Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Chix with Stix put forth an unrelenting effort, but the Clash finished on top, 4-2 and 3-2, during two close games in the past weekend.

Clash goalie Norma Yasinitsky faced 50 shots from the Chix offense.

"Everyone played with heart, supported each other and never gave up," said Chix coach Tim Shorland. "The puck just didn't bounce our way."

On Saturday, Feb. 17, the Clash tallied the first point when defender Michelle Travis scored on a shot from the point. The Chix continued to fight back matching the Clash shot for shot throughout the period. With less than two minutes left, defender Holly Curtiss held the puck in the zone, passed to Riley Polumbus, who one-timed it on the net, and Cathy Wiedemer procured the rebound and the back of the net before Yasinitsky could react.

In the second period, the Clash came out strong, scoring twice although the Chix out-shot them 9 to 5. The Chix finally converted when defender Megan Palmer's slapshot from the point slipped through the Clash defense and into the goal.

Yasinitsky faced another 9 shots in the third period and shutout the Chix. The Clash added a final goal five minutes into the third. Chix goalie Nikki Knoebel had 17 saves for the game.

On Feb. 18, Yasinitsky turned in another strong performance, shutting down the Chix' offensive efforts by denying all 15 shots in the first two periods. At the other end, Nikki Knoebel faced 13 shots and saved 10 for periods 1 and 2.

In the third period, the Clash out shot the Chix, 8-7, but Knoebel and her defense shut them out, while Val Dietrich initiated the comeback for the Chix, scoring unassisted on a breakaway early in the period. Dietrich again scored shorthanded, assisted by Renee Dupre. The Clash held off the Chix until the end, even after pulling Knoebel for the last minute of play.

The next series for the Chix is March 3 and 4 against the Ft. Collins Flames.