Marquette, MI – Saturday, December 15th, 2018 – It was the second game of the holiday hockey showcase, and the Marquette Redmen‘s gear wasn’t even dry from the previous night’s game when they had to face the impressive Bay Reps. The one and only duo of John Thomsen and Joe Gaffney were right next to the ice to broadcast all the action for you on 97.5 GTO-FM!
It was sure to be an uphill battle for the Marquette Redmen, but they were able to skate toe-to-toe with the Bay Reps to keep the score neutral as the first quarter progressed. Thanks to some excellent Redmen defense, they were able to generate a great three on two opportunity but were unable to put the puck in the net after two great shots. The Reps started to take the lead in shots on goal with their six to Marquette’s two as the first period moved past the halfway mark. With five minutes left in the first, the Redmen were called for the first penalty of the game, however, they successfully killed the penalty to keep the score at zeros. The refs were content to let the teams play through some possible penalties, but the action remained relatively mild as the first period ended.
First Period Score
Marquette Redmen: 0
Bay Reps: 0
After a neutral first period, the Marquette Redmen were looking to put the first point of the game onto the scoreboard as the second period began. Marquette was doing well on face-offs, winning several at key moments to help keep them in the game against such a hardened team. “I feel like they’re holding on by their fingertips!” John shouted as the Redmen were called for a minor penalty, giving the Reps their second power play of the game. Falling even further into a hole, Marquette was called for a second penalty during the first penalty kill, giving Bay a five on three opportunity for just under a minute. The Redmen successfully killed both penalties, and they were once again at full strength after three minutes of penalty killing. When the final minute of the period began, Marquette seemed just thankful to have killed three penalties without giving up a single point.
Second Period Score
Marquette Redmen: 0
Bay Reps: 0
With both teams locked at zero, the Marquette Redmen were doing extremely well against the impressive Bay Reps. The play started to get a bit rough as both teams tired, and after a great deal of confusion, several penalties were called. Marquette found themselves back on the penalty kill after a ten-minute major was called on them with almost exactly ten minutes left to play. The Marquette Redmen took the first lead of the game with a smooth goal from the Nemetz line with just over five minutes left to play. Even though the Redmen had a tough first two periods, they kept the pressure up when they generated a great scoring chance that was deflected off the pipe. The Marquette fans let out a shout of excitement as an audible “ping” was heard throughout the arena. A bit later, the Bay Reps pulled their goalie for an extra skater. A mid-ice shot on the Reps’ empty net almost gave another goal to the Redmen, but that shot hit the post as well. As the final seconds came off the clock, Marquette held onto their lead to take home the win, and after a fantastic 45 minutes of play, the MI Internet Player of the Game was none other than Ryan Baldwin!
Final Game Score
Marquette Redmen: 1
Bay Reps: 0
Listen LIVE – The Marquette Redmen hockey team skates with the Bay Reps in Marquette on Saturday, December 15th, 2018 on 97.5 GTO-FM.mp3