Just as expected, the rematch between the Chicago Outlaws and the Grand Rapids Dragonfish highlighted the tw0-day showcase in Michigan.
The day began Saturday morning with the Dragonfish taking on the Lansing Hotrods and the Fish winning 29-5. Then the Outlaws took to the floor in their first game of the weekend against the Detroit Coney Dogs. The first quarter was all Outlaws as they jumped out to a quick lead and poured it on in the first quarter outscoring the Coney Dogs 8-1. Lance Yapor tallied 3 of his 5 goals in that quarter and defenseman Jimmy Younger was able to net 2 transition goals of his own. The second quarter was much different as it seemed the Outlaws downshifted a little coasting into the half leading 12-5. But that would be as close as Detroit would get as they would only net two goals the rest of the way and the Outlaws won 21-7. The Milwaukee Marauders were next taking on the Hotrods. The Hotrods stayed competitive but ultimately fell to the Marauders 17-11.
The Chicago Outlaws suffered their first loss of the 2014 season falling to the Dragonfish 14-12. Unlike the season opener in Naperville, this was an extremely physical game by both teams turned out to be a very one sided contest on the penalty sheet. 20 penalties called on the Outlaws while only 6 penalties were called on the Dragonfish. It was a great game played by both teams as sharpshooter Zack Palmer from the fish and Joe Opron of the Outlaws matched each other shot for shot and goal for goal. Palmer had nine while Opron totaled 5 on the night.
The Saturday session wrapped up with a late game between Milwaukee and Detroit with Milwaukee picking up a 16-12 win. However, the game was called in the middle of the second quarter.
Then on Sunday, the Dragonfish closed out their weekend 3-0 with a 22-8 win over the Marauders while the Outlaws moved to 3-1 on the season with a 31-4 thrashing of Lansing. In that game Stew Kerr led the way with an unbelievable 16 points (10g, 6a) and the Outlaws refused to be stopped. Unlike Saturday night, the offense clicked as well with crisp passing and pinpoint shooting. The defense was strong and rugged and finished the game.
