Penalties costly in loss to Red Lake Falls

While the Muskies knew they would have their hands full playing the talented Red Lake Falls, Mn. squad in an exhibition game there Saturday, they quickly found out they also had to take on the referee.
The Muskies racked up 25 minutes in the penalty box, including a five-minute major for spearing to forward Ryan Armstrong and seven-straight penalties during a 10-minute span in the second and third periods.
And Red Lake Falls took full advantage, scoring three power-play goals en route to a convincing 6-1 win over the black-and-gold while improving their overall record to 12-3-1 on the season.
The Muskies, meanwhile, dropped their record against U.S. teams to 1-5.
The coaches said the fact the Muskies were handed 11 penalties to just six for Red Lake Falls was the difference in the game.
“There were a lot of questionable calls that left us short-handed, and sometimes two men short, for most of the second and third periods,” head coach Glen Edwards noted.
“We knew we were up against a very good hockey team but they had nothing scary,” he added. “We [just] had a hard time getting into the flow of the game when we were shorthanded.”
Assistant coach Jason Kabel noted they were down to just two lines for most of the third period due to penalties. And that, he said, made it difficult for the Muskies to get back into the game.
“The score wasn’t indicative of the game because I think, five-on-five, we played them pretty even,” he added.
Both said the ref called a much tighter game than the officials in NorWOSSA normally would call, especially infractions of the hooking and holding variety.
In fact, Kabel said the major assessed to Armstrong was a call that shouldn’t have been made–and was one which helped Red Lake Falls carry the momentum for the rest of the game.
“Ryan just gave the guy a little hook as he went by, something that happens in every game, and he got the penalty,” Kabel said. “But it’s in the past and it’s not worth crying about.”
Matt Waura had a big night for the host squad, scoring three goals and adding a pair of assists. Matt Kennedy and Kurt Knott (two) also scored for Red Lake Falls while Aaron Grynol netted the lone Muskie goal.
The Muskies return to action tomorrow with their first game of the John Piper-Taylor Classic tournament in Winnipeg when they take on St. John’s Ravenscourt at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Bodley Arena.
The black-and-gold will play the Maples Marauders at 10 a.m. Friday, and then Fort Richmond at 6 p.m. to wrap up pool play. The playoffs continue Saturday, with the gold-medal game slated Sunday.
Edwards said he’ll use the tournament as a chance to let everyone see a significant amount of ice time. But he also warned the bench will soon be shortened as the team winds down its NorWOSSA schedule.
The 4-7 Muskies, who sit in fourth place, don’t resume regular-season action until Tuesday, Feb. 3 when they host the 1-9 Sioux Lookout Warriors.
Game time is 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Arena.