Middle Park hockey loses 6-5 to Aspen in inaugural opener
Sean McAlindin/Sky-Hi News
Fraser Valley Sports Complex was packed out to the road on the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 19. The sound of raucous cheering could be heard from across the parking lot, cutting through the chilly mountain air. This rink is called the IceBox for a reason.
Around the edges of the glass, students bounced up and down to the beat of techno music. As the zamboni swung by between periods, the many students spontaneously burst into a rollicking version of Mariah Carey’s, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” It looked like Middle Park Hockey finally got it’s wish — it’s own high school team — and the crowd couldn’t be more excited.
Over 300 people showed up to support the inaugural opening game for the hockey team represented Middle Park High School. Their opponent, Aspen, donned red and black jersey while the Panthers were decked in their traditional purple and white uniforms.
The end of the first period saw Middle Park on top 3-1 thanks to one goal by freshman forward Fletcher Cahalane and two by senior Jack McDermott. At the start of the second period, Aspen came out with a vengeance, tying the game 3-3 at the 11-minute mark.
Aspen briefly pulled ahead before a breakaway down the left side by speedy, senior center Kasen Moon He turned to goal and ripped a slap shot into the top right corner of the net, tying the game at 4-4.
Penalties abounded in the third period as players on both sides competed on tired legs. Middle Park managed to kill two back-to-back power plays after a dirty, late hit sent another Panther to the penalty box. Two key saves with just over five minutes to play kept Middle Park in the game.
With 2:36 left in regulation, McDermott scooped up the puck at center ice and raced down the right side of the rink. A last-second, wrist shot flew over the goalie’s shoulder. The crowd went wild as McDermott earned a hat trick to put the Panthers ahead once more.
Then, just 27 seconds later, Aspen hit an equalizer after the Middle Park defense collapsed during a scramble around the net, leading to an easy turnaround goal. The third period ended at a 5-5 tie.
In the five-minute overtime, Aspen managed to score one last time from a faceoff with 1:43 left in the game. The Panthers lost the season opener of their inaugural season 6-5.
However, the spirited, co-ed team held their own throughout the game and put on one heck of show for the crowd. This feels like it could be the beginning of something big in Grand County.
Their next home game will be on Dec. 19 versus Standley Lake. Find a complete schedule here.
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Middle Park hockey players skating towards the Aspen goals on a breakaway during their opening game on Nov. 19.
Sean McAlindin/Sky-Hi News
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The Middle Park bench looks on during a tense game whose score flipped back and forth through at least three ties.
Sean McAlindin/Sky-Hi News
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