It has been a while since the last update, so we will start with a recap.

January started off with a bang with three strong wins in Chicago.  Both goaltenders started the year off strong with Jack Slifer picking up two wins and Alex Zion picking up a shutout.  However, this trip was not without its share of adversity.  Kevin Medernach suffered a separated shoulder and is out for several weeks.

Next it was off to Port Huron and Flint for the International Silver Stick Tournament.  The adversity continued as the Racerswould lose Ian Lodin for a couple weeks in the opening period of game one to a concussion.  The Racers couldn’t quite regroup and dropped game one to Guelph Jr. Storm.  The Racers rebounded in game two.  Alex Zion turned in another strong performance in net and Jake Miller turned in his best outing of the year tallying 5 points in all and was a dominant force on the penalty kill as well.  The Racers pounded the USA Eagles in game two 7-2.  Game three would see the Racers take on CSDHL foe Naperville.  The game was tight through the first period.  The Racers month of adversity would continue, as the Racers would lose Max French for several weeks late in the first.  Naperville took advantage of the shorthanded Racers and slowly chipped away until they broke things wide open and went on to advance to the semi-finals.

Then, a much needed off healing weekend.

The Racers returned home to take on arch enemy Affton and welcomed the return of Ian Lodin.  The Racers hung tough initially in game one trading goals, until the Americans broke it open and went on to win 6-3.  Game two saw a much more determined and focused Racer team and another strong outing by netminder Alex Zion.  This game was like two heavy weights trading punches, but it was Affton who registered the knockout blow with 11 seconds to go and the Racers lose a heartbreaker 5-4.  The Racers couldn’t quite get it going in game three and dropped it to Affton 4-0.

More adversity as the Racers head to Peoria.  Racers would be without Ian Lodin in game one and Mason Jobst the whole weekend.  The combination of the 3-5 hour drive and the missing cardiac kids were just  enough to keep the Racers engines from starting  in game one.  The Racers were just flat outskated and outworked, giving up two shorthanded odd man rushes that would cost them game one by a final of 3-1.  After a good rest, the Racers were determined to stick it to Peoria in the next two games. Ever wonder what the Hulk would be like if he played hockey?  Well, ask a couple Rivermen and they might answer Jason Manley.  Jason would register three of the biggest, baddest, bone crushing hits all on the same shift and set the tone for the rest of the weekend.   JK, Paul Lee, and Troy Desmond would turn in a masterpiece goal and a definite candidate for highlight of the year.  Their precision passwork on a 3-1 lead to a beautiful tic-tac-toe goal leaving the Peoria goalie searching for his undergarments as he was totally undressed by the trio.   Alex Huettl and Wyatt Wood had two of their best outings of the season and the outstanding net play continued, as Jack Slifer would pick up his third shutout of the year and the Racers cruised in game two 3-0.   Game three saw the Racers allow Peoria to hang around, but Indy would prevail 4-2.

February starts with the Racers heading to Chicago again for the CSDHL playoffs.  The Racers would be without AJ Fasick due to the flu bug, but welcomed the return of Mason Jobst.  Game one would see the Racers take on the Chesterfield Falcons.  Wyatt Wood uncorked a wicked wrister to start things off, Mason Jobst was everywhere and tallied two goals.  Jackson Eaton would make a beautiful deflection off a Lodin blast,  and Caleb Jadrich fired a laser from the point that scorched the goalie.  Adam Limina was shooting low hard blasts from the point that resulted in two assists.  The Racers cruised in game one by a final of 5-1.  Game two saw the Racers take on the Chicago Blues.  Jack Slifer continued his strong play coming up huge on several point blank prime opportunities by the Blues.  Caleb Jadrich was incredible on Defense making several key and game chaning plays.  Caleb was also instrumental helping out on the offensive front as well.  JK was a dominant force and had his best performance of the 2009 year.  Paul Lee took over the role of agitator drawing several penalties and getting under the skin of the Blues.  Jason Manley was rock solid on D.  The Racers would go on to win 4-2.  Game three come down to Indy vs Naperville again for the rights to advance to the finals.  Indy would get on the board midway through the first.  Naperville would get a golden opportunity to tie in the second on a penalty shot, but Jack Slifer was a brickwall in net and deny the PK opportunity.  There is only one way through a wall, and that is knock it down.  Naperville would take three runs at Jack Slifer with no call by the hometown referees.  Finally Naperville would run both Slifer and the puck in the net and the goal was allowed to stand.  Naperville would tally a total of 3 and go on to win 3-1 and advance to the finals.

While the injuries and illnesses are unfortunate, it was refreshing to see some players getting extra ice time that have been working hard to earn it.  Caleb Jadrich, Wyatt Wood, Adam Limina, Jackson Eaton, and Alex Huettl all saw more ice time and made the most of their opportunities.  Nice job guys! 

Next up, an off weekend so Indy can hopefully recoup some ailing bodies and injuries.

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Coming soon……