Jr. Blues beat Warriors 3-1; Move into third-place in MidWest

Tyler Parks got a suprising start; then suprised everybody
on Friday night as the Jr. Blues beat Michigan 3-to-1. (NAHL)

Following a long lay off from the ice, Kyle Cook and the Springfield Junior Blues overcame an early first period goal from Michigan, then defeating them 3-to-1 on Friday night inside the Nelson Center in a North American Hockey League regular season contest.

In front of a crowd of 1,903 roudy fans inside the Nelson Center, the Warriors scored on a goal from Matus Matis just 1:43 into the contest. But just as Michigan could relax, Radim Matus netted a goal for Springfield just twenty-nine seconds later to even up the score at 1.

Then at the 12:28 mark of the first period, Gavin Tufte netted a goal that was assisted from both Chris Sitler and Kyle Cook, which proved to be the eventual game-winner, making it 2-to-1 Junior Blues.

Springfield entered the first intermission holding a 2-to-1 lead. The Junior Blues were very aggressive and physical tonight-both teams committed six pentalies apiece. Despite there being twelve one-man-advantage opportunities, the two teams combined to be 0-for-12 as both goalies played pretty good games.

Kyle Cook scored the only goal in the second period at 9:05, and his goal was assisted by both Gavin Tufte and Kevin Walters. Cook won the number one star of the game as he tallied two points in the game, scoring one goal and adding in an assist.

A shot taken on Friday night as the time ran out inside the Nelson
Center as the Junior Blues defeated the Michigan Warriors 3-to-1.

Coach Dibble decided to start Tyler Parks in net for this one, and it turned out to be a very good decision. Parks picked up his eighth win of the season on Friday and saved 27-of-28 shots against him. This was Parks' first start since the team traded Connor Girard for Gabe Antoni on January 6th. Following a game like he had on Friday, it's hard to imagine him not the start on Saturday night.

As for the opposing team, the Warriors, Brach Tiller was the man inbetween the pipes. Tiller, who saved 26-of-29 shots, lost his fifth straight game and hasn't picked up a win since the game against December 17th when Michigan defeated Traverse City 4-to-2.

With the win tonight the Blues moved into sole possession of third place in the MidWest division following a Coulee Region loss on Friday, and as for Michigan, this was there fifth straight loss overall, and they are being outscored 27-to-8 during the streak.

The same two teams will be back at it tomorrow (Saturday night) inside the Nelson Center with the puck dropping at 7:00 pm. Follow me on twitter at @tcobb1990 and look for me in the stands.

Michigan--------------(1) 1 --------(2) 0 ---------(3) 0 -----(F) 1
Springfield------------(1) 2 --------(2) 1 ---------(3) 0 -----(F) 3

Goals Scored:
[1st Period-(MICH) Matus Matis (Chris Eckler) 1:40; (SPR) Radim Matus (Ben Kramer) 2:12; (SPR) Gavin Tufte (Chris Sitler, Kyle Cook) 12:28;] [2nd Period-(SPR) Kyle Cook (Gavin Tufte, Kevin Walters) 9:05;] [3rd Period-NO SCORING;]

Three Stars of the Game:
1st-Kyle Cook (1 Goal, 1 Assist)
2nd-Ben Kramer (1 Assist)
3rd-Radium Matus (1 Goal)