It's a big weekend for your hometown teams, as both the Raptor men and the Lady Raptors are in action this Sunday, March 12, at the PowerHouse.
The men's side kick off the action at 2pm, vs. our fierce but friendly in-state rivals, the Des Moines Demon Hawks. It's a must-win for the Raptors to keep our playoff hopes alive, and it won't be easy. The Demon Hawks currently lead the MASL2 North Division by four points, with the Rochester Lancers 2 hard on their heels. (Your Raptors are tied with the Lancers in points, but are third in the division due to a head-to-head loss). The Demon Hawks are among the M2 leaders in total points (4th) and goals scored (tied for 3rd). They're tough on defense, too, with starting GK Rainer Hauss Pires consistently near the top of the leader board in wins and save percentage.
Sunday's tilt will be our fourth and final regular season meeting with Des Moines. Our head-to-head record in 1-1-1, and all games have gone right down to the wire. Veteran GK Brett Petricek was in goal for the regulation win and loss, with Jesus "Chuy" Ortiz netminding in the overtime loss. Luis "Luisito" Perez has also seen time in goal, performing well.
Offensively, your Raptors bring their signature balanced attack back to the PowerHouse. Forward Jonah Dancer continues his season-long tenure as the team's leading scorer, but he's being chased in total points by several teammates. Veteran F/D Pat Kelly is a sniper on special teams, ranking among the league leaders in power play goals. F Angelo Oquendo continues his strong play, and F Ricky Orozco remains a standout on both offense and defense.
It should be a hard fought battle with major playoff implications. The men's action kicks off at 2pm, with arena doors opening at 1.
For the Lady Raptors, the season hasn't gone quite as planned. Currently winless in their first year of competition, they've nonetheless played strong in every contest, and look forward to a rematch against the ICT Aztecs from Wichita, KS. Organizationally, your Lady Raptors emphasize the player development path from the Raptors Academy, which means we're fielding a considerably younger and less experienced team than most of the league. The Lady Raptors have been playing strong, and making visible strides in every game, so Sunday's action might well be their first win of the year.
Lady Raptors action kicks off immediately after the men's game, at 4pm. One ticket buys admission to both games, and can be purchased here. It's Cancer Awareness Night for your Raptors organization, so during their games both sides will be auctioning off special pink jerseys to benefit local cancer charities.