The Iroquois National Team opened their quest for the gold in the 2015 FIL World Indoor Championships with a 13-9 victory over Team U.S.A. at the War Memorial. Iroquois was led by Jeff Shattler (3G/4A) and Lyle Thompson (3G/2A).
The game started with a number of scoring chances by both teams, but stingy defense prevailed until the 3:15 mark when Johnny Powless (2G/3A) scored the first of his two goals for the Iroquois as they jumped out to a 4-1 lead at the end of the first quarter. Joe Resetarits scored his first goal on an assist from Garrett Thul (2A).
Second quarter saw the United States score just :54 seconds in to cut the lead in half, but the Iroquois and the United States would alternate 2 goal runs each with Iroquois have two of the runs, and the final goal of the half coming with less then a second remaining in the half giving the Iroquois 8-4 lead at the intermission. United States fired 32 shots to the Iroquois 20.
As the third quarter started it seemed like a different U.S.A. team came out on the floor. They outscored Iroquois 3-0 in the third to swing the momentum their way as they took aim with twenty one shots in the quarter, and holding their opponent to only nine. But 8-7 would be as close as the Americans would get on this night.
The Iroquois would start the fourth quarter by putting together a huge five goal run that gave them a commanding 13-7 lead. But it was more then just a five goal run.
After being shutout in the third quarter, goaltender Angus Goodleaf became a brick wall by stopping everything possible to help the run. U.S.A. would score the final two goals of the game.
One of the most exciting plays is the penalty shot. Fans had a chance to see one tonight as Lyle Thompson was given one with 1:11 remaining as the United States was called for illegal substitution, but goaltender David Mather didn’t bite on Thompson’s moves and came up with a beautiful stick save
Team U.S.A. was led by Joe Resetarits (3G) and Joe Walters (3G/1A). Joel White, Jeff Ratcliffe and Blaze Riorden also scored for the United States.
For the Iroquois, Jeff Shattler (3G/4A), Lyle Thompson (3G/2A), along with Miles Thompson and Johnny Powless each scoring twice led the Iroquois attack.
With the win it puts the Iroquois in great position for a semi-final berth.
For Team U.S.A. their track to the semi-final may have to start with a quarter final game.
Casey Powell was a scratch for the U.S.A. as he had a previous commitment, but will be joining the team for the rest of the tournament.
The United States has off Saturday, but then have three games in a row.
Sept. 20—1pm Czech Republic……Sept 21—4:30pm England…..Sept 22—7:30 Canada. All games at The Onondaga Arena.
For Iroquois, they return to action on Sunday as well.
Sept 20—5pm Canada (War Memorial), Sept 22—England and Sept 23—Czech Republic. Both games at The Onondaga Arena.
