MOUNT CLEMENS, MI - The Chicago Crush Elite squad left their mark on the ice at the 2024 USPHL Detroit Showcase in Mount Clemens, Michigan, showcasing their grit, skill, and never-say-die attitude. Let's break down their electrifying performance game by game:
Game 1: Chicago Crush Demolishes Motor City Gamblers (4-0 W)
The Crush came out of the gates like a house on fire, absolutely dominating the Motor City Gamblers in a 4-0 shutout victory.
Offensive Firepower
Dominic DeMatteo was the star of the show, lighting the lamp twice and proving why he's a force to be reckoned with.
Joshua Yeates and Alex Guida each contributed a goal, demonstrating the Crush's offensive depth.
Defensive Dominance
Netminder Daniel Gurtner was an absolute brick wall, turning aside all 24 shots for a perfect shutout performance.
The Crush's penalty kill was impenetrable, successfully killing off all three penalties they faced.
Key Stats
Shots on Goal: Crush 37, Gamblers 24
Power Play: Crush 0/1, Gamblers 0/3
Coach Phil Bushbacher praised his team's complete effort, saying, "We came out flying and never took our foot off the gas. That's Crush hockey right there."
Game 2: Chicago Crush Edges Fort Wayne Spacemen in Nail-Biter (2-1 W)
The Crush showed they can win tight games too, squeaking out a 2-1 victory over the Fort Wayne Spacemen in a defensive battle.
Mikey Large: The Hero
Mikey Large played the role of hero, potting both goals for Chicago and continuing his hot streak.
His game-winner at 12:52 of the third period sent the Crush faithful into a frenzy.
Goaltending Duel
Johnny Augusta was a brick wall between the pipes, stopping 25 of 26 shots in a stellar performance.
The Crush's defense stepped up big time, limiting the high-powered Spacemen offense to just 26 shots.
Special Teams Battle
Both teams struggled on the power play, with the Crush going 0/2 and the Spacemen 0/0.
"Mikey Large came up huge for us tonight," said Coach Steve Maltais. "But it was a total team effort. Our boys showed they can grind out wins when it matters most."
Game 3: Crush Stumbles Against Somang Prep (1-3 L)
The Crush hit a speed bump in their third game, falling 3-1 to a tough Somang Prep squad.
Offensive Struggles
Connor Edwards notched the lone goal for Chicago, but the usually potent Crush offense was held in check.
The Crush peppered the Somang net with 19 shots but struggled to find the back of the net.
Penalty Trouble
Chicago found themselves in the sin bin too often, taking 6 penalties for 12 minutes.
Somang capitalized on the power play, scoring once with the man advantage.
Bright Spots
Despite the loss, the Crush showed resilience, never giving up and fighting until the final buzzer.
Goaltender Daniel Gurtner made 31 saves on 33 shots, keeping his team in the game.
"We didn't play our best hockey today," admitted Coach Bushbacher. "But I'm proud of how our boys kept battling. We'll learn from this and come back stronger."
Game 4: Crush Caps Showcase with Thrilling Shootout Victory (4-3 SO W)
The Crush saved their most dramatic performance for last, edging out the Hershey Cubs 4-3 in a shootout thriller.
Regulation Rollercoaster
Joshua Yeates, Dominic DeMatteo, and Vincent Cerrentano found the back of the net in regulation, showcasing the Crush's offensive depth.
The Cubs pushed back hard, forcing overtime with a late third-period goal.
Shootout Heroics
Vincent Cerrentano and Niko Dougan played the role of snipers in the shootout, both beating the Cubs' netminder to secure the victory.
Johnny Augusta stood tall in the shootout, denying both Cubs' attempts to seal the win.
Offensive Onslaught
The Crush peppered the Cubs' net with a whopping 55 shots, showing their relentless offensive pressure.
"What a way to end the showcase," an elated Coach Maltais exclaimed. "Our boys showed incredible heart and determination. This win will give us a huge boost moving forward."
Showcase Standouts
Mikey Large: Continued his torrid scoring pace, leading the team with crucial goals.
Joshua Yeates: Mr. Clutch, coming through with timely goals and assists when the team needed it most.
Goaltending Duo: Johnny Augusta and Daniel Gurtner were rocks between the pipes, giving the Crush a chance to win every game.
Special Teams: The penalty kill was nearly perfect all weekend, a testament to the team's discipline and defensive structure.
Looking Ahead
The Chicago Crush Elite proved they belong with the USPHL's best, finishing the showcase with an impressive 3-1 record. This tournament has undoubtedly boosted their confidence as they look to carry this momentum into the rest of their season.
"I couldn't be prouder of how our boys performed this weekend," Coach Bushbacher beamed. "We showed we can win in different ways – blowouts, tight games, and even shootouts. This team has something special, and I can't wait to see what we accomplish moving forward."
The Crush will look to build on this success as they return to regular season play, with their sights set firmly on a deep playoff run.
Catch all of the Chicago Crush action live on FloHockey.tv!
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