Kudos

"This effort started last night and carried over," said Tri-City coach Jim Hiller, whose team lost 3-2 in overtime Saturday in Spokane. "The third period -- our 15th period of the week -- was the best we played. We were determined tonight. Ows made important saves in the second, and we had a lot of chances that didn't go in, but we stuck with it."

Now THAT was my team!  Played hard all 60 minutes, even with a 2 goal lead.  Forwards were forechecking, defense was solid, and Drew mothereffing Owsley is so badass.   And I'm not alone in this thinking.  Asspat to Ams1fan for that.

"Last few games we gave up a couple (goals) early and it's hard to come back from that," said Owsley, who picked up his league-leading 32nd win. "The last two games (he came on in relief in Spokane on Saturday) I just wanted to give us a chance to win."

"Since he went in (against Spokane), he's made save after save when we needed him to," Hiller said.

Yuen's looking better and better each game he plays, more confident.  I don't particularly like seeing Riley sitting in the stands, but I don't get to make those decisions.  Dow didn't play much, but played good when he was in.

Hiller lit into Schmidt for embellishing and Tyler spent more time on the bench after that, hope he learns his lesson.  Again, when he focuses on playing, he's a good defenseman, he even had a great goal tonight.   I don't particularly like seeing one of the team's top D sitting on the bench, but if it will teach him to shuddup, then do it.

It was great for Macek to get a goal, he was LONG overdue.  I can only hope that will jumpstart he and his linemates, get them to shoot the damn puck!  Good things happen when you shoot.  Coach  must have apparently given Hughesman a little talking-to at some point, because he was playing great.  

"It's been awhile," said Macek, who leads the team with 47 assists. "It was a good forecheck by Jordan and he made a nice pass. I just finished it off."

Oh heavens, Mason Wilgosh.  How great is this kid, eh?  He never ever quits.  Never.  Know what, neither does Sergei.  He's not flashy or anything, but just good.  Same with Holly and Feser.  Man, it's so easy to love this team when they play like that.  I mentioned to the girls that I'm even ok with the loss Saturday night because they played hard. 

"We were in a rut and he was the spark that got us going against Spokane," Hiller said of Wilgosh. "He carried it over to tonight." (Herald)

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I had the honor and the pleasure of meeting Drew Owsley's family last night, his sister recognized me in the Owsley jersey and whispered to his mom, "that's the blogger!"  Absolutely the nicest people I've ever met, so kind.  I was so flabbergasted I forgot to mention to them (as if I needed to) that they should be so proud of Drew and what he's accomplished this season.  Again, I probably wouldn't need to tell them, but it was really great to meet them, really wonderful people, it's no wonder he turned out to be such a fantastic kid!

I also got to meet Neal Prokop's dad, another very kind man that I am honored to have met.  There were other player parents at the skate, but I feel awkward introducing myself, so I don't.  I'm just so honored that the parents of these boys read my drivel!  So thank you parents!  Thank you for sending your boys away from home to live the dream.  Thank you for putting up with my nonsense and ranting :)