Akeson, Wahlgren shine in Scarecrows 3-1 victory

ST. LOUIS -- Joey Ryan is known for his professional wrestling background, and it immediately came into full force in his first ever SMJHL game. The St. Louis Scarecrows handled the Halifax Raiders 3-1 thanks to penalty trouble started by Ryan.

Ryan took the first three penalties of the game, and the Raiders took the first five in total. Joey Ryan's first penalty was a double minor, which led to the first goal.

While the powerplay was slow to get started, Dos Diablo managed to keep things moving and take the only two shots on goal during the advantaged play. He seemed to have a nose for the net, and rushed Richard C. Hocolate hard. His second shot of the powerplay, just over seven minutes into the game, found it's way to the back of the net off a heavy pressure rifle on the breakaway.

After finally clearing the puck, Halifax attempted a line change. Kyle Wahlgren took advantage, launching the puck to center ice for Nate Akeson who tipped it forward for Diablo. Diablo faked forehand-backhand before sniping the shot five-hole on Hocolate.

Joey Ryan, shortly after exiting the penalty box, would take yet another penalty and take another before the intermission.

The second period featured more penalty trouble for the Raiders, likely familiarizing themselves with their namesake. This time Alex Reed took a hooking penalty while he struggled to keep up late in his shift. It didn't take long for the Scarecrows to capitalize.

Willy Mack took the first shot of the powerplay, which was easily handled by Hocolate. The danger came later when DarryL Landry took a shot from the left side which Hocolate overplayed. His rebound wasn't well controlled, going into the scrum while he found himself trapped against the far post and Nate Akeson was able to pot the game-winning goal.

The final nails in the coffin came in the third period, with Geoff Reine showing poise and strength by powering through a hit from Pietra Volkova before making a play to Nate Akeson, the star of the night. Akeson would play it forward and garner his third point of the night as Frans Erichsen managed a goal.

Halifax answered just 25 seconds later, but to no avail. Fred Toucher, after losing the puck off his stick and behind the net, made a quick turn for the wraparound goal as Wahlgren couldn't keep up. It was too late, however, and the Raiders fell to the Scarecrows 3-1, with Wahlgren making 25 saves.

BOX SCORE


* tell a story of the game, journalist or blog style (yes)
* some description of the goals (not just, 'he shoots he scores', but the leadup of the play and how it transpired, who was involved) (all had descriptions)
* unsung heroes or MVP, three stars, etc (Nate Akeson constantly showing up in story as MVP)
* individual player stats breakdown/comparisons (telling stats in story)