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Huskies and Alumni Skate to 5-5 tie

By C. Rakt Eis, 12/31/11, 11:09PM CST

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Vets and coaches show they still have game!

With the Andover Huskies ranked in the top 20 and coming off of tough losses against top five ranked teams Edina and Minnetonka, about 15 former Huskies donned their gear to take a shot at the 2011-12 Andover edition.

Senior Amanda Koltes and sophomore Jessi Grad were strong in the nets, turning away numerous threats as the often winded veterans gave up on backchecking assignments while the preps showed off their skills with dekes, dangles and dances that are seldom seen during primetime contests.

Alumni team member Benjalina Monahan opened the scoring with a crisp snapshot that tickeled the twine.  St. Cloud State junior and assistant captain, Alex Nelson, potted two ginos, showing her DI skills and letting the kids know they still have some work to do before they are ready for the collegiate show.  The alumni defense was anchored by Colinda Longren, who despite being danced and dropped by the Bobcat on one of the prepsters scoring rushes, was able to quickly transition the vets to create scoring chances.  Former St. Olaf Ole and varsity coach Melissa Sailor also lit the lamp for the Alumni, showing she still has a few lessons to share.

Paige Dale scored two goals and Abby Oster added a goal for the High Schoolers.

The alums failed to connect on two power power play chances, which were settled with penalty shots.  The second infraction was an unsportsmanlike conduct call on the prep bench assessed to acting coach Mikayla Goodin.  An undisclosed source has informed this writer that she was in the referee's ear throughout the match and after being warned by the referee, she asked "can I get a penalty for thinking?"  when the referee calmly replied, "no," Goodin reportedly responded, "Good, because I think you stink!"

Super sophomore Sierra Langlie nearly gave the preppies a victory, however on what may have been considered a controversial call by one of the referees, the goal was disallowed because a player was camping in the crease, a serious rule infraction often intended to intimidate and distract goaltenders.  The call was explained by veteran referee Adam Denny (who was at times amazing, demonstrating youthlike quickness and agility) "There is no place for behavior such as this...  I totally support the call by my partner, who is the epitome of honesty and fair play."

Graduate Afton Wiczek displayed flashes of her former speed for the alums while Lauren Holmes and Meagan Koltes created numerous chances throughout the game.

When the hour was finished, participants laughed, shared pizza, stories and some razzing, creating a build-up for the contest next year.