'Jackets, Knights Tie In A Thriller
 
In an interview earlier in the season, Yellowjacket Head Coach Dan Stauber used the word "epidemic" when referring to the number of goals the Yellowjackets had given up early in the game.  By definition, early in the game means the first five minutes.  It's happened more this season than anyone would like, and it happened again on Saturday against St. Norbert.

Here we go again...or do we?

St. Norbert scored just 3:30 into the game, but didn't score again.  The 'Jackets didn't score at all until there was just 2:07 to play, and the two teams skated to a thrilling 1-1 overtime tie on Pink the Rink day at Wessman Arena.

Despite the difference in league standing (St. Norbert in first and the Yellowjackets last), the day brought a very well-played game between two teams that aren't as far apart as some might think.

Peter Fylling picked up a rebound near the Yellowjacket goal and scored his third of the year to make it 1-0 St. Norbert.  From there the teams went back and forth, exchanging scoring chances and power play opportunities, but neither was able to put anything further on the board.  In the final minute of the second period, Kyle Clement (Fr. Flower Mound, Texas) was called for checking from behind, putting the 'Jackets shorthanded for essentially the first five minutes of the third period.  The 'Jackets were able to kill the penalty off without St. Norbert having any great scoring chances, and used the momentum to take over and carry the play for the rest of the game.  As time was winding down and the 'Jackets were preparing to pull their goaltender, the game was tied.  Thomas Erlacher (Fr. Brunico, Italy) carried down the right wing into the St. Norbert zone and played the puck toward the goal.  Justin Faryna (Fr. Calgary, Alberta), who returned to the lineup after serving his one-game suspension on Friday, drove the net and tipped it home for his eighth of the season at 17:53.  Chad Blanleil (Fr. Kelowna, British Columbia) also assisted.  Off the ensuing faceoff, Chris Wilson (Sr. Prince Albert, Saskatchewan) and Logan Isley (Jr. Bonnyville, Alberta) found themselves on a two-on-one, but they were unable to convert.  Neither team had a prime scoring opportunity in the overtime.

Bryan Dalbec (So. Superior, Wisconsin) was solid in goal for the Yellowjackets, making 21 saves.  B.J. O'Brien made 25 saves for St. Norbert.

The Yellowjackets took six penalties in the game for 23 minutes, while St. Norbert was called for five penalties totaling ten minutes.  Both teams went scoreless in four power play chances.

The 'Jackets will close out their home schedule for 2009-10 on Thursday, February 11 when they host Twin Ports rival St. Scholastica.  It is a "Black Out" night at Wessman Arena, and all fans are encouraged to wear black attire to the game.  Game time on Thursday will be 7:05 p.m. and can be heard live locally on KUWS 91.3 FM, beginning with the pre-game show at 6:45 p.m.  If you are outside the local listening area, you can tune in on the web at www.ifan.tv.  Jon Garver will have the call.