The Upper Montgomery Lightning return to the ice this coming Friday evening taking on the DC Stars. Game time is 8:50 pm at the Rockville Ice Arena. The talented but young Lightning have dropped three straight one goal decisions to open the season and are vastly improved over last season.
For the first time this season the Lightning will be favored in the contest. The game against the DC Stars presents the perfect opportunity for Upper Montgomery to break through and grab win number one on the season. But, the DC Stars are no pushovers, surprising both Northwest and Rockville/Magruder earlier this season by earning ties in each game before being hammered by the Blair Blazers 11-1 last Monday evening. The Blazers played without high scoring forward Remy Chartol in the contest as he was required to sit out the game after picking up four penalties last Friday evening against Upper Montgomery. This will be a pivotal game for both teams as they fight for positioning in the division standings.
Expect Will Mellen to get the start in net for the Lightning. Mellen played excellent is his first start of the season a 2-1 loss to Quince Orchard. He made 27 saves and helped hold the high scoring Cougars in check. Another excellent performance in net will give the team confidence.
The Upper Montgomery defense will have to focus on stopping the Stars high scoring duo of Malcom Baar and Thomas Cooperman. Both forwards play external travel level hockey, Baar at the AAA level and Cooperman at the AA level. The two sophomore forwards have scored five of the seven goals scored by the Stars in their three games. The Lightning defense will also need to be mindful of Stars forwards leaking up ice to create odd rush opportunities. Blair took advantage of several Lightning defenders pinching in at the offensive blue line. It is anticipated that the Upper Montgomery defense will return to a tighter checking system which should limit the Stars offensive chances.
On offense Upper Montgomery’s high score trio of Chris Hassett (2 goals, 4 assists), Nathan Cassel (4 goals, 1 assist)–three game goal streak, and Ryan Jacobson (1 goal, 3 assists) will look to spearhead the Lightning attack. Against Blair the team broke out with six goals and connected on four power play opportunities twice scoring on 5 on 3 advantages. The Lightning second and third lines will need to chip in and take some of the offensive pressure off the top line. Stars senior goalie Thomas O’Toole will be in net looking to prevent the Lightning from earning their first win of the season.