Game Recap- Powers vs. Chemics 12-11-2019

The Powers Catholic Chargers Varsity hockey team traveled to Midland on Wednesday evening and put up an impressive 4-0 victory over the Midland Chemics. The travel, late start and the Olympic size rink didn’t seem to affect the Chargers as they took control of the game from the puck drop until the final horn. The Chargers took the lead less than 6 minutes into the contest when Powers Freshman Eddie Barbieri, scored a power play goal, assisted by Junior Tyler Lawrence, that would give the Chargers the early lead.  The play continued in the Chemics zone for most of the first period and Powers carried the play. The teams would trade penalties halfway through the first stanza and then Barbieri would strike again. Another power play goal assisted by Junior, Alex Washburn, with less than 2 minutes left that would end the first period at 2-0 in favor of the visiting Chargers. Powers outshot the Chemics 16-6 in the first period. Powers played very well in their defensive zone, limiting the turnovers and moving the puck up ice very effectively against the forecheck of the Chemics. Senior goalie, Brent Zloto, had a clear view of the shots coming at him and the few second chance rebounds were harmlessly cleared away.

Less than 2 minutes into the second period, Barbieri would complete the natural hattrick and give Powers a 3-0 lead as the puck bounced off the Midland goalie, Luke Buza, and then off Barbieri, and trickle past the goal line for an unassisted goal. Midland would take three penalties in the 2nd period and it would lead to another power play goal! This time, Nolan Salayko would blister a shot that would deflect off a Midland defensemen’s stick and handcuffed Buza, giving Powers a 4-0 lead.  Senior Tim Washburn would assist on the goal that would end the scoring for this contest.  Midland spent most of the 2nd period on the penalty kill and in their zone. Trying to fend off waves of attacks by the Chargers.  The shots were lopsided in the second at 18- 2 and Midland went over 12 minutes without a shot on Charger goalie Zloto.

Powers took back to back penalties to start the third session, first by Nolan Salayko for elbowing and then by Joey Carpenter for hooking, however, these were easily killed off. Midland also took one penalty in the 3rd for roughing. The Chargers tightened the defensive play in the third and outshot the Chemics 10-5.  Powers was 3 of 7 on the power play for the game. Brent Zloto faced 13 shots en route to his first shutout of the young season. 

Powers Coach, Travis Perry, commented that “His squad was in control of the game and held the momentum for all three periods; overall, a good showing for our guys and a good win.” Powers Senior, Tommy Shubeck, was scratched for tonight’s game due to a high ankle sprain and is doubtful for the 3D Challenge in Alpena this weekend.