Olympia, WA
Saturday night saw The Steelheads on the road for a second straight week vs OlyTown, after a dominant performance in Portland seeing their first win 9-3. This weekend would have a few more new young faces to bolster the roster against a strong OlyTown side, but falling to OlyTown’s momentum, resulting in a 4-7 loss.
The first quarter went back and forth in a 30º chiller, as both sides felt each other out trading shots, having spells of possession, and an amazing showing from both Goalkeepers. Neither team would end up scoring, despite there being around 18 shots taken.
Going into the second quarter The Steelheads would see a Blue Card from a hard challenge, but OlyTown was not able to find the net after Trevor Davoren and the Steelheads’ Defense would come up big killing the power play. Newcomer Tyler Hopp would open up scoring on a scramble in front of the OlyTown net 10-minutes into the second quarter. Cesar Oliver Avila (C) finds Danny Amador for another goal right after the start third quarter, giving The Fish a 2-0 lead over OlyTown. The Steelheads would also get the opportunity for a power play after a hard challenge leading to a Blue Card. OlyTown Goalkeeper Matthew Stalnik and company would also come up with a power play kill.
About halfway through the third is when the momentum started to sway a bit for both teams. Olytown would finally get their first goal with about 5-minutes left in the third quarter. With a quick and absolute stunner of an answer from Andrew Escalante, Goalkeeper Trevor Davoren would play Escalante wide, allowing him to beat his defender 25-yards from goal with a scissor move, allowing him to smash a left-footed, top-bin laser; most definitely a leader for goal-of-the-year, The Fish would see their lead climb to 3-1.
The Fish would ultimately lose the reins late in the third quarter, allowing 5-straight unanswered goals, a flurry of questionable fouls, and another defensive power play, all backed up by an outstanding defensive showing by OlyTown Goalkeeper Matthew Stalnik.
Late in the fourth, Amador would find Jacen Stein for a nice goal on a decent passing series from The Fish, but ultimately The Steelheads would fall 4-7 in Olympia. Steelheads will fall to 1-1 on the season sitting middle of the pack.
“I’m proud of the team, we had six guys making their debut in this league. We came out strong defensively, but unfortunately we didn’t take our chances. Excited to see our team progress as the season goes on.”
Andrew Escalante – Foward & Asst. Coach – Steelheads
Matthew Stalnik of OlyTown would end the game with 39 saves, to Steelheads Trevor Davoren‘s 23 that includes a defensive power-play stop by Davoren & The Steelheads Defense. Danny Amador would win Player of the Match for The Fish
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“It wasn’t like we weren’t getting chances…” “Maybe taking one too many touches in front of the goal, but honestly, I think Matt Stalnik (OlyTown Goalkeeper) was the reason OlyTown was able to handle our pressure late, turn that into momentum, and then find those small gaps for shots on goal. We seemed a bit frustrated that we weren’t scoring, ultimately putting more pressure on us defensively to stay in the game.”
Dorian Lair – President & Chairman – Steelheads
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What’s Next
The Steelheads will make their way back home to kick off a 3-game home stand, starting with their Home Opener vs. Oly-Pen Force, who currently sit at the bottom of the table. Tickets are on sale!
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- $10 – Tickets must be presented at the gate
- 12 & Under Free Admission
- $3-Up Beers
- Snacks
- Raffle
- Steelheads Jerseys
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