to keep the Ice Dogs off the scoreboard, thanks in large part to goalie Evan Fear. Fear, who was named NAHL Midwest Division Star of the Week, stopped 63 of 66 total shots faced between the two contests. “Evan was solid both nights making some key saves to give our guys a chance to win. He really stepped his game up as the games went along as was at his best in the 3rd periods,” said Jr. Blues head coach Tony Zasowski.
The offense was also present over the weekend. Matt Long lead the way with 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists) while Braden Brown chipped in 2 goals on Friday and Brennan Blaszczak tallied 2 goals on Saturday. Long also took home NAHL honors this week, being named the NAHL Midwest Division 2nd Star of the week.
The team took some time away from the ice to have some fun and enjoy the sights of Alaska. They spent a day in North Pole, Alaska where they posed for a picture with Santa Claus himself!
The Blues will re-take the ice this Friday and Saturday night in Soldonta, Alaska where they will square off against the Kenai River Brown Bears.
