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CHARGERS GIVE CLOSELY FOUGHT GAME AWAY IN THE FINAL SECOND
The Chargers welcomed a small squad from German team, Die Eisheiligen, on Saturday 23rd July. Bringing only seven players plus a goalie, what the guests from Dusseldorf lacked in numbers they made up for in substance by fielding a professional especially flown in from Munich.
In a more-physical-than-usual game the Chargers conceded an early goal but subsequently put on the pressure to finish the first period 3-1 up.
The second period saw a wealth of goals with the Germans initially freeing themselves from Chargers pressure and putting a number of pucks past the outstanding Andy "Speedy" Smith and, after the 30th minute, Alex Bradshaw who nevertheless deserves praise for pulling off a brace of fine saves. Just when the visitors thought that at 3-7 they had it all tied up, the Chargers started a great comeback. Relying as much on speed and quick changes so as to capitalise on their numeric superiority as on their outstanding team spirit the Chargers lifted their game. A textbook combination between player coach Mike Ford and forward Chris Goddard as well as the first ever goal from the Chargers' Canadian Pride, Kevin Banas contributed to a standing of 8-5 after the second period.
The final period saw a Chargers onslaught on the Eisheiligen net where the German goalie produced some exceptional saves. Both teams added a couple more goals each to the tally with those on the Chargers side resulting from relentless pressure and good passing while the visitors, getting more and more tired, capitalized on a few isolated counter attacks and reaped the benefit of some excellent puck distribution by their Bavarian pro. Although 9-9 seemed a fair result, the Chargers never stopped pressing for that final goal. Ultimately, they paid the price when Goetz Guetzlaff on the German side picked up the puck just by the post of his own goal and sent a fine pass half way up the ice to Tarek Ruman. Although there are differing claims as to whether the German forward was at the centre line because he had managed to sneak into the back of the Chargers defence or whether he had been simply too tired to skate back, there is no disputing the fact that once given the breakaway chance he was quick off the mark and left Chargers goalie Alex Bradshaw no chance with an unstoppable, hard and precise shot into the top right hand corner of the net. With just 0:01 left on the clock, the collective sigh of disappointment from the Chargers bench was almost louder than the celebrations on the German side.
Man of the match for Dusseldorf was goalie Dominique "Dongel" Rademaker. Chris Goddard deservedly received the trophy for the home team in his last game for the Chargers.
Off-ice, several Chargers players enjoyed an excellent weekend with the German visitors. The Chargers are looking forward to a return visit and a re-match next spring.
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