Whalers 5, Jets 2

The Jets are always a tough team to beat. The Whalers knew they couldn’t play less than 100% and still win this one. Unfortunately for the men in green, personal schedules got in the way of hockey and several guys were unable to play in this prime time Saturday night meeting. Thurston, Chesser, Dillard, Watzke, Honeycutt and Mercado were not on the ice and this left two centers and two wings on one side. Regardless of the short roster they were able to adjust.

The Jets seem to be on the rise. At the start of this season nearly half of the team consisted of new players or free agents. Players seem to be getting a better feel for their teammates and they do have some quickness and decent goal tending.

The Whalers are the first on the board as Andy Thomas (26) finds Penney (10) in front of the net in the first minute of the game. The Whalers passing and puck possession in the offensive zone was working better than it had in maybe… forever. However, that was no indication that the Whalers were in for a cake-walk. Later on in the game the Jets’ Captain/Coordinator Brandon Suits (10) had enough of Hamstra (98) and decided to flip the puck into the chest of Hamstra after the whistle. Suits served a double minor and the Whalers score on the power play. Midway through the game the Jets found the net and closed the gap to 3-2. In the third period Jets #18 and Schooley (5) get tangled up on the boards and TJ Aarons (10) throws his hat in the ring as well (see video). The “misunderstanding” is cleared up quickly and play resumed shortly after. Note to the league: We need two refs per game.

Overall, I think both teams got what they expected. The Jets probably thought they would get under the skin of the Whalers as they do with most other teams. The Whalers planned to win by playing as a team. Whalers 5, Jets 2.