Your Raptors traveled to Muskegon, Michigan this past weekend for their first action on the road, coming away with a 9-8 win. The victory also puts your Raptors atop the MASL2 North Division.
"Road wins are tough to get in any league, especially this one," said Bobby Hurwitz, returning to action for his second contest of the year. "We had a lot of youth out there, too. We all fought hard all game, and I'm proud of everyone's effort. It's a great win for the club."
Once again, the Muskegon Risers proved tough opponents. The first quarter seemed to be all Raptors, but the Risers fought back, tying the game at 4-4 halfway through the second period, then taking a brief lead early in the third. The last two periods saw eight lead changes before the Raptors finally put it away with 6:49 remaining in the 4th, on a beautiful unassisted goal by Angelo Oquendo.
Oquendo was a major contributor to your Raptors' success, knocking in four goals and assisting on another. Forwards Will Davis and Jonah Dancer also had a strong performances with two goals each, with Ronaldo Rojas adding one. Jake Johnson contributed an assist.
Perhaps most impressive, the Raptors managed to kill off a critical late-game penalty. As fans will no doubt recall from the Midseason Report Card, the man advantage has been the weakest part of your Raptors' game so far. We seemed to be heading for more of the same in Muskegon, when a second quarter blue card on Ricky Orozco contributed to the Risers' three-goal, lead-taking run. But gutsy defense on the penalty kill late in the 4th sealed the game. It was your Raptors' first penalty kill of the season, and it couldn't have come at a better time.
Your Raptors are back in action this Saturday, February 4, versus the Rochester Lancers 2, at home in the Alliant Energy Power House. Gates open at 5:30 for a 6:30 kickoff. Get your tickets at the box office or online, and get ready to #RunWithTheRaptors.
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