The season got off to a slow start, as Pink and Black stared blankly at each other for two periods. Bill Casey finally broke the scoring seal on the season, giving Black a lead which Kim Hernandez doubled minutes later. Cory Brin spoiled Captain ‘Kid’ Kelly’s debut, stopping 22/22 to earn the shutout in Black’s 2-0 win.
Param Gill netted one in the first, one in the second, and assisted on Min-Soo Smith’s game-winner in the third as Royal Blue slid past Gold, 3-2. Mark Nagy and Kris Tosczak comprised the offense for the losing side, as rookie netminder, Jerry Russell, won his SDFHL debut behind a 16/18 line.
Captain Jeremy Copp is better known for his draft table acumen than his scoring touch, but the latter was the story in Teal’s 1-0 win over Grey. Copp’s late first period tally would be the only blemish for either goalie, with Marc Devoe (27/27) looking very impressive in besting perennial top notch tender, Don Tran (10/11).
Captain Shawna Hamon made clear to her fellows at the draft table that she was not thrilled with her fifth round draft value. So far, she’s a steal. Hamon scored the first half of Orange’s goals in a 4-1 romp over Green. Andy Strathman had a hand in both of those goals, rookie, Connor Miller, collected his first two career points, Jon Zygelman scored his first of the season, and Alan Razoky went 1 and 1, including the empty net icing on the cake. It was not all doom and gloom for Captain Mark DeGraffenreid’s side, however, as x-factor, Rick Brutchey, showed off his sniper release, accounting for the only fly in Fred Fournier’s 21/22 ointment.
Tim Vick made his return to the SDFHL count…1…2…3. Vick’s trick led the way in what many saw as a shocking upset, as Dark Green rolled past Light Blue, 4-2. Captain Jon Salt actually had his team on the board first, but Vick retaliated thrice unanswered before Jeff Henderson finally cut the lead late in the third. Alexis DaCosta capped the win with his first of the season, and Tiffany Fox started the season in the win column, stopping 20/22.