After winning the Indiana State Tournament and the Mid-Am District tournament, the team was unable to win Nationals.  Going 1-2 in the round-robin, they lost out on tie breakers in making it to the quarterfinals.  Great season and best of luck at midgets / high school.

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.

Web Dude Awards:

Coming soon……

Racers Win SilverStick Regional

Indy Takes Two out of Three in St. Louis 

The Racers traveled to St. Louis before the Thanksgiving break.  To quote Forrest Gump, "Mama always said, Life is like a box of chocolates, never know what your gonna get."  This game was one of the poorest efforts to date from the Racers resulting in a 3-1 loss the Chesterfield Falcons.  When you're given a lemon, make lemonade.  Coach Miller called a closed door meeting immediately following the game and it immediately paid dividends.

In final two games, the Racers played some of the best TEAM hockey all year.  The new additions from Fort Wayne really took off and all three had great performances.  Both AJ Fasick and Paul Lee tallied game changing goals and delivered some big hits to create offensive chances for teammates.  Alex Zion played some of his best hockey in net since the opening tournament in Sarnia.  John Kenny was just a terrorist on skates wrecking havoc on the forecheck and in front of the net.  John Hall looked more like Sid the Kid.  Mason Jobst was, well quite frankly, possessed, tallying two goals and several assists.  Max French was just everywhere.  Alex Huettl, Jake Miller, and Wyatt Wood all were also dominant on forecheck and orchestrating the offense and on special teams.  Jason Manley was a monster with a loaded cannon on defense.  Jackson Eaton, Adam Limina, Caleb Jadrich, Kevin Medernach, and Troy Desmond all gave rock solid defensive performances.  Add in the usual steady performance from Jack Slifer.  The Paul Lee fan club led by President Deb Kenny and Racer fan club spokesperson Mr. Manley were rockin in the stands.  Yes, everything truly came together over the course fo the next two games with the Racers taking game two 4-2 and game three 6-3.  Hopefully, this change and team play will now continue and the Racers can carry this momentum into the SilverStick Tournament in Dayton following Thanksgiving break where the Racers should finally have a full roster available.

On behalf of the Racers team and organization, we want to thank everyone for their support and wish you all a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving weekend.

Player of the Game Awards:

Game One - Max French is the only choice.  Max was truly the only shining spark for game one and gave a solid effort every shift.

Game Two - Alex Zion and Mason Jobst share honors this game.  Alex was solid in net, played well on top of his crease, and was smothering everything and eliminating any rebound chances.  Mason was quite simply the most annoying person wearing a Racer uniform if you were a Falcon.  Mason right in your face if the puck was anywhere near you.  Mason tallied a couple of goals and some assists to match.

Game Three - Paul Lee and JK share honors as they were a two man wrecking crew on the offensive front and forecheck.  Each delivered crushing checks, created chaos in front of the net, and tallied goals.

Roadkill Awards:

Troy Desmond takes honors for game one for his hit in the neutral zone on an unsuspecting Falcon player that never saw the Desmond Demolition Truck coming.

AJ Fasick - No this is not a typo.  AJ delivered a Mr. Manley type hit deep in the zone during game two that will make at least one Falcon player think twice about trash talking.

Paul Lee gets honors for game three for a huge hit in front of his fan club and visiting family clan that registered on the Richter scale and set the stands rockin'.

Racers Have Good Showing North of the Border

The Racers traveled north of the border this past weekend to Windsor, Ontario to play in the Border City Cup.  The first game saw Indy take on the Cleveland Barons AAA team.  The Racers showed some early road legs but held their own against Cleveland.  It was the Racers who would tally first as John Kenny (French, Medernach) would give the Racers the early 1-0 lead late in the first.  The Barons would come storming back and get one of their own early in the second.  Then a rash of penalties would give the Barons plenty of opportunites.  Cleveland could manage to score only 2 of 6 power play attempts and miss a penalty shot.  Racers D and goalie Jack Slifer were very instrumental in stopping 37 of 40 shots.  The Barons went on to win 3-1. 

The nightcap saw Indy take on the Hamilton Bulldogs.  The teams would play a very entertaining first period treating the fans in attendence to some exciting hockey.  It was the Bulldogs who would tally early in the second for the 1-0 lead.  Hamilton would add another with about 4 minutes to go on the power play for the 2-0 lead.  Max French would try to capitalize on a neutral zone turnover but get hauled down entering the zone.  Frenchy would make the dogs pay by going five hole on the ensuing penalty shot and pull the Racers to within one.  However, Hamilton would quickly answer making for a wild finish to the second period and take a 3-1 lead into the third.  The Racers would get a power play of their own with about six minutes to go and John Hall would make no dog bones (yes, that was a poor joke) about it and the Racers were back to within one.  The Racers would pull goalie Jack Slifer, who again turned in a fine performance, and throw everything they had at the Bulldog netminder.  Hamilton would hang on for the 3-2 win. 

Saturday matinee put the Racers against the Marham Waxers.  Indy picked up right where it left off from Friday night.  Indy Defense would again answer the call and block numerous Hamilton attempts.  Racer goalie Alex Zion was there for anything that managed to get through stopping 27 of 29 for the game.  Another very entertaining game that would remain scoreless through two periods.  The Waxers would get a power play to start the third, but it was the Racers who made the French Connection.  Kevin Medernach would make an outstanding defensive play and start the transition getting the puck to John Kenny.  J.K. and Max French would tag team the Waxer goalie for the shorthanded goal and the Racers were up 1-0 early in the third. However, Markham would get a faceoff deep in the Racer zone and send a laser into the top shelf to tie the game.  Markham would add another on the power play late in the third for the 2-1 lead.  Despite fierce attempts late with the goalie pulled, Markham would hang on for the 2-1 win.

The late game saw the Barrie Colts stampede onto the ice.  The Colts would get two early, both on power plays.  Then teams seemed to settle down and trade blows until late in the first.  Barrie would get two more in the final 20 seconds for the 4-0 lead at the end of one.  Indy would call Millsy for some motivational intermission speaking and it seemed to do the trick.  A much inspired Indy team came back out of the locker room for periods two and three and skate Barrie to a 1-1 tie through the final two periods with J.K. (from Medernach) getting the lone Racer tally.  The Colts went on to win by a final of 5-1 in a much closer played game then the score would appear.

All in all a fantastic showing for the Racers against Canada's finest AAA teams.  The Racers return home and open up their CSDHL league play this weekend in Indy at the Forum.  VIP and other quality seating still available, so get your tickets soon.  Admission is free for all Webkinz owners, parents, friends, family, and any other unmentioned interested party that wants to attend.

Player of the Game awards:

Game 1 – Jack Slifer.  Jack was nothing short of incredible in net as he stopped 37 of 40 and a penalty shot or this game had the potential to be a little more lopsided. 

Game 2 -- Wyatt Wood and Adam Limina share game two honors.  Wyatt for his intense forecheck caging Hamilton down low.  And when, dare I say, the Dogs got out, Wyatt was the first forward back on D to help defend.  Adam Limina turned in his best game to date playing solid D and made good outlet passes to help start the transition up ice.  A solid effort from Adam.

Game 3 -- Jason Manley and Alex Zion share game three honors.  Jason Manley who we all know has no problem Waxing (yea, I know, bad pun) anyone, but it was his own body he gave up numerous times to block shots, passes, and anyone from reaching the net.  On the outside chance something or someone did get through, Alex Zion was there and stopped 27 of 29 Markham shots.

Game 4 – This goes to the entire Racers team for showing the heart and determination to finish with two solid periods against Barrie despite a disappointing opening period.

Attempted RoadKill of the Week Award – This weeks Roadkill award is a little different.  Maybe it was the Canadian air or just the overdose of cold medicine the web dude roaming reporter had, but this weeks award goes to the best attempted RoadKill.  Moose hunting season may not be in full swing, but that didn't seem to stop Mason Jobst from trying.  Mason was the recipient of a hit near the blueline during game two against the Hamilton Bulldogs.  Mason hit the oversized pitbull not once, not twice, but five times before the end of his shift.  Mason was no bigger than a chew toy compare to the Hamilton, but it was Jobst who provided the annoying bark and the bite before his shift was over.

T Desmond

J Eaton

A Fasick

M French

J Hall

A Huettl

C Jadrich

M Jobst

J Kenny

P Lee

A Limina

I Lodin

J Manley

K Medernach

J Miller

J Slifer

W Wood

A Zion

The Indianapolis Racers '94 CSDHL Team will kick off July with a bang.  The Racers will host a fundraiser skate and dance on July 12th.  Festivities start at 7pm.  The Forum at Fishers will play host to this unique fundraising extravaganza featuring Indy's hottest DJ mixing all the hits.  While Jessica Alba, Sid the Kid, and Patrick Roy are not able to attend, many teen '94 Racer celeberties are expected to be in attendance.  See Jack Slifer use his lightning cat like reflexes to show off today's hottest dance moves.  Extra security will be on call, with ladies men JK, Ian Lodin, Wyatt Wood, and Jake Miller all expected to be in the house.  And if that is not enough, the party boast the biggest headliner of 2008 with the Nations hottest dance trio, Two Dads and a Hockey Player.  Come see Troy Desmond and his "two Dads" break it down like no one else ever has (and probably thankfully never will again).  This years event is something no one should miss.  The event is open to all for a small donation and with this year's expected all star lineup, it is sure to tickle more than just your funny bone and leave you anything but speechless. 

As a subsequent fundraiser, picture, video, and movie rights will be sold to the highest bidder or be considered to destroyed by the best bribe.

Racers Open in Sarnia Golden Blade Tournament

It's Hockey Time in Indiana once again. This years edition of the Indianapolis Racers features several familiar faces and three new ones. Expectations are high for this years team. Head Coach Miller is very excited about his squad and wastes no time putting them to the test earlier in the Sarnia Golden Blade AAA Tournament.  However, the weekend wouldn't be without its challenges.  The Racers were already going to be without the services of Max French and Wyatt Wood due to summer injuries when they were dealt a couple more blows this week.  Jackson Eaton suffered a major shoulder injury during football and will be out 6-8 weeks for sure.  Alex Huettl decided to park a lawn mower a little too close to a tree and received a fractured forearm/wrist.  However, Alex Huettl was determined to play.

The Racers first test would be the high flying USA Eagles '94 team.  The Racers started J.K., Paul Lee, and AJ Fasick up front and boy did they set the tone with relentless forecheck pressure.  The opening action was fierce and lasted 4:54 seconds before the first whistle, and it was all Indy all over the Eagles.  The Racers came out with a lot of pressure on the forecheck and put the Eagles on their heals early.  The Eagles goalie was equal to the test holding off Racers attack.  Dispite the Racers fierce attack, it was the Eagles who drew first blood.  The Eagles would score with 2:21 to play in the first.  An Eagle player would fire a shot from just inside the circles that would hit the iron and bounce back on his tape for the rebound put back.  The first period would end with the Eagle up 1-0. 

Never fear, Indy had a secret game plan to tie the game.  Coach Desmond would secretly dispatch a six "stealth" attacker on the ice that went undetected.  Adam Limina would let loose a rocket from the left point.  Newcomer Paul Lee (Jadrich, Limina) was in perfect position out front to make a deflection past the Eagle goalie for the 1-1 tie goal just 1:25 into the second period.  The Racers would take a penality in the second and the Eagles wasted no time making them pay around the 9:00 mark of the second.  Just a couple minutes later, John Hall (J.K.) would pick up a loose puck and circle high around the faceoff circle.  Just before he would reach the hash marks, he would let go a "wicked wrister" and the game was tied 2-2.  However, just a minute later, the Racer's D would go for the puck and not take the body and miss.  This sprung an Eagle who would would come in on the Racer goalie and beat him top shelf from high in the slot area.  The Racers would go on the power play 1:30 later and tie the game once again.  J.K. would do some nice work low and get the puck to the tape of John Hall who would deposit his second of the game for the 3-3 tie at the end of two periods.

The short Racer bench would lead to some sluggish Racers wheels in the third.  The Eagles launched wave after wave of attack putting the Racers constantly on their heels in the third.  Yes, the Eagles were confident that the out of gas Racers would quickly be disposed of.  But the Eagles don't know Jack, Jack Slifer that is.  Tired and sometimes lazy or ill advised passes, failures to clear the zone, and just lack of legs would allow the deeper Eagle bench to keep the pressure on.  High, low, glove, blocker, front door, back door.  It didn't matter as Jack was brilliant in the third period and a very huge part of why the Racers came out with a 3-3 tie. 

Not a bad opening match, but a lot of mistakes and bad habits showed early.  Failure to finish a check led to the first Eagle goal and going for the puck instead of taking the man led to the third goal.  Lots of mistakes that you might expect to see in the first game of the season, but these will have to be addressed if the team is to achieve it's goal of Mission Texas.  The opening period when the team was fresh and the determination,heart, and character that the team displayed throughout the first game showed that this years team will be a true force to be reckoned with when they get healthy in a few weeks.

Game Two -- Saturday, 1:15PM Indy Racers vs. Michigan TravelersAfter a good nights rest, the Racers next test would be against the Michigan Travelers.  Indy, like game one, once again came out very aggressive and put the Travelers on their heals right from the opening faceoff.  Just 1:45 into period one, Paul Lee would pass the puck to Kevin Medernach who would launch a quick wrister.  The Travelers goalie would make the save but give up a huge rebound that would find it's way to John Kenny's stick who would make no mistake and bury it in the back of the net for the early 1-0 Racer lead.  The game would stay this way until late in the first with just under two to go.  This time it would be Kevin Medernach and Troy Desmond leading the attack.  A blast wide of the net would rebound off the back boards and once again find it's way to the blade of J.K. who would one timer it home for the 2-0 lead.  A let down would allow the Travelers to score what would appear to everyone in the rink to be a goal that quickly hit the twine and come back under Racer goalie Alex Zion.  Zion would just pick it up like he made the save and use what appeared to be a Jedi mind trick on the officials.  No one questioned the goal, the puck was dropped, and the last second ticked off of period one.  Michigan would then question the referee's call during the intermission, but play had gone on and it was too late to change the call once the puck had been dropped again so the period ended with a 2-0 Racer lead.The second period clearly belonged to the much frustrated Travelers.  Indy would quickly take a quick couple of penalties at the start of the second.  Michigan would get a, dare we say, make up 5 on 3 opportunity.  However, the Racer penalty killers were nothing short of awesome denying the Travelers.  The teams would trade several opportunites for a fast paced and entertaining second period.  The Racers would get called for a late high stick penalty in the closing minute of the second period.  The Travelers would get on track at the start of the third, still on the power play to pull the game to 2-1.  Wanting to avenge the power play goal scored while he was in the box, Ian Lodin would take a pass from Mason Jobst and the Racers were back up 3-1.  Indy never looked back at this point and sent the Travelers packing as Indy cruised to the 3-1 win.

Game Three -- Saturday, 8:00PM Indy Racers vs. Chatham Kent CyclonesSaturday evening saw the Racers take on the local Chatham Kent Cyclones.  The Racers again wasted no time putting pressure on Chatham early.  But both teams played tight defense in the neutral zone and gave up the body to block shots.  Despite a fast paced and very entertaining first period, it would end 0-0.The Racers stepped up the forecheck another level and finally Chatham buckled.  Caleb Jadrich would move the puck to Mason Jobst who would find John Hall for the finisher and the 1-0 Racer lead at the 12:50 mark of period two.  Frustration would set in and Chatham would take back to back to back penalties for an extended 5 on 3 opportunity.  The Racers would capitalize just before the first penalty expired.  John Hall and John Kenny would feed Mason Jobst out front and just like that the Racers were up 2-0 half way through the second.  But then the caution flags came out.  For whatever the reason, the Racers fell back into some uncharacteristic play we aren’t used to seeing from this team.  Opportunities were wasted because of poor choices or individualistic play, lack of communication on the ice, back checking disappeared, passes were weak or telegraphed, and pucks were blindly thrown around.  Despite giving Chatham plenty of opportunites, period two ended with Indy up 2-0 thanks to great Defensive play.The caution flags turned into full Cyclone warnings in the third.  A rash of penalties, would give Chatham five power play opportunities, three of them 5 on 3, during the third period.  The Racers penalty killers were very impressive.  The Cyclones would fire 24 total shots in the third.  The Racers D blocked 6 of those shots from reaching Racer goalie Alex Zion and the remaining18 shots were terminated by the Zionator.  The Cyclones would get one more power play opportunity with 40 seconds to go when they would finally get a goal to make the game interesting late.  Chatham would pull the goalie and keep firing the rubber, but the Racers had all the answers on this day and would hold on for the 2-1 win sending them into Sunday undefeated. 

Game Four -- Sunday -- 11:00AM Indy Racers vs. Windsor Jr SpitfiresSunday would see the Racers take on the Windsor Spitfires for the right to advance to the Championship game against the Lambton Sting.  Windsor took a page out of Indy’s book and attacked the Racers with a relentless forecheck.  Once again, strong goaltending by Jack Slifer seemed to keep the Racers in a match they appeared to not deserve to be in.  The Racers managed only one shot on goal in the first period and escaped 0-0 at the end of one.The Spitfires would break through in the second period though.  They would get there first goal just a couple minutes in for the 1-0 Spitfire lead.  Indy would get a power play off the ensuing faceoff.  Strong penalty kill pressure would pin the Racers deep behind their own net.  The puck would get turned over out front where a Spitfire would pick up the puck and blast in home for the shorthanded goal and the 2-0 lead.  Spitfires would add a power play goal later and go up 3-0.  Indy would get a power play goal of their own late in the third to cut the deficit to 3-1, but never get any closer.  The Spitfires would advance to the finals.Summary:

All in all it was a very good opening weekend for the 94 Racers.  Mistakes were present you wouldn’t expect to see if we were more into the season.  The forecheck intensity was very, very good, but that intense forecheck also took its toll on a short bench late in the game.  One thing is for sure, the team proved it can skate with anyone this weekend and those AAA teams in Windsor will make a huge mistake 30 days from now if they overlook this years Racer squad (and we hope they do) as the only thing AA about the Racers this year is the piece of paper they are rostered on.  This is truly a AAA caliber team with tons of potential providing they continue to work hard in practice, never quitting or not giving the effort required in a drill to bring out the best in their teammates and themselves.  If this team will commit to each other that they will give 110% every game, every shift, and every time it is their turn to perform in practice, anything is possible and the Racers can and will achieve it. 

Awesome group of players that will only get better when the full squad returns.  This will be a fun season to watch and be a part of.  Congratulations everyone on a job well done this past weekend.

Website Dude Unofficial Awards for the week:

Player of the Game awards:

Game 1 –John Hall and Jack Slifer share honors.  John Hall for an ultra impressive offensive display and teamwork.  Jack Slifer’s solid goaltending and especially his third period play make him an easy choice.

Game 2 – John Kenny and Kevin Medernach.  J.K. was on the giving side after game one and in game two was the recipient of good karma getting two goals.  Kevin moved up from D and landed two assists, but his forechecking left everyone looking over their shoulders to see if he was coming and he truly made a huge impact in ways that won’t show on a score sheet.

Game 3 – Mason Jobst and Alex Zion.  Mason notched one goal and one assist and was incredible on the special teams.  Alex Zion played very solid and was 40 seconds away from a shutout before allowing a PP goal.

Game 4 – You could give honors to the whole team, but 4 players worked their rear ends off this game up front on the forecheck, PK, and just turned in solid performances.  Those four were Alex Huettl, Paul Lee, Jake Miller, and Troy Desmond.  All four players gave 110% every shift and displayed lots of intangibles unfortunately won’t be displayed in the outcome.

RoadKill of the Week Award – It is only fitting that the first Roadkill of the week award goes to the “Hitman”, Jason Manley.  Jason laid out a Michigan Traveler in the second period.  The Traveler, not knowing who hit him, took a retaliatory interference penalty against another Racer that sent him to the box where he clearly voiced his displeasure.  “WTF.  I get hammered with no call.  I bump that ------ and I get called.  That’s ------- up.”

RACERS VS CANTON CRUSH

Head Coach Keith Miller wanted to get a good feel for where this years squad lies and wasted no time throwing them to the wolves to find out.  Following last weekends opening AAA Tournament in Sarnia, the Canton Crush come to town.  The Canton Crush, along with the Troy Sting, are the early favorites for the number one ranking as the Crush come in undefeated facing stiff competition and having played twice as many games as the Racers, who are still nursing a short bench and a couple players under the weather.  The Crush have seven returning players and then filled in the remaining spots with AAA players from Victory Honda, Honeybaked, and other LIttle Caesars teams.  This would truly be the Racers biggest test so far.

The Crush took it to the Racers right from the start.  Canton scored the first goal half way through the first for the 1-0 lead.  Just three minutes later, the Racers would give the Crush a power play and Canton would make no mistake and take a 2-0 lead with 4:53 to go in the first.  The Racers would not register a shot on goal until the final :08 seconds of the first.  The second period was much more of the same, with Canton registering one even strength and one power play goal.  The Racers would spoil the shutout bid with 1:47 to go when Jake Miller (Manley, Hall) would notch his first of the season off a missed blast that would rebound off the back boards.  Canton would go on to take game one by the final of 4-1.

Game two would see a better Racer effort, but Canton would capitalize on almost every Racer miscue.  The Crush would go up 1-0 just two minutes in, then add another on a breakaway off a turnover just a minute later for the 2-0 lead.  However Indy was quick to answer cutting the deficit to 2-1as Caleb Jadrich would take a pass from A.J. Fasick and send a rocket blast just an inch off the ice through traffic and into the back of the net.  Canton would add 3 more in the second and third for the 5-1 lead.  Jake Miller (Mason Jobst) would bang home his second of the day to close the gap to 5-2, but the Racers could get no closer.

The Racers should remember what their goals are this season and use this experience to learn and make the necessary adjustments to improve themeselves.  The Crush truly are probably the first or second best team in the country right now.  They were very poised and under control when pressured and made smart, crisp, hard tape to tape passes with the puck.  The Crush always took care of the puck in their zone, limiting the Racer opportunities.  Canton would use the boards or send the puck high, but either way, they made sure the puck come out of the zone at any cost.  The Crush were very agressive on the forecheck, much like the Racers last week against the AAA Cylcones.  Canton never failed to backcheck hard or follow the play up the ice filling the lanes for that potential rebound attempt.  The Crush identified their man off face offs and made sure he wasn't left unchallenged, made effective use of stop/starts, didn't chase behind the net when on the PK, had great puck support, good gap control on D, east-west puck movement, communication all over the ice, forwards, defense, and goalie to D, and lastly, they made sure they got the puck deep on line changes.  These were all things Canton did well almost every shift.

The number one thing the Racers should have learned was they can play and beat anyone when they are focused and putting in the effort each and every shift.  Canton capitalized on Racer mistakes, and those mistakes are correctable.  When the Racers had five guys on the ice that were giving 100% and worked as one unit, they took it to Canton and had them one their heels.  Games are won and lost one shift at a time, not one game at a time.  Practice hard, games will be easy and most of all....fun!

Yes, if I were a Racer player, despite falling two games to the Canton Crush, I would walk away confident and proud to be a Racer.   I would walk away knowing we are close and our goals are achievable if we work hard and believe.  I would walk away knowing we are going to have an awesome year!

While maybe not the results the coaching staff and parents would have like to have seen this weekend, we have a very positive future.

Go Racers!!

Website Dude Unofficial Awards for the week:

Player of the Game awards:

Game 1 –Jake Miller gets the honors for this game.  Jake notched his first goal of the season off a missed attempt that found its way to his stick.  Honorable mention to Troy Desmond who had a great forecheck and some hard work along the boards.  Honorable mention also goes to Jason Manley who had some big hits, but the mention goes for giving up the body to block shots.

Game 2 – Max French was welcomed back in open arms after missing the opening weekend on the IR list.  Max had a great game on the special teams and even strength and really made his presence known.  Honorable mention to Jake Miller (notched his second of this years campaign).

RoadKill of the Week Award – The roadkill award for this week's hardest, clean hit is a no brainer.  During the 2nd period of game one, J.K. literally CRUSHED (pun intended) a Canton player sending the helmet, stick, and player flying in separate directions.  It would have been interesting to have played the game in the new Lucas Oil stadium just to see what the yardage was on all three items that went flying and whether the stick, helmet, or player was the most aerodynamic.  Honorable mention goes to Troy Desmond for his hit a center ice, and Jason Manley for a couple big hits and clearing of the goal area.

The Racers are off next weekend as the Toothpick and Tutu on ice show comes to town.  Not really, but I promised I would work in the Toothpick and Tutu's somewhere on the website.

Watch for schedule changes around the 11/2 games vs. Crystal Lake and the 2/21 games vs S2.