Spiders open season with 4-1 win

Oct. 30, 2011

Despite being outshot 33-25, strong goaltending by sub Dirk Jacobson and capitalizing on rebounds resulted in a 4-1 season opening win for the Spiders.

The Chaos Black play a fast break style of hockey, pressuring the opposing defensemen and continually looking to create odd man rushes. That forechecking pressure nearly resulted in a Chaos goal just seconds into the game. A Chaos forward created a turnover in the Spiders defensive zone and came in all alone on goal but Dirk Jacobson was up to the task and made a big first save. Just over a minute into the period Jim Green celebrated his return to the Spiders with a goal off a rebound. Assists went to Dave “This Is The AHA!” Schliesman and Matt Adelmann.

Jay Hilden extended the lead to 2-0 midway through the period with a helper from Cory Vandenberghe. Vandenberghe, playing in his first game with the C2 squad, was in the second half of a C3/C2 double-header but showed no signs of weary legs.

The Chaos cut the lead in half early in the second period before Chris Stalpes opened the gap to two again, burying a rebound past a flailing Chaos goalie. The Chaos continued the pressure but were able to get no closer. Jay Hilden scored his second goal of the game after second, third, and fourth efforts on a loose puck in the crease to make the score 4-1 and salt the game away.

While the result was a win, the Spiders still have plenty of work to do. The breakout from the defensive zone was inconsistent. Luckily, strong goaltending and the defensemen clearing pucks to limit second chances kept the Chaos to one goal but it’s a dangerous way to live.

The Spiders will next take the ice on Saturday, November 5that St. Paul Academy Drake Arena at 7:45pm.