The 2006-2007 Homestead Spartans opened the 2006 - 2007 season against the Northrop Bruins. At the left is the Spartan bench just prior to the game with (from left to right) Coach Mark Vandre, Head Coach Jim Glick, Coach Steve Lee and Team Manager Joe Baldassari.
The Spartans have worked hard over the Summer and there was an air of quite confidence over the team as Coach Glick prepared to gather the team for final pre-game instructions. The starting line-up for the opening face-off included five seniors; Joe Emmons, Adam Papp, and John Morrison up front and Mario Baldassari and Skyler Villers at the blue line. Our sixth senior;
Cody Barney is currently fulfilling duties as the starting tailback for the Bishop Dwenger Saints and will join the team on the ice at the conclusion of the football season.
The Spartans came out flying to start the game with John Morrison and Jake Evans moving up along the boards in this photo at the right. Both teams worked hard in the opening minutes trying to shake off the rust and establish a rhythm. It wouldn't take long however before the new rule
enforcement standards began to slow play. Each team was assessed 3 penalties in the first period and each would accumulate a total of 12 penalties a side before the final horn. The first period ended in a scoreless tie as Mike Donnell in net for Homestead and Tom Shears in net for the Bruins stopping 7 shots each. So at the end of 1 period it was all even . . . shots . . . saves . . .penalties . . . nerves!
The second period found the Spartans on a four on three power play just over two and a half minutes in. Adam Papp opened the scoring for the Spartans on a pass from Linden Kelley to take a 1-0 lead at 2:54 into the period. Although it didn't show up on the score sheet, the play actually started with a Homestead face-off win and a nice pass from Mario Baldassari. The Bruins would answer back on a power play goal of their own at the 5:39 mark and the second period would end in a 1-1 tie. Shots on goal in the period were 8 for the Bruins and 6 for the Spartans.
As the Spartans entered the locker room between the second and third period, it was hard to tell whether Linden Kelley was more aggrevated about being denied on a one-timer scoring chance in the low slot in the first period or from being checked from behind into the boards during the second period.
The Bruins put their third tally of the night on the board at 3:34 into the final period after which the Spartans found the themselves on the penalty kill. Despite some great saves by Jon Lain, the Bruins were able to convert on a 5 on 3 powerplay to go up 3-1 and would add a fourth to put the Bruins up by 3 with under nine minutes to play. The Spartans showed their character and wouldn't give up. Justin Glick scored at 7:03
and Will Glick fired a laser from the right side boards just under two minutes later to bring the score within one. Ryan Hoff had the assist on each of the last two goals.
In the end, the Spartans converted on 2 of 9 powerplay opportunities to the Bruins' 3 of 11 and were outshot 14 to 7 in the third period, ending up on the short end of the contest. From this "unbiased" observer's point of view, this year's addition of the Homestead Spartans appears to have great senior leadership, two rock solid goaltenders, calm yet firm and purposeful guidance from behind the bench, great team chemistry.
Despite this early loss, look for good things to come from the Spartans this season. At the right, Joe Emmons and Justin Glick prepare for a faceoff with defenseman Skyler Villers and goaltender Mike Donnell at the ready.
All Photos courtesy of Mari Glick.
