Excitement on the Ice as the Marquette Redmen Hockey Team (5) Battles the West Ottawa Panthers (2) on 97.5 GTO-FM

Marquette, MI – Friday, December 14th, 2018 – It was time for a holiday hockey showcase in Marquette as the Redmen hockey team took on the West Ottawa Panthers on 97.5 GTO-FM. John and Joe were there on the boards live to bring the action right to you!

The Redmen and Panthers face off during the opening puck drop for their game on 97.5 GTO-FM

The Marquette Redmen won the opening puck drop, and put up a good first scoring opportunity, however, they were unable to convert on the break. Throughout the early part of the period, the Redmen were dominant, often holding the Panthers to their own zone. Just a few minutes into the period, Kobie Guidebeck put the first point onto the scoreboard after a deflected shot made it’s way through a crowd in front of the net. While time fell off the score clock, the Redmen put shot after shot onto West Ottawa’s net, but the Panthers’ goalie kept them in the game. The first penalties of the game were called around the seven minute mark of the first, with the Panthers being called first, then 1:30 later, the Redmen were called for another penalty, making the game 4 on 4 for 30 seconds. Despite having some extra open ice, neither team was able to put the puck in the net. When the period entered the final minute of play, the action was very much even. Shots were at 9 to 6, so neither team had a clear advantage.

First Period Score
Marquette Redmen: 1
West Ottawa Panthers: 0

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Despite holding the lead after the first period, the Marquette Redmen looked a bit worn out, as they were having problems putting the puck into the net, despite holding control of the puck for the majority of the time. As the game marched on, the Panthers were on the power play with eight minutes left to play, and the Redmen failed time and time again to clear the puck, giving West Ottawa a chance to make a comeback. Taking advantage of Marquette’s failure to clear, the Panthers tied the game at 1-1 on a great top-shelf shot from the circles. Nick Leafers scored the Redmen’s second goal of the game on a great feed from behind the net, putting them back on top of the Panthers. As the second period began to wind down, Joseph Luke put Marquette’s third goal (and his first goal of the year) of the game into the net on another wonderful feed from below the red line. A cheap shot from a Panthers player, which resulted in a major penalty, put Marquette on the power play for a whole five minutes. The Redmen would lead the game as they were set to enter the third period on the power play.

Second Period Score
Marquette Redmen: 3
West Ottawa Panthers: 1

The Marquette Redmen celebrate after one of their five goals on Friday night against the West Ottawa Panthers on 97.5 GTO-FM

The Marquette Redmen started the final period on the power play, however, they were unable to capitalize on any scoring chances. West Ottawa was looking tired, and the Redmen were able to start utilizing the open ice to spread the game out. This allowed them to not only burn time off the clock, but it also helped keep the Panthers from being able to perform line changes. In the final period, both teams were having trouble with some water on the ice, but it seemed to hamper the Redmen’s puck movements. Shots in the first two periods were very even, however as the game progressed, Marquette began to put shot after shot onto their opponent’s goal. After about five minutes of play in the third, the Panthers committed another major penalty (checking from behind). However, Marquette retaliated which resulted in them receiving a two minute penalty. The game would be 4 on 4 for two minutes, and then the Redmen were back on the power play for another three minutes. Because of another penalty called on West Ottawa, Marquette would play five on three for two minutes. After West Ottawa burned off their penalties, both teams added a goal to their total, but Marquette continued to lead 4-2 after their goal from the Guidebeck line. Tanner Phillips put Marquette’s fifth goal of the game into the net on a great 4 on 4 play from under the circles with about three minutes left in the game. The MI Internet player of the game was the one and only Kobie Guidebeck, who was elemental in the night’s win!

Final Game Score
Marquette Redmen: 5
West Ottawa Panthers: 2

Listen LIVE – The Marquette Redmen Hockey Team Battles the West Ottawa Panthers on 97.5 GTO-FM on Friday, December 14th, 2018.mp3