Emotions were running high before Sunday's big rivalry-game rematch vs. the Des Moines Demon Hawks. And it showed, with nonstop action from the opening kickoff. In a game featuring no less than six lead changes, it once again came right down to the wire. This time, it was the Demon Hawks pulling out a last-moment victory with just over two minutes remaining.
Your Raptors opened the scoring with two quick goals in the opening period, but Des Moines came roaring back. Scoring two goals in under a minute, the Demon Hawks tied the game, and with two more goals led 4-2 early in the second quarter. But the Raptors answered thanks to two goals by Paco Gonzalez and Jonah Dancer, both of whom would go on to record hat tricks on the night.
Jonah Dancer talks about his red-hot performance on Sunday afternoon
After Gonzalez tied the game, the lead swung furiously back and forth. The Demon Hawks rebuilt a two goal lead, only to have it torn down again by goals from Dancer and new Raptor Adrian Ortiz. Jake Johnson knocked home a solo goal to give your Raptors a brief lead in the middle of the third period.
The Demon Hawks pulled ahead late in the third, only to have their lead negated by the third of Gonzalez's goals. Fourth quarter action was even more frantic. Dancer's hat trick goal gave your Raptors the lead, but Des Moines was able to rally, and finally triumph.
Despite the high score, the game also featured tenacious defense. In addition to Gonzalez's three goals, defender Joel del Toro added two assists, and midfielder Pat Kelly, who is also an excellent defender, contributed two assists.
Defenseman David Lapan-Islas discusses the mental game
Sunday was our Military, Teachers, and Bankers appreciation day, and all groups were well-represented in the crowd. We want to thank everyone who came out and supported our team and community on Sunday afternoon.
Your Raptors take a well-deserved break until January 28, when we travel to Muskegon (MI) to take on the Risers. We'll be back in action at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse on Saturday, February 4th, versus the Rochester Lancers 2.
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