The Rhinos were dreading this game all season. Not because of the awesome firepower of Mal Turner, but the Rhinos would be missing four key players due to holiday commitments. Where is the dedication? Anyway, the Rhinos were a bit relieved to see that the Raptors were hurting as well, especially after the loss of Scotty Foreman to Canada. Their game plan was simple-shut down Mal and wait for chances. This was a plan that the whole team rallied around, this was a plan that could turn the whole season around for the struggling Rhinos, this was a plan that was never really put into action-Mal recorded seven points to lead the Raptors to an 8-4 win over the hapless Rhinos.

The Rhinos have almost hit rock bottom. Their decline will be hastened with the departure of number one draft pick Andrew Ross. This was Andrew’s last game and fortunately, he was able to pot two goals to lift a huge burden from above his head. Ross, one of the top point-getters, has not scored until the Mal game.

Actually, the game started well for the Raptors, they were able to keep Mal off the scoreboard for most of two periods and they went into the third period tied 2-2. Then it became a lopsided seesaw ride of a third. Mal would score or set up two goals and then the Rhinos would score one, followed by Mal then back to the Rhinos. One of the Rhino goals was even considered illegal, as the net was completely off and Mal’s goalie Jeff argued with the ref as O’Neill tucked the puck in from behind the net. Nevertheless, it was too little too late for the Rhinos, as they could not stop Mal.

Mal scored four goals and assisted on three others, while Kory Frame had two goals and one assist for Mal’s team and Marcus had no points and only one hit. Referee Tommy also had the most points on the evening for calling a “new NHL rules” type of game. Taken right out of the rulebook, Tommy called every hold or hook, but was consistent for both teams. While this was neither a bad or good thing, it certainly helped Mal and it was quite different for the ‘good ole boy”, “aw shucks” mentally of the refereeing of Steven and Mal.

For the Rhinos, O’Neill got one goal and two assists and many nice passes to Nintendo guys in front, Drew finally scored two and eight-grader Winston got his first as the puck went off his skate and into the net. That last sentence was not a jab, because this kid had showed a lot of heart this game and went to the net on almost every point shot. Eighth grader?

Three Stars:

#1 Mal Turner

#2 Kory Frame

#3 Drew Ross