The Soo Eagles cruised to a decisive 5-1 victory over the Jamestown Ironmen in North American Hockey League action on Friday night at the Jamestown Saving Bank Arena.
The Eagles (29-10-4) were all over the Ironmen right from the start as they jumped of the gates with a goal only 2:40 into the game.
Jamestown was outshot, 30-29, and didn't get on the scoreboard until Luc Gerdes netted a power-play goal with less than two minutes left in regulation. Assists came from Tyler Minx and Huba Sekesi.
Article Photos
Above, Michael Mazzatto of the Jamestown Ironmen passes from his knees while Pat Thompson of the Soo Eagles looks on during Friday night’s North American Hockey League game at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena. Below, the Ironmen’s Ryan Doucet takes a shot on Soo goalie Tyler Marble. See additional photos at cu.post-journal.com.
P-J photos by Scott Reagle
It turned out to be a long evening for the Ironmen, who before Friday's game were within striking distance of the Eagles in the North Division standings. Jamestown sat two points behind the visitors and with a win could have entered into a tie for first place in the North.
The two clubs entered the contest vying for the top spot in the NAHL North Division, and the Soo finished the night with a clear advantage for the time being.
Ironmen head coach Dan Daikawa pointed out after the game that it is a long season.
"It's a 60-game season and this is game 43," explained Daikawa. "We haven't had many lulls this season, and hopefully this is just a hiccup. We need to learn from our mistakes, and take care of business. This was nothing more than the 43rd game of the season."
Daikawa attempted to shed some light on the positive following what he characterized as Jamestown's worst performance of the season.
"Our big picture goal since the beginning of the season was to make the playoffs," said Daikawa. "Whether you are in the first or last playoff spot, you have an opportunity. We are in great position to accomplish our goal this season."
Despite the disappointing loss at the hands of a division foe, the Ironmen have made giant strides since last season, when they only recorded 19 victories.
The Ironmen are now four points behind the Eagles in the North Division, but will have a chance to climb up the standings as the two teams battle again next weekend with Jamestown hitting the road for a pair of games in the Soo.
The Ironmen currently sit at a 27-12-4 record with a game scheduled for today at 5 p.m. against the Port Huron Fighting Falcons at the JSBA.