By Jim Parks
Okay! I know, as a reporter, objectivity is critical. However, it is nearly impossible to be objective about the how good the Marquette Royales Hockey Team really is. The Royales notched their 12th game in a row at Lakeview Arena last night and took a 3 point lead over the second place Illiana Blackbirds. Friday’s 7 to 3 victory kicked off a 3-game, home series with the Blackbirds. The game was fast and physical and the Linesmen were busy all night.
The Blackbirds struck first with a goal at 3:61 into the first period. Unshaken, Royales Mike House tied the game at 1 all at 8:48 in the first.
The Royales came out strong in the second period and simply out-skated, out-shot, and out-scored the visiting Blackbirds. Marquette’s Dallas McLaughlin scored on a breakaway with less than a minute to go in the 2nd – the assist went to Layne King. At the end of 2 it was 4 to 1 and the Blackbirds were on their heels.
The Royales were far from satisfied. The Blackbirds came out in the 3rd and made it 4 to 2 at 2:33. The Royales hunkered down and made the Blackbirds work for every shot. At 10:41 Matt Marcin made it 5 to 2, and a short time later Dallas McLaughlin made a beautiful unassisted, short -handed goal to push the score to 6 to 2.
The Blackbirds notched their 3rd and final goal of the night at 15:48 on a Power Play. And, as if to say, ‘not in our house’, the Royales answered less than a minute later with goal number 7 to put the Blackbirds to sleep for the night.
Game 2 of the 3-game series is Saturday night. The puck drops at 7:30. Note for Hockey lovers: I wish I were exaggerating when I say, “Royales hockey rocks.” If you haven’t seen these guys play, you are missing a Royale treat! Plus, as the saying goes, ‘It’s the best bargain around for the greatest game in town.” Be There! Aloha!
