JACKSON HOLE, WYO – The Jackson Hole Moose got back on track last weekend as hockey fans were treated to two well-played games by both teams. The Aspen Leafs dropped in on the Sports and Event Center and were very competitive but the Moose wanted it more.
The script for both games over the weekend was a close-checking first period where both teams chose to conservatively feel each other out. That was followed by a more wide-open second frame (five total goals both nights), and then the Moose pulling away in the third.
In Friday’s 7-5 win, Kevin Sunde and AJ Sanders took care of the offense while a continually revamped defense chipped in as well with a goal and assist from Nate Goss-Woliner, and helpers from Brian Upesleja and Sam Barrett.
Saturday’s 8-4 final was closer than the score would indicate. Sunde stayed hot with a four-point night (2g,2a). He got help with a pair of tallies from Kyle Krauss (2g,1a) and Alex Dewitz. Tom Hartnett (1g,2a) and AJ Sanders (0g,3a) had three-point nights.
Goaltender Nick Krauss wasn’t his sharpest but was good when he had to be, stopping a whopping 44 shots on Friday, and making another 35 saves Saturday night.
The Moose are still showing signs they miss d-men like Brad Improta, Chase Wharton (and this past weekend, Kristian Ophus). Goss-Woliner looked banged up Saturday night. But credit team captain Upesleja who has settled into a new role on the blue line quite well, providing experience for his rookie partner Harrison Sauter.
Also missing from the roster that dressed opening night are Charlie Hagen, Alex Byers, Charlie Bemis, and Drew Akins.
Jackson is now 12-6 (6-4 in league play). The Moose are off next weekend. The next scheduled games are with the Stowe Slugs on February 2-3.
