PeeWee squad drops game, 5-1

Port Huron dropped a 5-1 game against North Virginia, Friday night, in front about 600 fans at McMorran Arena, in a placement-round game of the 39th annual International Hockey Tournament.

A 4-1 win against Aurora, Ontario on Thursday moved the Flags, sponsored by All-Star Services, into the quarterfinals in the PeeWee A Division (ages 11-12) against Chatham, Ontario at 2:40 p.m. at McMorran. The winner advances to a semifinal round game at 7:30 a.m. Sunday.

Alex Ernst scored for the Flags in the opening minutes of the game, but a four-goal second period by the IceDogs went unanswered.

"We've struggled with consistency all season," Flags Coach Doug Touma said. "Following a good game with the same effort is much a part of the coaching staff as it is the players.

"We scouted (North Virginia on Friday) morning and planned out a physical game to slow down their quickness. I think we counteracted too much and forgot about playing the puck at the right times."

Co-captain Shawn Sharrow, who attends Chippewa Middle School, agreed the Flags missed opportunities.

"Our lines weren't clicking," Sharrow said. "We have to come out ready right from the start (today). Everyone on the team has the confidence especially with the crowd behind us."

Touma said the Flags have entered the single-elimination part of the tournament. Playing in the Pavilion will be comfortable.

"We've played our best games (in the Pavilion)," Touma said. "We're looking forward to the game. It's great to have the community support behind us; it gives us a tremendous lift."

Ernst slipped in a loose puck in front of IceDogs goalie Chris Langstaff at the 1:39 mark of the first period to give the Flags an early 1-0 lead. Kyle Bluska worked the puck through traffic for the initial shot on goal.

Matt Fogal just missed opening the Flags lead to two midway through the period after a nifty stick-handle move eluded two IceDog defenders in front.

Flags goalie Mike Alley robbed a tying goal attempt by the IceDogs in the closing minute with a quick glove save.

The four goals in the second period by North Virginia proved to be too much for the Flags to overcome as Grant Krebs (two), Rick Norris and Brian Bowser made it 4-1.

The line of Fogal, Bluska and Ernst applied pressure in the opening minute of the third period only to be turned away by Lanstaff, who finished with 21 saves.

The IceDogs finished the scoring with 4:35 left on Krebs' third goal of the game.

"We came on in the third (period)," Touma said. "Momentum is a big thing in the game of hockey. It worked for us (Thursday) night, and against us tonight. It comes down to lifting enough sticks and finding the rebounds.

"This group will find its game. It's a matter of playing aggressive, consistent hockey."