I just want to start off by saying I hate the Knoxville Ice Bears. I really hate them. Their smug attitude really irks me. They really think they're something special. And their fans? Their fans are even worse. They've been spoiled by having some very good teams to watch, but they are still way too arrogant for my liking. With that said, it was really nice to beat those guys in a 2-game series at the Snakepit this weekend.We started off well, building up a 2-0 lead in the first period on Friday night. I think we got a little too high on ourselves and we let the Bears tie the game up in the second. After trading goals, we found ourselves in a 3-3 tie with under 2 minutes left in the game. That last 10 minutes or so was some really fun hockey to watch. Both teams had their chances and both goalies had to come up big to save the game for their respective teams. A late, hard-working goal by the Snakes pest, "Flyin'" Ryan McCarthy gave the Snakes the lead with just over a minute to play. The Bears pulled their goalie but couldn't get another goal past Snakes goalie Ian Vigier. I could say it was a good game for us, but really it was a good first and third period. The second period...not so much.
We followed up Friday night's game with a matinee on Saturday. Perhaps to leave the evening open for Halloween revelry, our game started at 1pm. I think both teams started a little sluggish with the short rest after an intense game Friday night, but things picked up in the second. It was a low-scoring game, but very intense. Each team had plenty of opportunities and it was another exciting game to watch. Chad Rycroft, making his season debut in goal for the Snakes, stymied the Bears and only gave up one goal. The Snakes managed 2 goals and held on through another late onslaught by the Bears to preserve the 2-1 victory. It was a hard-fought and well-earned win for the Snakes, and it moved us into a tie for first place with a 3-1 record.
It was a great weekend, especially headed into a 4-game road swing. It's nice to put up a few victories early, but there's still a lot of season left.
