Voodoos win lucky 13th over Blackhawks

The Voodoos and the Blackhawks had a hard fought game on Wednesday night at the Powassan Sportsplex and the Voodoos were able to walk away with a crucial two points and secure a 4-1 win.

If you were hoping for a “goal fest” like prior games, you’d be disappointed but if you truly loved a physical and grind it out type game, then this one was a doozy for you.

Both teams came out motivated and every inch on the ice was fought for. Both teams finished their checks, drove the net, and peppered the opposing goalies with shots from every location.

“That was a playoff type atmosphere today,” said Voodoos Head Coach Scott Wray.

“And I thought it was a good effort by everybody. Guys had some good games and some guys had some okay games. I thought our best players were the midget line. They came out with a lot of energy and I love when they’re in the line up. They play like they’ve got nothing to lose and a lot of our older players has to realize that it’s just a game and there isn’t anything to lose.”

The First period was scoreless but Voodoos affiliate player Jeff Jordan, of the North Bay Midget AAA Trappers, was able to crack the goose egg in the second period for the Voodoos when he drove the net and potted in a rebound goal. For the rest of the second period, both teams continue to traded scoring chances and continued jousting back and forth.

The Blackhawks had several chances coming out the in third and Andy Williams was able to tie up the game five minutes into the frame.

Then with less then 5 minutes remaining in the game, David Sherman the former Battalion potted the eventual game winner with his former bench boss Stan Butler lurking in the stands.

Sherman has played 5 games as a Powassan Voodoo since coming down from the Battalion and he admits it’s been good.

“Being new to the team, I’m still trying to figure things out,” said Sherman who has 3 goals and 2 assists in 5 games this season with the Voodoos.  

“I’m given more opportunities here and I’m put in more situations here then I was with the Battalion. So I’m just trying to work hard and hopefully I can contribute to the team.”

Sherman’s current bench boss Scott Wray had nothing but praise for Sherman after the game.

“When a guy like him falls into your lap, you’re very thankful,” said Wray.

“I’m just trying to help him out and get as much ice time for the kid as I can. And he’ll be ready when Stan calls upon him, but for now he’s with us and he does add a different element to our team.”

Wray also was not shy to give his veteran goalie Matt Young lots of praise after the game and noted his 38 saves was one of the main reasons why they came out with the victory.

Young recently committed to NCAA D III Finlandia University in Michigan and Wray was thrilled to hear that Young chose to come back and pointed out how important both goalies would be for the remainder of season and their playoff push.

The Voodoos next game is on Friday, February 6th at home against the Sudbury Nickel Barons. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m.