The Nordiques were in action following the holiday break for 2 matchups with the Philadelphia Rebels looking to extend their 7 game win streak and end the 2023 half of the season on a good note
Saturday:
The Nordiques showed no rust from the break as Nordiques co-captain Nick Bernardo fired home a shot just two minutes into the first period. Nick’s goal was added to by Luke Chappelle before the Rebels got onto the board. The Nordiques weren’t done there however as Ryan Panico and Shane Kozlina ended the first period on a good note and made it 4-1 Nordiques after the first period of play.
The Second period saw the games last scoring as the Rebels would act quickly and find the back of the net. The Nordiques were quick to respond however as Jake Bernadet scored just 29 seconds later to get it right back. Bernie would add another and the Nordiques backstopped by Tommy Heaney who made 31/33 saves would hold the Rebels at bay for the victory
Sunday:
The Rebels got off to a quick start scoring just two minutes into the game before Liam Gilmartin responded within the 5 minute mark. The scoring wasn’t done there however as 3 goals right in a row to begin the game all within 5 minutes of the opening puck drop gave the Rebels a 2-1 lead after the first frame.
The second period was all Rebels as they were able to put home two goals quickly before Tomek Haula got on the board for his 3rd of the season. The Rebels would end the period with another goal however to make it a 5-2 Rebels lead headed into the thrid
The Nordiques set the tone and did it early in the third period when Nils Forselius potted a goal less than three minutes in. The Next Nordiques goal came off the stick of Kellen Murphy just two minutes later before the Nordiques pulled netminder Carter Richardson for the extra attacker. With the goalie pulled and the puck lose, JP Steele pinched off the blue line and fired home a shot that tied the game up with 1:33 remaining in the contest. A three goal Nordiques third period would send the game to overtime
In OT both teams battled and the Nordiques got a good chance that they just couldn’t capitalize on sending the game to a shootout.
In the shootout Shane Kozlina was denied to start the first round and the Rebels would score. Tomek Haula would be denied and Carter Richardson would stop a Rebels shot. With the game on the line Nils Forselius would be stopped and the Rebels would come away with the win
On the weekend the Nordiques recorded an impressive 3 out of 4 possible points and head to Piney Orchard Ice arena to take on the Maryland Black Bears for what sure will be two great battles