OAK FOREST, IL - The Chicago Crush Elite unit just wrapped up a grueling four-game stretch that tested their mettle, resilience, and ability to bounce back. From a Midwest divisional showdown against the Fort Wayne Spacemen to a gritty cross-town battle with the Chicago Cougars, the Crush showed flashes of brilliance, moments of frustration, and the kind of heart that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s break it down, shift by shift, with a laser focus on the Crush’s standout performances.
Game 1: Fort Wayne Spacemen 6, Chicago Crush 3
Friday, January 31, 2025 – Orbit Ice Arena
The Crush came out firing in the first period, outshooting the Spacemen 21-11, but couldn’t solve Fort Wayne’s netminder Brendan Kusbel. Dylan Davis, the Spacemen’s leading scorer, opened the floodgates early and never looked back, netting a hat trick and adding two assists in a dominant performance. The Crush power play managed to convert once, courtesy of Niko Dougan, but Fort Wayne’s special teams and opportunistic scoring proved too much to handle.
Crush Highlights:
Niko Dougan was a bright spot, scoring twice (once on the power play) and showing why he’s one of the team’s most dangerous offensive threats. His second goal, assisted by Keith Watkins and John Martino, cut the deficit to 4-2 in the third and briefly gave the Crush life.
Christopher Frachalla added a goal late in the third, with Cole Darlas and Brandon Adolfino picking up assists, but it was too little, too late.
Johnny Augusta had a tough night in net, allowing 5 goals on 35 shots before being pulled for an extra attacker late in the third.
Key Takeaway: The Crush dominated possession and shots (46-36), but Fort Wayne capitalized on their chances. Coach Phil Bushbacher summed it up postgame: “We outplayed them in stretches, but hockey’s a game of moments, and they won the big ones tonight. We’ve got to tighten up defensively and bury our chances.”
Game 2: Fort Wayne Spacemen 4, Chicago Crush 3 (OT)
Saturday, February 1, 2025 – Orbit Ice Arena
The rematch was a nail-biter. The Crush clawed back from a 2-0 deficit with goals from John Martino, Vincent Cerrentano, and Grant Paullo, the latter coming with just 1:03 left in regulation to force overtime. But Tyson Finefrock, Fort Wayne’s unsung hero, completed his hat trick just 1:19 into the extra frame, sealing the Spacemen’s sweep.
Crush Highlights:
John Martino got the Crush on the board in the second period with a power-play goal, assisted by Troy Naill and Niko Dougan.
Vincent Cerrentano tied the game at 2-2 early in the third, with Mikey Large and Alexander Hodge picking up assists.
Grant Paullo delivered a clutch goal late in the third, set up by Mikey Large, to force overtime.
Daniel Gurtner made 25 saves in a valiant effort, but the Crush couldn’t overcome their penalty trouble (15 PIM).
Key Takeaway: The Crush showed resilience, rallying late to steal a point, but defensive lapses and a struggling penalty kill (0/6 on the PK) cost them the win. Finefrock’s OT dagger was a gut punch, but the Crush proved they could hang with one of the division’s best.
Game 3: Chicago Crush 5, Chicago Cougars 2
Sunday, February 2, 2025 – Orbit Ice Arena
The Crush bounced back in a big way against their cross-town rivals. Niko Dougan opened the scoring on the power play, and Christopher Frachalla added a shorthanded tally to give the Crush a 2-0 lead after one. Hammad Khan stole the show in the second period, netting two goals, including the game-winner, while Alex Guida sealed the deal early in the third. The Cougars managed a late power-play goal, but the Crush’s depth and discipline (despite 14 PIM) carried the day.
Crush Highlights:
Niko Dougan continued his hot streak with a power-play goal, assisted by Grant Paullo and John Martino.
Christopher Frachalla scored a shorthanded goal, showcasing his speed and finishing ability, with Cole Darlas picking up the assist.
Hammad Khan was the breakout star of the game, scoring twice, including the game-winner, with Konstantinos Koufopoulos and Dominic DeMatteo setting him up for his first goal, and Jaeden Burnett and Keith Watkins assisting on his second.
Alex Guida added an insurance goal early in the third, with Mikey Large notching his 20th assist of the season.
Johnny Augusta was solid in net, making 24 saves to secure the win.
Key Takeaway: The Crush’s special teams were the difference-maker, going 1/5 on the power play and killing off 5 of 6 penalties. Coach Bushbacher praised the effort: “That’s the kind of complete game we needed. Our PK stepped up, and we got contributions from everyone. Hammad Khan was a beast out there.”
Game 4: Chicago Crush 3, Chicago Cougars 2
Monday, February 3, 2025 – The Edge Ice Arena
The Crush completed the home-and-home sweep with a hard-fought win at The Edge. Mikey Large tied the game late in the first, and Logan Landmeier and Troy Naill scored in the second to give the Crush a 3-1 lead. Caleb Lind’s shorthanded goal in the third made things interesting, but Daniel Gurtner stood tall in net, making 32 saves to secure the victory.
Crush Highlights:
Mikey Large tied the game at 1-1 late in the first, with Vincent Cerrentano and Erik Koller picking up assists.
Logan Landmeier gave the Crush the lead early in the second, with Keith Watkins and Niko Dougan setting him up.
Troy Naill scored the game-winner midway through the second, with Niko Dougan and Keith Watkins assisting.
Daniel Gurtner was the hero, making 32 saves, including several key stops in the third period to preserve the win.
Key Takeaway: The Crush showed grit and composure in a chippy, penalty-filled affair. Despite taking 14 PIM, they held the Cougars’ power play scoreless (0/3) and got timely goals from their blue line. “Gurtner was a wall back there,” said Bushbacher. “When your goalie gives you that kind of performance, it’s contagious. The guys fed off it.”
Series MVP: Niko Dougan
Niko Dougan was a force all series, tallying 3 goals and 3 assists across the four games. His ability to step up in key moments, whether on the power play or at even strength, kept the Crush in every game. Honorable mention to Mikey Large, who continued to be a playmaking machine, and Daniel Gurtner, whose stellar performance in the finale was a difference-maker.
The Big Picture
The Crush finished the week 2-2-0, showing both their potential and areas for improvement. Their offense is firing on all cylinders, but defensive lapses and penalty trouble remain a concern. With a record of 24-8-3-0, they’re still in the hunt for the division title, but tightening up defensively and staying out of the box will be critical down the stretch.
Coach Bushbacher’s Final Thoughts: “We’re a resilient group. We took some punches this week, but we fought back and showed what we’re made of. If we clean up a few things, we’re going to be a tough out come playoff time.”
The Crush now turn their attention to their upcoming games, where they’ll look to build on this week’s lessons and keep their momentum rolling. Catch all the action live on FloHockey.tv!
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