Yet Another One-Goal Loss; Schmitz Classic Next

By Pat Rupp

For the third consecutive game the Tigers came out on the short end of a one-goal final score, this one a 2-1 South Suburban Conference defeat at the hands of Eastview Thursday night at the Apple Valley Sports Arena.

“This was one of the worst games I have been a part of in terms of execution,” Farmington coach Jon Holmes said. “So many of the issues we had were due to what could look to be a lack of effort. 

“While I know we were certainly trying it was difficult to get everyone on the same page. At times we had kids working very hard individually, but in general we never got in concert with each other.”

All of the scoring occurred in the second period with the Lightning striking for the first two scores. Samantha Moehle (from Carly Lancaster and Claire Enright) netted her third goal in the past two games midway through the second to account for the Tigers’ lone score.

As has been the case most of the season, the Tigers got the better of the scoring chances outshooting Eastview in all three periods and 28-20 for the night.

The Tigers again struggled on the power play, failing to capitalize on four player-advantage opportunities. Farmington is now has converted on just two of its last 13 power plays.

Tiger goalie Ryleigh Furlong stopped 18 of 20 shots in absorbing her fifth loss of the season.

“We had a rough night but hopefully we are able to let it go and build toward taking the next step,” Holmes said.

The loss dropped Farmington below the .500 mark for the season at 4-5-1. The Tigers are 4-4-1 after the first round of South Suburban play.

Next up is the annual Louie Schmitz Holiday Classic Dec 26-28 at Schmitz-Maki Arena. The tourney features a new look against some old rivals. Instead of the traditional bracket format each team will face three pre-determined opponents.

Farmington will face off against Dakota County rival Hastings and former Missota Conference foes Northfield (Dec. 27) and New Prague (Dec 28). Other teams in the tourney include Lakeville North, Hutchinson, Eastview and Simley.

“This year’s tournament should shape up to be a fun, energetic three days of hockey chocked full of nostalgia and some classic match ups,” Holmes said.