Despite a fierce rally in the third period, Roosevelt's inability to score even-strength goals proved costly in its 7-4 defeat to Midview at Kent State Ice Arena Thursday night.
The pace was fast and furious in the opening period as the Rough Riders seemed to want to set a tone of physical play, and the Middies found success focusing on puck control.
"Like the Strongsville game, we came out of the gates physical. It was guys finishing their checks, and we had a fun game going on. I loved the way that both teams respected the game and respected their opponent," Roosevelt coach Ben Barlow said. "It was a good Red Division hockey game tonight."
It was the Middies who ultimately controlled the first period, earning a goal in the initial minute of play, and adding three more goals in the opening frame.
Midview’s Heath Naso took advantage of Roosevelt’s inability to clear the puck out of its defensive zone for nearly the entire opening minute, netting a goal just 59 seconds into the game.
The Middies’ Jonathan Rodgers, Jeff Mullins and Bryan Weaver added goals in the first period. Six different Middies accounted for their seven first-period points (4 goals, 3 assists).
"It was tough to come in here on their senior night, but we were able to withstand their physical play," Midview coach Rick Verlotti said. "That was a great team effort and a remarkable game all the way around."
Roosevelt junior defenseman Branden Monroe tallied the Rough Riders' lone goal of the opening period.
The tempo slowed a bit in the middle period, with the Middies outscoring the Rough Riders in the stanza.
Jonathan Rodgers earned his second goal of the night with 8:33 to go in the second period, and his teammate, and cousin, Robby Rodgers added a goal six minutes later.
The Rough Riders did take advantage of a power-play opportunity when sophomore forward Nick Krestan netted a goal off a Monroe assist with 4:27 on the clock.
In the final period of play, Roosevelt mounted a bit of a rally by scoring a pair of goals to come within two scores of Midview.
Krestan tallied his second power-play goal of the night with less than six minutes to go in the game, and junior defender Phil Macomber launched a shot into the Middies’ net less than two minutes later.
"The five-on-five goal by Macomber got us right back in it," Barlow said. "The kids were excited."
Midview’s Robby Rodgers halted the Roosevelt rally when, with a slap shot from outside the top of the right faceoff circle, he scored the Middies’ final goal of the night.
"Our power play got another two goals tonight and we’re productive on it and that’s what we’re asking," Barlow said.
Roosevelt junior goaltender Zach Harper played the first period of the contest, earning eight saves on a dozen Midview shots.
Junior Logan Pfeiffer took over in goal for the remaining two periods and stopped 17 of the 20 shots he faced.
"I liked the way Pfeiffer came in, kept us in there and played really well," Barlow said.
Six seniors played their final regular season home game for Roosevelt, and Barlow said he was proud of their united effort.
"Tonight was about the seniors," Barlow said. "All of them played and they played a lot. They had fun out there, played with a lot of energy. They played for each other."
Blue Line Notes:
Seventh-grader Christian Geir was the "Guest Coach of the Day" for Roosevelt.
Prior to Thursday night’s game, Roosevelt coach Ben Barlow was named the recipient of the 2018 OHSAA (Ohio High School Athletic Association) Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Award for the sport of ice hockey as voted by his coaching peers.
Follow Jim Smith on Twitter @BlueLineNotes.