St. Louis Scarecrows @ Prince George Firebirds

The #1 St. Louis Scarecrows taking on perhaps the hottest team in the league at the moment in the Prince George Firebirds. It was a low scoring affair and most people could have predicted that based on the starting goalies, let's have a look:


Ben Waters #31

One of many spectacular goalies coming out of the S30 SMJHL draft, Ben Waters has had trouble finding a rhythm with his team. It seems when he is on, the team is off, and vice versa. Life as a rookie goalie can be frustrating, especially when you don't seem to be in sync with the rest of your team. Waters had a wonderful 5-0-0 record leading into the game but below average numbers otherwise. Prince George certainly win or lose as a team, and it shows in the record and underlying numbers of their now starting goalie Ben Waters. Although Waters was very motivated for this game, facing off against fellow rookie and long time rival Kyle Wahlgren.


Kyle Wahlgren #30

The top SMJHL goalie heading into the game, Wahlgren has shown he is a step above not only those in his draft class, but also those already experienced in the league. He leads the league in wins, save percentage, goals against average, and shutouts showing to all that his draft position was no mistake. While the rest of the Scarecrows have played very well to support Wahlgren and do their part in getting the wins, Wahlgren has truly been the early season MVP. Heading into the action Waters may have still had something to prove, but for Wahlgren and the ‘crows it was just another game on the schedule.

First Period

The first period fast paced and gave the goalies time to shine between the pipes. The teams traded penalties in the first half with Boone going for interference and Diablo sitting for a hook, neither of which resulted in a goal. After back and forth action throughout the period, a faceoff in the PGF zone resulted in the first goal. Willy Mack won the draw to Bill Cirocco who fired the puck on net, Waters came up with the save but Eugene Feist grabbed the rebound and showed incredible patience before ripping home the opening goal.



Second Period

The second opens with some early pressure from St. Louis which draws a hooking penalty on Shnekinsen, and while St. Louis didn’t capitalize on the man advantage, they did get a couple of chances on Waters. Shortly after the penalty expired though a point shot from Dos Diablo was deflected in front of the net by Taylor Stach putting St. Louis up 2-0



Prince George got a wake-up call from the goal and right off the center ice faceoff Tapper Kottbulle breaks into the St. Louis zone and tries to go five-hole on Wahlgren. The puck bounces off Wahlgren’s pad, and Joseph Riccardelli pots the easiest goal of his career.



Third Period

Prince George could not find any momentum going into the third, and St. Louis completely smothered them the rest of the way. PGF also found some penalty trouble, taking 2 minutes on 3 separate penalties in the third. Finally with about 5 minutes left the Firebirds got a glorious opportunity to tie the game as Michael Young found himself alone in front of the net with the puck on his stick. However, Kyle Wahlgren was up to the task and the rebound was iced to stop the pressure.



Final Score

St. Louis Scarecrows - 2 @ Prince George Firebirds - 1