If you’re a fan of goals and power plays, and attended Mt. Juliet’s victory against the Tennessee Outlaws, you didn’t leave disappointed.
The Golden Bears outplayed the Outlaws right from the first puck drop on their way to a 8-3 win Monday night at the Ford Ice Center. The two teams racked up 22 combined penalties on the ice, but Mt. Juliet was still able to dominate the tempo of the game.
“It’s always good to get a win against anybody,” said Mt. Juliet head coach Jasen Riherd.
“The Outlaws are a fantastic team, they play good hockey and are a well-coached team. We were able to take the bounces that we got and put them in the net.”
Perhaps the more impressive stat was how well the Golden Bears were able to contain their foes in the defensive zone, allowing only one shot in the first period.
“We’re tightening up quite well on the defensive side,” said Riherd.
“We’re getting our positioning down, and being smart with the puck to make sure we get it out every time.”
Corey Settle scored the first goal less than a minute into the game on some impressive Golden Bear passing in front of the net.
The Outlaws took a big blow near the end of the first period, as starting goalie Brent Kitchens was involved in a nasty collision that saw him exit the game. He was replaced by Logan Primm.
Mt. Juliet continued to do their damage, scoring seven goals in the remaining two periods, including two on the power play. Dylan Kraay logged a hat trick, while Rylan Hager scored twice. Rachel Wolfenbarger and Tristen Arkon also got on the score sheet.
All three of the Outlaw goals came in the third period and on the power play. Jake Fink tallied two of the goals, and Jackson Woodard scored the other. Outlaws coach Dan Heinrich declined to comment on his team after the game.
Both teams will resume play in January after the holiday break. Bears coach Riherd encouraged his team to be ready to go after the break.
“(We need to) Stay focused, stay active, and be ready to play when it’s over,” said Riherd.
