A glass that certainly seemed half empty for most of the evening all of a sudden became half full for the Marauders right when it mattered most. Jake Acker scored a power play goal with just under two minutes to play in the third period to even the score at 2 and earn a point for Hanover that they probably didn't deserve. Logan and Stadheim were credited with assists on the goal.
Through the first two periods, St Thomas carried the play, and only the continuing heroics of Ratliff in the goal kept the Marauders in the game. The second period was particularly spectacular as Hanover managed only two shots on goal, and were frequently pinned in their own end of the rink. Despite a 20-5 advantage in shots on goal, the Saints were only able to get one past Ratliff and the score was 1-0 heading into the second intermission.
Coach Dodds must have given a Hall of Fame speech in the locker room between periods, because the Marauders came out firing on all cylinders in the third period. After being outshot by 15 in the first two periods, Hanover turned the tables and held a 17-6 advantage in shots for the third period.
A long stretch of sustained offensive pressure finally ended with a Smith goal, as he finished off a rebound of a shot that originated at the point with Beaver, was redirected by Stadheim, and bounced right to Smith at the back door to knock in the net.
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With just over 4 minutes to play, a St Thomas attacker managed to sneak one in past Ratliff from a sharp angle to put the Saints back up 2-1. But, with 2:14 to play, a St Thomas penalty put the Maraduers on the man advantage and set the stage for Acker's game tying strike.
Eight minutes of bonus hockey followed. A few good chances for both teams, and a nail biting finish with Hanover a man down for the last 1:48, and two men down for the last several seconds. But, as he had all night, Ratliff stood tall and the final horn thankfully sounded with the score still knotted at 2.
Next up for the Marauders is another home game, Saturday night vs Bishop Brady at 6:50. Saturday's game is sponsored by Artisan's Park in Windsor, VT. Thanks to Terry and Katie McDonnell for their support.
Some great pics, courtesy of Paul Stinson are here:
http://hanoverhockeyphotos.phanfare.com/7118867
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