Game Recap: Grizzlies at Warbirds (Sept. 21)

If you missed the opening night of Casper Wyoming’s brand new junior ice hockey team the Warbirds, trust me, you won’t want to miss them again! In front of a packed house, the team’s owner, and Casper’s mayor, the Warbirds made it a night to remember.

Fans didn’t have to wait long for the action to start, as just over a minute into the first period, Brenan Green tucked home a rebound. With that opening goal, he not only put Warbirds ahead on the scoreboard, but he also scored the Warbirds’ first franchise goal in front of a sold-out arena! The excitement from the players, coaches, and most importantly the fans proves that this community will have something special for a long time.

After the first goal, there were plenty of goal-scoring opportunities on both sides, but goalies Ryan Henry (Warbirds) and Thomas Samborski (Grizzlies) shut down every shot coming their way. A little over 20 seconds into the second period, the Grizzlies would tie it up with a power-play goal. The Warbirds, however, got to work on a power play of their own, and soon they were back on top, 2 - 1.

With both teams unable to make any more progress, the game was in a stalemate. As tensions rose, both teams were re-energized by a fight that broke out between Canon Lentz (Warbirds) and Ryan Patrick (Grizzlies). The Warbirds and Grizzlies went shot for shot as time was running out, but again both goalies stood tall. 

With a little less than 5 minutes left in the game and Casper still holding onto their slim lead, you could feel the anticipation on the benches and in the stands. But in a final effort to even things up, Rock Springs pulled their goalie and quickly scored the all-important equalizing goal with only 2 minutes left on the clock. 

It was the season opener, after all – why not make it dramatic? Overtime! 

Casper found themselves with a two man advantage, and, just 16 seconds into overtime, Sean Boltin would play hero and give the Warbirds their first win – for both the season and the franchise! Boltin, who has played Usphl Elite (Typhoon) and premier (Infantry) was called up and got it done at home, giving the fans a glimpse of how exciting Warbirds hockey is going to be. This Warbirds victory also gives Head Coach Jacob Smulevitch and assistant coaches Darren McCormick (former pro hockey player) and Ryan Freeman (former Jr Hockey player) all their first NCDC Win!

Catch the Warbirds at their next game on Friday, September 27th at 7pm! They play another home match, this time against the Pueblo Bulls.