Owls storm to victories
Balanced attack leads to pair of wins

December 4, 2007

Justin Neis scored two goals last weekend for the Owls. PHOTO/Russ Eastburn /ESP1000.COM

The weather outside was frightful, but that didn’t slow the Minnesota Owls, who rolled off two big victories last weekend against teams ahead of them in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League standings.

“Those were important wins for us,” said Owls coach Chad Kuznia, whose team improved to 10-12 on the season.  “The guys made a conscious effort to work together for an entire 60 minutes, which was encouraging.”

On Friday, five different players scored as the Owls skated to a 5-3 win over the red-hot Twin Cities Northern Lights.  Nick Johnson potted the game-winning goal, with Dusty Bruggeman netting a goal and an assist.  In goal, Phil Poeschel turned aside nine shots.

With MJHL games in the Upper Midwest cancelled on Saturday due to a snowstorm, the Owls hit the ice again on Sunday, where they overcame a 3-2 third-period deficit to down the Granite City Lumberjacks, 4-3.

Adam Allenson scored two goals, including the game-winner, and an assist, while Zach Wohlers added a goal and an assist.  Poeschel was again steady between the pipes, making 27 saves.

“Those are two good teams, and to come away with four points is a real positive step in the right direction for us and a big confidence-builder,” said Kuznia.  “Hopefully, we can carry this momentum through the holidays and into next year.”

The Owls were paced by a balanced offensive attack, with only two multiple goal-scorers the entire weekend in Allenson and Justin Nies.  The team’s leading-scorer, Chad Mars, was held to just one assist.

“We’re going to need a lot of different guys step up to be successful, and we saw proof of that last weekend,” said Kuznia.  “The more people we can get involved in our scoring – and I know we have guys capable of producing – the better off we’re going to be.”

With Wohlers also finding the scoresheet with regularity of late, the defensive corps has been anchored by veteran Reed Steinbauer.

“He’s been great back there,” said Kuznia.  “He’s a real calming presence for some of our younger guys and brings a great deal of leadership.”

And with Poeschel delivering solid performances in the nets, the Owls have reason to be optimistic.  The MJHL veteran keeper holds a 3-3 record in seven appearances to compliment a save percentage of .911.

“Phil gives us a chance to win every night, and that’s all we can ask for,” said Kuznia.  “The guys have a lot of confidence playing in front of him and he comes up with some really big saves when we need them.”

Encouraged with his squad’s progress of late, Kuznia realizes it’s still early but sees signs of promise which could turn his team contender in the coming months.

“There’s a long ways to go, and there’s still a lot of work to do, but this group is capable of doing some really good things,” said the coach.  “We just need to come to the rink everyday ready to work, because nothing is going to be handed to us – not in this league.”

Once buried in the MJHL cellar, the St. Paul Lakers are alive and well as they continued their rejuvenated play last weekend with a three-game sweep in St. Louis, in which they outscored the Lightning, 23-4.

On Friday, seven different Lakers lit the lamp in a 7-3 victory.  Seth Ronsberg, Jake Parenteau and Craig Doyle each connected for a goal and an assist, while goaltender Zach Reneau made 27 saves.  Todd Hoeferlin scored two goals for the Lightning.

Eight different players scored the next day as St. Paul skated to an 8-1 triumph.  Andrew Desmond and Mark Huber each rang up a goal and two assists, and goaltender Dan Jobson steered aside 34 shots.  Tyler Tesson scored the lone Lighting marker.

In the series finale on Sunday, Ronsberg struck for two goals and two assists as the Lakers sunk the Lightning, 8-1.  Tilla Toms added a goal and two assists, with Desmond chipping in three assists of his own.  Reneau and Jobson combined to stop 24 shots.  Mark Kirksey lit the lamp for St. Louis.

The Minnesota Flying Aces picked up a big win on Friday, edging the Minnesota Ice Hawks, 4-3.  Chris Koenen scored a goal and assisted on Robert Burdick’s game-winner, while goaltender Jake Vatnsdal turned aside 45 shots.  Josh Whitey notched a goal and an assist for the Ice Hawks.

Reed Zweber tallied two goals as the Hudson Crusaders knocked off the Northern Lights on Sunday, 5-3.  Brett Weber was credited with the game-winning marker, and goaltender Randy Johnson delivered a 40-save effort.  Tyler Erickson scored a goal and an assist for the Lights.

The three games that were postponed on Saturday - Crusaders at Wisconsin Mustangs; Flying Aces at Owls; Northern Lights at Lumberjacks - will be recheduled.