TBL Mites rebound from opening season loss to Springfield Kings with a 4-2 win over the Affton Americans
After a disappointing 7-2 home opening season loss, the TBL Mites proved that a strong defensive performance can lead to good things. Coach Dan’s pre-game talk emphasized the importance of playing a strong defensive game and the team must have listened as they controlled the puck and play in their own end from the start of the game.
By controlling the puck in their defensive zone the TBL Mites were able to turn a strong defensive performance into a smothering offense in Affton’s end of the rink.
Justin M. (#77) opened the scoring for TBL at 7:22 of the first period. It was an unassisted goal. Gus H. (#00) quickly added a second tally with 5:08 remaining in the 1st period.
TBL lead 3-1 after two periods with Logan T. (#33) scoring for TBL in the second period at 6:37.
Affton closed the gap to make it 3-2 with a goal in the 3rd period until Justin S. (#66) scored a back breaking goal, or should I say a stomach breaking goal, at 8:37 of the final period giving TBL a 4-2 lead.
Once again the defense stepped up, refusing Affton many scoring opportunities during the remainder of the game. TBL goalie Jack B. joined into the defensive blanket by making a sprawling save late in the period on a shot headed for the far lower corner of the net.
The TBL Mites regular season record now stands at 1-1-0 (2pts). The Mites next game will be on the road, Saturday, November 15th in Jefferson City, MO.
Game Summaries