The Warhawks played back-and-forth game against Paul VI on Friday night. Both teams were short handed, with 9 players each. The Warhawks deployed a defensive strategy protecting the front of the net and pressing the opponents defense in their own end, and counterattacked when opportunities presented themselves. Despite being outshot, the Warhawks carried 2 to 2 tie game into the 3rd period. Mid-way through the period, freshman Luke Pohlman scored a go-ahead goal from the slot and then paid the price, absorbing a big hit.
While the Warhawks attempted to buckle down on defense for the rest of the game, the short bench had taken its toll. Fortunately, junior goaltender Dean Kern, played big down the stretch. On one play there was a mad scramble in front of the Warhawks net, a crossing pass was made to a Paul VI forward, and Dean dove into the splits making a toe save to the burst of cheers from the Madison bench. With less than 10 seconds to play, Madison suffered a turnover in their offensive zone, giving up a breakaway and an opportunity for Paul VI to tie the game. Did "Dean the Dream" have one more stop in him? No...he had two, stuffing the initial breakaway and rebound shot to win the game!
It was a great game and a great night for hockey.