Addison Ice Arena - Friday, September 29, 2023
ADDISON, Ill. – Addison Ice Arena was ablaze with excitement on Friday night as the Chicago Crush Premier unit faced off against the Fort Wayne Spacemen in a thrilling matchup that left fans on the edge of their seats. The final score, Chicago Crush 3, Fort Wayne Spacemen 1, tells just part of the story of this epic clash between two formidable teams.
The first period set the stage for a high-stakes showdown as Fort Wayne's Alexis Toussaint managed to capitalize on a power play opportunity, giving the Spacemen an early lead at 11:58. But the Crush remained undeterred, and their determination paid off.
Cyler Brogle, the relentless defenseman for Chicago, spoke after the game, saying, "We never stopped pushing, especially after we went down 1-0. We bounced right back and powered through the second and third to get the job done."
And indeed, the second period was where the Crush found their stride. With just 1:31 left on the clock, Chicago's Sam Barnitz netted a power-play goal, tying the game at 1-1. Assisted by Adyn Konchar and Nick Zehelein, Barnitz's goal ignited the crowd, and the energy in the arena was palpable.
"We knew what we had to do from the start, and we executed," Adyn Konchar, one of the key playmakers for the Crush, stated confidently.
The third period was where the Crush truly showcased their skill and determination. Just 3:45 into the final frame, Jason Castaneda of the Crush managed to break through Fort Wayne's defense and score the go-ahead goal, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. But Chicago wasn't done yet.
With the clock ticking down, Castaneda struck again with an empty-netter at 19:46, securing a well-deserved victory for the Crush. Spencer Kauke assisted on the play, sealing the deal at 3-1.
"The boys showed up ready to work, and our determination paid off. Hoping we keep this momentum up," said a jubilant Nick Zehelein, who played a vital role in the Crush's victory.
In a game marked by fast-paced action and excellent goaltending on both sides, the Crush's Jack Sundhall made 26 saves to secure his team's victory, while Fort Wayne's Zinchenko put up a valiant effort with 22 saves.
The Chicago Crush now look to build on their impressive performance as they head into their next matchup this Wednesday, October 4th versus the Decatur Blaze with newfound momentum and a hungry spirit. The fans in Addison Ice Arena are undoubtedly looking forward to more electrifying moments from this dynamic team.
Watch all Crush games on FloHockey.tv
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