Sault Ste. Marie – December 4th, 2016 – It was sure to be a tough game for the Marquette Redmen hockey team as they did battle with the Romeo Bulldogs, the former state champs in varsity hockey. Marquette started the period off well, keeping up with the Bulldogs, and they even had multiple scoring chances. However, as the period wore on, it became apparent that the Redmen were going to have trouble. Romeo got onto the board first on a power play, but Marquette was able to answer, making it 1-1 just past the midway point of the period. Marquette had another penalty a couple of minutes later, and that allowed the Bulldogs to score another goal, giving them the lead.First Period Score:
Marquette Redmen: 1
Romeo Bulldogs: 2
The Marquette Redmen won the opening draw, and almost scored right away after the start of the period but barley missed on a lucky save from the Bulldogs’ goalie. The scoring from the first period slowed down, and both teams were focused on playing defense for the most part of the period. There were several huge hits in the latter part of the second period, and it looked as if Marquette was hanging in with the Bulldogs. There were few penalties in the first half of the game (with zero in the second quarter), and that meant that the action was fast and intense. Despite the quick play, neither team was able to score in the second period.
Second Period Score:
Marquette Redmen: 1
Romeo Bulldogs: 2
The start of the final quarter saw the Marquette Redmen trailing the Romeo Bulldogs with a score of 1-2, but the game was still within reach for the Redmen. They were giving it their all, and despite several great scoring attempts in the early part of the third period, Marquette was unable to tie the score. The amount of desperation in the Redmen’s play increased as they sensed the game slipping away from them, and it looked as thought they might be forced to pull their goalie for the fourth game in a row. The Bulldogs’ goalie was having the game of his life, stopping everything that the Redmen threw at the net. Finally, halfway through the last quarter, Marquette was able to tie the game at two goals apiece. Even though the game was tied, neither team was giving an inch. Marquette had their fourth penalty of the game late in the final period, and that gave Romeo a good chance at retaking the lead.
Third Period Score:
Marquette Redmen: 2
Romeo Bulldogs: 2
It was overtime between the Marquette Redmen and the Romeo Bulldogs, tied at 2-2, and both teams looked like they were capable of taking home the win. Just under two minutes into the game, the Redmen’s Joey Phillips put in the game winning goal on a great assist, his second goal of the season.
Final Game Score:
Marquette Redmen: 3
Romeo Bulldogs: 2