PORT HURON PROWLERS at DASHERS at DANVILLE
Prowlers Pound Dashers
by Devin Dobek
Danville, IL - The Steven Esau era began in Danville this past Friday night. However, the new skipper would be in for a rude awakening, as his new Dashers were routed by 9 different Prowler marksmen who helped Port cruise to a 9-1 victory.
The Dasher faithful were eager to see what the new bench boss brought to the table in period 1. It would be baptism by fire, with the Prowlers dominating on all cylinders. Hits, shots, and scoring chances were all lopsided. Familiar face from the first Dasher era Dustin Henning returned to Danville to join the Dashers, after being released by the Hat Tricks. He made an impact early drawing a penalty just 3 minutes into the contest. However, the Dashers plans to strike first would be thwarted, when a rare Kim Miettinen turnover led to a shorthanded breakaway for sharpshooter Alex Johnson. It was the season debut for Dasher goalie Tristan Canter, who was beat through the five-hole by Johnson to put Port up 1-0. About 7 minutes later, a shot from the point off the stick of Ludwig Thellstrom beat Canter on the blocker side to double the lead at 2-0. Port controlled the zone the rest of the frame, routing the Dashers in shots 20-6. Once again, it would be a difficult hill to climb for the home squad.
Period 2 opened hot and heavy. Just 17 seconds in, Thomas Murphy provided some life, tipping home a Cyril Nagurski shot to cut the deficit in half at 2-1. However, the fun would be brief. Approximately 9 seconds later, defenseman Ben Brockway wrapped home a goal to get it right back. The woes continued when 16 seconds after that, Stefan Diezi beat Canter in the blink of an eye to make it 4-1. Not even a minute later, Tristan Simm potted one on the powerplay to make it Prowlers 5 Dashers 1. And then not even 7 minutes later, Brett Lockhart lit the lamp on a fast break to make it 6-1. Eli Bowers then entered for Tristan Canter who stopped 27/33 shots he faced. The Dashers were able to pepper Prowler's net minder Yoshihiro Kuroiwa with 16 shots in period 2, but couldn’t find the twine. After 10 stagnant minutes of back and forth action, Bryan Parsons became the 7th different Prowler to pot one in a chaotic play in front of the net. So to the locker room we went yet again, this time with Port up a touchdown.
Period 3 didn’t get any easier. Tucker Scantlebury scored 5 minutes into the third frame to add to the lead, now 8-1. The Dashers were once again on their heels for the entire frame, failing to mount any offense and posting just 4 shots on net. Reggie Millette became the 9th different Prowler to score in the closing minutes of the 3rd period, and the final would hold at 9-1.
The Dashers and Prowlers will square off in a rematch tomorrow night inside the David S. Palmer Arena at 7:05 CST.
Kuroiwa Gets First FPHL Win in Prowlers Rout
by Will Wiegelman
Danville, IL - The Port Huron Prowlers turned in their most dominant effort of the season with a 9-1 win over the Dashers Hockey Club in Danville, Illinois. Port Huron got nine different goal scorers and Yoshihiro Kuroiwa got the win in his first FPHL start.
“The guys before the game and especially after were very happy for [Kuroiwa],” said Prowlers assistant coach Chris Paulin. “He deserves it, he’s battled every day at practice and competed. Guys that do that and support their goalie partners deserve these opportunities and he played absolutely fantastic.”
The Prowlers got the scoring started just over three minutes in as Alex Johnson stole a pass at the Dashers blue line and converted on the breakaway. Later in the period, Ludwig Thellström sent a wrister from the point that found the back of the net to make it 2-0 heading into the intermission.
The Dashers punched back 17 seconds into the middle frame as Cyril Nagurski’s shot was tipped home by Thomas Murphy. 1:28 later, Ben Brockway swooped in and wrapped home his first pro goal. That set off a string of three-straight Port Huron goals in a 1:14 span that made it 5-1.
Brett Lockhart danced around a defender and his centering pass banked in off of a Dasher for the sixth Prowler goal and that was it for Tristan Canter in net.
Eli Bowers didn’t fare much better as Bryan Parsons got his second goal in as many games driving the net in the final minute of the period.
Tucker Scantlebury and Reggie Millette added on in the third as Port Huron finished with a season-high nine goals. It was the third time in their last four games the Prowlers have set a season high for goals in a game.
Johnson led the way with the first five-point night this season by a Port Huron player. Scantlebury had three and five other Prowlers added two points apiece. 14 of 15 skaters registered a point. Kuroiwa made 25 saves in the win.
“I was waiting for three months and then [head coach Matt Graham] told me before morning skate and, finally, I got the chance to play,” Kuroiwa said. “I just tried to enjoy the game.”
Canter allowed six goals on 34 shots and took the loss after making it 29:32. Bowers made 18 saves on 21 shots in relief.
The teams rematch on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 8:05 P.M. Eastern time. That game will be available live on the PHP Network YouTube channel.
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