Lightning does early damage
First-year team wins 2 of 3 to open season

September 21, 2004

The Twin Bridges Lightning officially struck the Minnesota Junior Hockey League last weekend, as the first-year club took two of its first three games on the road.

In its season-opener, the Lightning walked away with a 2-1 decision from the St. Paul Lakers on the strength of two, third-period goals. Austin Busch scored the game-winner, while Chad Bueckman notched the first tally in TB history. In goal, Brent Pitts was outstanding, making 41 saves. Joe Lochner scored the lone Laker goal, and netminder Peter Gavinski stopped 21 shots.

The next night, Darin Kimble’s charges headed to Spooner, Wis., where they knocked off the Wisconsin Mustangs, 6-4. Grant Everett and former Laker Josh Cabaniss scored two goals for the Lightning, while Pitts made 24 saves. For the Mustangs, Mark Hennessy had a goal and an assist.

The Mustangs got their first win in program history on Saturday, defeating the Lighting, 7-4. Highly-touted Nick Nelmark scored two goals and two assists, while Kacy Kreuter notched two goals and an assist. In goal, Dayne Clarquist made 35 saves. Cody Miller scored a goal and an assist for TB.

The Minnesota Ice Hawks kicked their season of right with a 5-1 win over the Twin Cities Northern Lights on Sunday. MJHL MVP Brad Wiechmann didn’t miss a beat with his hat trick performance. Matt Haverkamp pitched in two assists. Between the pipes, Joey Spracklen made 35 saves. Veteran Ted Urschel scored the only goal for TC.

The Lakers got back on track on Saturday, sinking the Northern Lights, 6-2. Six different scorers scored for St. Paul (Brandon Sachwitz notched a goal and an assist). Gavinski turned away 47 shots to earn the win. For the Lights, Kevin Medina and Eric Adams lit the lamp.

The Lights picked up their first win of the season on Friday with a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Owls. Aaron Stark put home the game-winner, while Paul Ross and Mark Worch added the other tallies. In goal, Andy Kent made 39 saves. Jon Griefenhagen and Curt Eccles scored for the Owls.