Outlaws and Arch Nemesis Hornets Skate to 1-1 Tie

The St. Louis Outlaws played the second game of their season Tuesday at Kirkwood against their long-time rival, the Hornets.  Usual Hornets’ pest Mike Killian did not return to the team this season, opting instead to annoy the Rattler’s opponents in HNA’s C division.  It seemed the tone of the Hornets’ game changed with the loss of Killian, as the visiting team emphasized speed and skill over physical play and stick infractions.

The Hornets outshot the Outlaws in every period of regulation play, and had twice as many shots by the end of the game.  New Outlaw goalie Craig Schellenbach was clearly the star of the night, saving 35 of 36 Hornets’ shots.  The only Hornets goal came about five minutes into the game, as Cullen Hagerty carried the puck around the Outlaws net and stuffed it in the other side.

The Outlaws answered quickly, however, as new forward Joe Wallington scored 20 seconds later to even things up.  For the next 40 minutes, the Outlaws surrendered numerous odd-man rushes, but Schellenbach stopped each one to keep the game knotted at one apiece. 

The Hornets avoided the penalty box all night, as the only penalties were against the Outlaws.  John DePeneloza was called for interference in the second period, and Ryan Kromann was whistled for holding in the third.  The Outlaws killed off both of those penalties, but were denied a power play opportunity on the last shift of regulation, as one of the Hornets tripped up Kromann as he attempted to bring the puck into the Hornets’ zone.  The referee nearest the play did not notice the contact between the two players, as he was moving into position along the blue line.

The Outlaws had the better of the play in the overtime frame, but were unable to score, and both teams walked away with a point for their efforts.  

The Outlaws next game is Monday, November 3rd, against the Shock, who dropped back from the B2 division in the offseason.