Byline: Lansing, MI

Monday night featured the pride of two Countries facing each other for North American hockey supremacy. The vaunted men if the North Nordiques battled with Team America. It was a sloppy affair that left a few soldiers wounded on the battle field. In the end the Americans prevailed with a 5-3 victory.

The Nordiques led by @pantydropper jumped out to an early lead with a goal from an egregious angle by @pauly . “I just threw it towards the net looking for something good to happen. That’s what happens when your a natural goal scorer”. All indications pointed towards a lopsided win and a long night for the red white and blue and CoGM @manny . Manny stated “it wasn’t the start we were looking for but the boys responded. That is just the character of this club”.

The Americans answered back with goals from Bin and @antio1pd to take a 2-1 lead. Watching from the skybox high inside Viking Arena an American coaching staff member sent word to the bench. Interpreted by first line grinder @dreamweaver , the message was to employ a different strategy against the Dique star line. The plan was to move Bin with @jmcshannock and Weaver with the @tkshreve line. It worked out well with McShannock weaving his way in on goal using his long reach and scoring.

Not to be outdone, @Peso lit the lamp with a beautifully placed wrister beating goalie @Tom Leader on the far corner. “It was a hell of a shot” said Dique forward @qziraldo . The Americans tried to slow the game down using the high glass dump out technique in their own zone. Defensemen @wilkie and @nekogt6 had their hands full and strong games going against @hardyparty92 . Wilkie commented “That Sugar sure can fly” as Hardy skated by him.

A furious comeback was in store by the Northern Guard. @wright banged in a puck to cut the gap. With the score 5-3 late in the game and the goaler @jcoan pulled, it appeared that a shot by Bin was destined for an open net. One of the more miraculous efforts you will ever see occurred. As if shot out of a cannon @brauny propelled himself forward, dove and struck the puck out of mid air. The Americans instantly yelled in protest as Braunys stick was jettisoned into the air. “It was a clear violation of Rule 637 and by throwing his stick it should have been an awarded goal” said @smachi.

The American bench immediately confronted MNL Director of Officiating @JgtWrubel and directed their anger over the non-call. The junior referee skated to the bench for an explanation. Believing that his team needed to be included, @Peso made his way over. After some body positioning, playful banter and some pushing and shoving Bin and Peso separated to finish the game. Peso reflected in the behavior of his former team mate. “Bin is a douche. He was so fired up because he’s never won two games in a row before!”

The Americans improve their record with the win to 2-2-1 while the Nordiques fall a game in the standings. “It’s a long year and we will see these guys again” commented @vinande after the match on the Labatt Blue Party Deck sponsored by OFP.

Reporting,

Dickie Dunn