The Texas Tornado (10-3-3, 23pts, #2 South) had a bit of a breather this past week after playing a daunting 6-games-in-8-days. The Tornado returned home for a weekend set against the New Mexico Mustangs, a team which they have thoroughly dominated in the young season, and looked to continue to re-find their game against the Mustangs.
Texas was looking to bust out of a bit of a funk, and the Mustangs provided the perfect tonic, as the Tornado cruised to 4-0 and 5-2 victories over the weekend.
More on the Tornado after the jump…
First things first, a big Texas-sized congratulations goes out to Head Coach/GM Tony Curtale on breaking the all-time wins record for United States Junior Hockey with his 530th win on Friday against New Mexico. Full story here.
Tornado 4-0 Win Sets Record for Curtale
After establishing early season dominance against the Mustangs with resounding 6-0 and 5-1 victories, the Tornado looked to use New Mexico as a spring-board back into a winning streak. Texas came out and established a very workman-like attitude and were very sound defensively. A Taylor Herndon goal midway through the 1st allowed the Tornado to impose their will yet again, and when Justin Greenberg extended the lead to 2-0 in the second, it was clear that this game was falling into line with the season series so far. Jordan Lovick added another tally in the 2nd and the Tornado took a 3-0 lead to the 3rd period. With the game in-hand and the Tornado killing a penalty, the Greenberg brothers pounced on a mis-play at the Mustang blue-line took it in 2-0 from the center stripe, and exchanged a few passes before elder brother Jordan potted the puck into the yawning cage. Texas would hold on for Joakim Jutras‘ first shutout of the season and Coach Curtale’s 530th record-breaking win.
Tornado Extend Win Streak to Three, Claim 5-2 Victory
In a game that Texas thoroughly controlled, as evidenced by a final shot count of 46-14, the Tornado were able to overcome a feisty New Mexico squad, being buoyed in net by former Tornado goalie, Jake Stafford, who was picked up from Texas by New Mexico on waivers earlier in the week. After a scoreless first, Jack Prince and Taylor Herndon scored quick second period goals and put the Tornado up 2-0 just 2:16 into the frame. The Mustangs would answer a short time later, to which Taylor Herndon would provide a goal-answer of his own, re-establishing the Texas two-goal lead at 3-1. After a late second period goal by the Mustangs cut the lead to 3-2, the stage was set for a good 3rd. The Tornado would clamp the game down however, add goals from Jordan Greenberg & Tyler Rostenkowski and take the game 5-2.
Looking Ahead:
After taking 4-of-4 games so far this season against New Mexico, all here in Frisco, its time for Texas to take this show to New Mexico, where they will play the Mustangs twice this weekend, Friday & Saturday. As with all road games, you can listen live with Tornado Broadcaster, Corey Hersch, here.
The Tornado are on the road the next two weekends and will return to the Dr Pepper Arena on November 18th and 19th for a weekend series against the division-leading Amarillo Bulls, who also knocked Texas out of the playoffs last year. Friday the 19th is the canned food drive, where all canned food items are good for a free ticket. Saturday November 19th is Military and Public Servant appreciation night. Military and Public Servant personnel get in free while all family members are only $5.
Tornado Quick Hits:
–It’s been mentioned previously, but Coach Curtale’s 530th win on Friday night was the all-time wins record for United States Junior Hockey. Story here.
–The Tornado have announced a new “Facebook Faceoff” contest. Basically, they want to give away prizes for “liking” the Facebook page. More info here.
As always, you can keep up with all things Tornado at www.tornadohockey.com and www.NAHL.com.
I can be reached directly at Nick@TornadoHockey.com