Game Recap

PRPC home versus the Westerville Warcats
@ CoreComm Ice Haus
Friday, December 5, 2003

PRPC SUFFERS FIRST LEAGUE LOSS
Coming off of three losses in a row in the Midwest Thanksgiving High School Hockey Classic, PRPC looked as if they got back on track with a 6-1 victory over Gilmour Academy in Sunday's final tournament game. But, after starting back in their GCHSCHL schedule where they had a perfect 7-0 record, it looks like the team is still in a funk.

Friday's game was the typical tooth and nail battle with Westerville. PRPC was playing without Senior Alternate Captain Josh Martyn (concussion) on the blue line and Sophomore Ben French was out of action with a fractured ankle. Both injuries suffered in the weekend tournament. Several of the rest of the Ice Prowlers were battling the cold as well, but played on.

The shots were low for both teams in the first period (4 each), but Westerville got on the board first late in the opening period on a goal by Alex Walker. Aaron Archibald then followed that with a goal for the Warcats to open the second period. PRPC looked flat as the Warcats dominated play. Senior Captain T.J. Hess got the first goal for the Prowlers on a power play goal assisted by Junior Matt Schuh 4 minutes into the period. PRPC continued to throw everything but the kitchen sink at Westerville goaltender Morgan Rodgers, totaling 16 shots in the period. They were only able to connect on one more as Freshman defensman Brian Rossi scored on a rebound (assisted by Junior Bryan Kay and T.J. Hess). Westerville's Brandon Grim would score again 3 minutes later to take the lead back for good as icing was called off on the play, the Warcats ended up with the puck, and Senior goaltender Zach Ahern found the puck behind him on a broken play.

The third period was good back and forth action, but with the Warcats dictating most of the play. Ahern played solid, stopping all 10 shots thrown at him in the period but what PRPC needed was a goal. The Prowlers pulled the goaltender in the final minute to mount one last attack to get the game tying goal, but Westerville was able to steal the puck and score on the open net to make the final score Westerville 4, PRPC 2, and drop the Prowler's record to 7-1 in league play.