Bronchos drop two to #7 Lindenwood

By Rocky Wiles

The University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos came away from the Lindenwood Ice Arena feeling like they played two entirely different games.

In Fridays game, Lindenwood kept up the pressure on the Bronchos goalie all game long, but could not shake the stubborn Bronchos.  Powerplays played a key part in the Lindenwood’s victory as they scored 5 powerplay goals to UCO’s 3 powerplay goals.  In all, the Bronchos were whistled for 20 penalties, including 8 straight penalties in the second period.   Lions were penalized  12 times.

“With the rule changes this year, we have seen quite a few different versions of how the referees call the game.  But our team has to adjust to the way it is being called.  Obviously, we put ourselves in quite a bind when we give one of the hottest Powerplays in the ACHA numerous opportunites,” Head coach McAlister said.
 
The first period saw Lindenwood take an early lead off a powerplay goal by Steve Shue. UCO answered back two minutes later with a powerplay goal of their own by Robbie Deubel.  Lindenwood closed out the first period with a powerplay goal with two minutes remaining by David Easterbrook.

The second period saw Lindenwood on almost a constant powerplay and the Lions went up by a count of 4-2, before the Bronchos came back again with goals by Jason Thibodeau and Brent Block close the score at 4-3 by the end of the second frame. 

In the third period Lindenwood scored on even strength goal mid-way through the period only to have UCO come back once again three minutes later with a powerplay goal by Sean Steggles.  At the five minute mark UCO’s Brian Thompson broke his stick while clearing the zone and Bobby Priest broke the tie for the Lions.  Henri St. Arnault got the late goal with 36 seconds remaining to make the final 7-4.

Saturday’s afternoon game was hotly contested with both teams tied at the end of the first period 3-3.  Lindenwood’s, Larry Kopecky started off an seven goal flury by the Lion’s.  UCO had no answers as McAlister changed goalies after the Robbie Mattison gave up the seventh goal but Justin Sgro allowed 4 additional goals as the fatigued and outmanned Bronchos fell 11-3.

“We are alittle beat up right now with injuries.  We have 6 players with injuries right now with 4 of them trying to play through it.  Combine that with our depth problems and we see why we had a let down in the Saturday afternoon game in the second period.  Lindenwood came out smoking and we couldn’t find the higher gear to fight back”, McAlister said.  “Robbie Mattison was outstanding in our Friday game stopping 63 shots, but was not able to sustain the level of play necessary to keep us in the game on Saturday during the seven minute Lindenwood onslaught.”

The Bronchos return to the friendly confines of Arctic Edge Arena this weekend with games against the Eastern Collegiate Hockey League champion, Robert Morris University.  “Robert Morris University comes in as one of the first to clinch a spot in the National Tournament this season.  They are talented team that is well coached by Jason Evans.  We will have our hands full and will have to be on top of our game in order to give ourselves a chance, but being at home for the first time this semester will hopefully give us some much needed energy,” McAlister said.

Game times are Friday at 7:30pm and on Saturday at 6:30pm at Arctic Edge in Edmond.