Harry Hemmert's Keys to the Game

The defending champ Vancouver Whalers were completely outplayed to start the year, in large part to the second line of the youthful Armada. S43 top scorer Doug Dimmadome, rookie winger Mika Mayfield, and center Dean Colt III combined for two goals and two assists to lead the team. While the top line of Xena, Bust, and Eero Niemi produced more shots on goal (9 versus 8), the Dimmadome line showed more impact on the scoreboard. Both lines will be key to continued success for an Anchorage team trying to climb out of the league basement. Dimmadome’s goal was especially impressive. Defender Stolp Skottson made a simple drop pass, leaving Dougie Fresh open for a wicked snapper in the slot to beat Johannes Leitner low blocker side and put Anchorage up 4-1 late in the 2nd period. While the Whalers outshot Anchorage 14-8 in the last 24 minutes of game time, Dimmadome’s goal was the final dagger that finished any comeback chance for the defending champs.