Never say die - Spiders score 4 in the 3rd to top Wild

Nov. 9, 2014

Richfield, MN (AP) - With the core of the team returning from last season along with several talented additions, the Spiders had reason for optimism. But while there was optimism the Spiders knew it would take some time for the squad to gel. When the season is over, they may look back on the 3rd period on Sunday as the turning point.

Cory Vandenberghe got the Spiders on the board first just over a minute into the game, backhanding home a centering pass from Aaron Bedessem. The Wild came back with two quick goals to take the lead. Mario Mariani knotted the score at 2-2 with a deflection of a Cory Buckalew shot from the point.

The Wild wasted no time in re-taking the lead but the Spiders answered again with Matt Adelmann going it alone to end an eventful first period at 3-3.

While the Spiders had plenty of chances in the second period too many defensive lapses resulted in good opportunities for the Wild as well. The Wild took full advantage, scoring two goals to take a 5-3 lead into the third. The Spiders thought they got one back as Mike Townsend blasted one past the Wild netminder. It was initially called a goal on the ice before the officials determined the puck went off the cross bar.

Through two periods, as well as the season opener against the Gators, the Spiders had a habit of squandering good opportunities on the offensive end and getting trapped in their own defensive end.

In the 3rd period it started to turn around. Better defensive play in the neutral zone led to turnovers and odd man rushes for the Spiders. Passes started going tape-to-tape. Intense back-checking bottled up the Wild offense.

Mike Townsend clawed the Spiders back within a goal early in the period. The Spiders controlled play for long stretches with the Wild clinging to their one goal lead. As the pressure mounted, Doug Thorson came through in the clutch. Left unmarked on the blue line, Thorson crept down toward the circle, where Aaron Bedessem found him. Thorson wristed the puck just inside the far post to tie the score at 5-5.

Just over a minute later the Spider forecheck deflected a puck back into the Wild zone. Geoff Kuppe beat the Wild goalie in the race to the puck, deked to the backhand, and scored into the yawning goal. And the crowd of 2 goes wild!!!!!

With the Wild goalie pulled for an extra attacker, Mike Townsend added an insurance goal; his second of the night. Your final score from Richfield: Spiders 7 – Wild 5.

The Spiders will now carry their one game win streak into a showdown with the Loons on Sunday, November 16th. The Loons are a newly formed team who are currently 2-0 on the season, including a 4-2 win over the Gators.