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Badgers Defeat Jimmies | Semifinal Date with Blugolds
In round one of the Carla Berg Cup playoffs, the Badgers faced off against the Jamestown Jimmies - a first time matchup for the two programs. Let's breakdown the action.
The Badgers looked to overcome the season long slow start woes and jump out to an early lead in the quarterfinal game.
Dominic Valentini heard the coaches' message loud and clear giving the Badgers the early lead 1-0 just over 3 minutes into the frame! Travis Kernen and Ty Bailey would snag the assists on the play. The lead would only hold for ten minutes though as the Jimmies would net one of their own with a little over 6 minutes to play. 1-1. The tie score would take both teams into first intermission.
The second was a hard fought even match between the two teams. It wasn't until late into the frame that some offense broke through. Valentini netted his second goal of the night with a great shot sneaking under the bar to give the Badgers a 2-1 lead! This time it was Andy Pitts and Jake Bailey snagging the apples on the play. The one goal advantage would hold as both teams headed into the second intermission.
The third was all Badgers as the offense continued to roll and the defense, cornerstoned by Sean Goss in net stood firm. About 5 minutes into the frame, the Jimmies would take a penalty sending out the Badgers prolific powerplay unit to hopefully add to the home team's advantage. A faceoff win, some nifty passing and a guy standing on the doorstep for a rebound would be the perfect combination. Jake Feldt was the one pounding home the rebound shot, as Ian Barbour took a shot from the point and Valentini gave Barbour a pass for the assists! 3-1 Badgers! Just a minute later, Valentini made a nifty move to the front of the net, and after a brilliant stop by the Jimmies' goaltender, their own defensemen knocked in the rebound giving the Badgers some extra security but also Valentini his hattrick goal! 4-1 Badgers as Feldt and Barbour would get the assists.
14 more minutes would by as the Jimmies fought valiantly but the Badgers wouldn't budge. 4-1 win for the Badgers as they punch their ticket to the semifinals!
The Badgers will face off against WI state rival UWEC in the semifinals this evening at 7:30pm. The Badgers took the season series earlier this season in Madison. Game one 4-3 and game two 5-2. The Badgers will look to carry the momentum of the big quarterfinal win and defeating this very Blugold team for the first time in 6 years into tonight's matchup. Both teams feature solid offenses, stout defenses, and spectacular goaltending. It will be a great game as both teams are fighting to keep their ACHA postseasons alive.
The game will be live streamed via YouTube using this link! Thank you to Ryan Donovan and the WCCHA for giving our fans back home and across the country the opportunity to watch! We also want to shoutout the fans that made the trip to Blaine and the families who are hosting the boys this weekend. Without you, this wouldn't be possible!
See everyone at the rink!
