December 24, 2012

NHL and NCAA sent their best eyeballs to fill the stands in Bridgewater, MA  for a last glimpse of the star studded Islander Hockey Club before breaking for the Holiday.  Like a feast, the game left the scouts full and satisfied.

Massive IHC defensemen Robbie Klein (6’4) and Ian Herrington (6’6) netted their first goals of the season with beautiful shots from the blue line.  Herrington snapped a shot from the right point on the second shift of the third period.  Within three minutes of continued domination Bridgewater called a timeout in an attempt to slow the Isles.  This worked for the score, but not territorially.  Klein’s left point shot came at 7:57 of the third period and was on the power play with assists to Mike Jamieson and Zach Sanford. 

Chris Izmirlian opened the scoring for IHC.  Showing the ability to score in all situations ‘Izzy’ barreled to the net on a two-on one with line-mate Mike Doherty.  Doherty, on the left wing, deftly held the puck before sending it to the blue area where the right shot Izmirlian fought to and re-directed the feed into the net for the Isles first goal with 15:20 on the clock in the first.

Providence College bound wing Conner MacPhee finished a beautiful tic-tac passing play with his line-mates Izmirlian and Doherty.  MacPhee slid into the net front as a Doherty and Izmirlian fore-check forced a turnover sending the puck to MacPhee where he absolutely sniped a laser past the blocker of the motionless Bridgewater goaltender.

Isles goalie Mark Hochman was the winner between the pipes and was outstanding on two penalty kills.  His game awareness helped him make multiple second/third shot saves.  Most took notice.  He finished with 21 saves in the win.