Post by dallaspistols on Jul 23, 2012 14:57:03 GMT -5
Prairie Dogs Dig Themselves a Hole, Lose Opener
Strong showing by Pistols prospect Smith
By Rick Johnson
The Odessa Prairie Dogs are 0-1, but management has to be impressed with what they saw. The Praire Dogs fell behind 3-0 to the Seattle Thunderbirds early after some shaky defense, captain Jack Johnson simply watched Max Talbot fly by him and coach Anson Carter could be heard screaming at both Johnson and defense partner Clayton Stoner, who finished at -4. "It was an embarassing display, if we're gonna compete in the summer league we need guys like Johnson to step up," said Carter after the game.
The Dogs came back from 3-0 with a goal each from first-liners Jordan Caron and Tanner Glass, but a Jake Gardiner goal for Seattle and Odessa could not claw their way back, losing the home opener 6-4. Matt Hackett was solid in goal and kept the Dogs in the game, making 41 saves on 47 shots.
Prairie Dogs Player of the Game: Craig Smith
Smith scored a pair of beautiful third period goals, along with assisting on Glass' 2nd period goal. Smith worked hard in the corners all day, and appears determined to make an impression on the Pistols front office. Smith will have a tough time cracking the Pistols roster, with Anisimov, Roy, Ruutu and Bozak all in their prime at the enter position, but the 22-year-old Smith shows a lot of upside and Dallas has to be thrilled with their fourth round pick.
NEXT GAME: vs. Cleveland Kings @ Quicken Loans Arena
The Dogs will now play a home and home with the tough Cleveland Kings, who came into Cambridge and crushed the Winter Hawks 5-1. The Cleveland fans are sure to be loud, as the Kings might have a chance at winning this summer league - and winning has been something that Cleveland is not used to. Johnson, Stoner and the other Prairie Dogs defensemen will need to improve and contain Alex Burmistrov and the other Kings stars if they want to have a chance.
Strong showing by Pistols prospect Smith
By Rick Johnson
The Odessa Prairie Dogs are 0-1, but management has to be impressed with what they saw. The Praire Dogs fell behind 3-0 to the Seattle Thunderbirds early after some shaky defense, captain Jack Johnson simply watched Max Talbot fly by him and coach Anson Carter could be heard screaming at both Johnson and defense partner Clayton Stoner, who finished at -4. "It was an embarassing display, if we're gonna compete in the summer league we need guys like Johnson to step up," said Carter after the game.
The Dogs came back from 3-0 with a goal each from first-liners Jordan Caron and Tanner Glass, but a Jake Gardiner goal for Seattle and Odessa could not claw their way back, losing the home opener 6-4. Matt Hackett was solid in goal and kept the Dogs in the game, making 41 saves on 47 shots.
Prairie Dogs Player of the Game: Craig Smith
Smith scored a pair of beautiful third period goals, along with assisting on Glass' 2nd period goal. Smith worked hard in the corners all day, and appears determined to make an impression on the Pistols front office. Smith will have a tough time cracking the Pistols roster, with Anisimov, Roy, Ruutu and Bozak all in their prime at the enter position, but the 22-year-old Smith shows a lot of upside and Dallas has to be thrilled with their fourth round pick.
NEXT GAME: vs. Cleveland Kings @ Quicken Loans Arena
The Dogs will now play a home and home with the tough Cleveland Kings, who came into Cambridge and crushed the Winter Hawks 5-1. The Cleveland fans are sure to be loud, as the Kings might have a chance at winning this summer league - and winning has been something that Cleveland is not used to. Johnson, Stoner and the other Prairie Dogs defensemen will need to improve and contain Alex Burmistrov and the other Kings stars if they want to have a chance.