1/18/2013

In the first action of the new Spring semester, the University of Toledo Rockets traveled to Lexington, Kentucky to take on the University of Kentucky Wildcats.  Having finished the Fall semester, with four straight wins, the Rockets looked to carry that momentum into the new year.  They did just that with two dominating performances in front of a rowdy Kentucky crowd.

The first round of Kentucky’s midnight madness saw the Rockets start slowly as they worked off the effects of the long bus ride.  After giving up a UK goal five minutes into the first period, the team began to find its stride and shake off holiday break rust.  It wasn’t until after giving up a second UK goal though that the team really started clicking.  Down 2-0 at this point, the Rockets rattled off four straight goals in a six minute span, giving them a lead they would not give up the rest of the way.  Despite a pesky Kentucky team that tried to claw their way back into it, the Rockets were able hold on and eventually cruise to an 8-4 victory.  Leading the way was Kyle Swansegar who had a career night with four goals.  Garryt Kujawa added two goals and two assists while Brent Bain also added two helpers.  Also scoring were Evan Johnston and senior captain Daniel Conway.

In the second game of the weekend, the Rockets started quicker with a Bain goal four minutes in, but allowed Kentucky to quickly answer.  The 1-1 tie was as close as the Wildcats would come in this one though, as the Rockets shut the door defensively and put the game away with seven unanswered goals.  As the dust settled, the score read 8-1 with the Rockets getting goals from Bain (2), Johnston, Swansegar, Zach Kinney, Zach Born (2), and Kujawa.  Helping out with assists were Brendon Sokoloski (2), Kinney, Born (2), Conway, Tyler Althouse, Chris Watkins, Bain, Scott Girardi, and Johnston.

In total on the weekend, Craig Trego saw 48 shots earning a 90% save percentage and a 2.50 GAA.

The team looks to carry their momentum into the next weekend’s huge match up with Miami (OH) University.  The two southeast powers will square off at the Team Toledo Ice House Friday the 25th and Saturday the 26th.  Both games will start at 8:30 pm.