OXFORD – February 13, 2016 – The Cambridge Light Blues hit the road to take on the Oxford University Blues for an important match with league title implications. Needless to say, with so much on the line, there was no early Valentine’s Day love between the two teams. This was the first league game for Cambridge since late November, and the Light Blues were anxious to put all the training from the previous two months on display. Oxford fans were out in force to cheer on their team, optimistic about the home side’s chances having won 3 straight.
The first period saw the visiting Light Blues come out strong, flying to the puck, winning battles, and setting a physical tone from the first shift. The pace was quick and Cambridge pushed their early advantage. It didn’t take long for the first goal to come. Center Oscar “Swedish Legend” Wilsby took a pass from line mate Scott Dimond and thought he had scored on a shot that hit both the post and cross bar. Cambridge’s co-captain Spencer Brennan was “Johnny on the spot,” following the shot and putting home the rebound for a 1-0 lead. Cambridge continued to push and it was Brennan again, finding his co-captain Julien Gagnon all alone in front of the net with a pretty slap-pass to put Cambridge up 2-0 at the mid-way mark of this first period. Gagnon’s line was active the entire period with some excellent work in the offensive zone that was soon rewarded (again). Cambridge’s third goal of the period came from a smooth backhand from Henry “Tats” Aspegren that found the top corner and capped off a dominant period of hockey from the light blues. When asked, Aspegren responded “The boys were flying out there, and we really wanted to make a statement today. For me this was a big game, my family came a long way to be in the stands tonight so I really wanted to produce. It was a wonderful goal, fitting for the occasion, and really gave the boys a boost going into the locker room.”
Riding high after a complete performance in the first period, Cambridge looked to extend the lead on their rivals. The physical play continued with both teams battling hard for every puck and finishing every check. After a faceoff win in the defensive zone, Cambridge attempted to clear the puck unsuccessfully, and an Oxford defenseman fired the puck on net through traffic. When it came out of the crowd it fell favorably to an Oxford forward who placed it calmly in the back of the net. With the tide starting to turn against them, Cambridge turned to their defense to keep them in the game and maintain their lead. The defense dug in their heels and parried several Oxford attacks, and picking their chances carefully, Cambridge got their break. A good poke check at the blue line by Scott Dimond sprung Oscar Wilsby past the Oxford defense and into a 1 on 1 with the goaltender. He didn’t make a mistake and Cambridge re-established their 3 goal lead. “That’s why you do the shootout drill.” said Wilsby. Dimond added “Osc was flying right there, I knew that if the puck could make it onto his stick, he was gone in two strides. That was a big goal for our team and really helped get us keep Oxford at arms length.” Both teams traded blows until the final buzzer, and the period ended with the light blues up 4-1.
With 20 minutes remaining, the locker room was focused on finishing the work they had begun. Despite a few injuries to wingers Vaclav Beranek (back) and James Requeima (wrist) as well as the usual bumps and bruises of a physical game, the message was from the coach Joe Marshall. “Focus on the details, do the little things and execute the game plan. We needed a few guys to step into roles they weren’t used to, but that’s what good teams do. If we play our game, I’ll take us against anybody.” With the result in view, Cambridge settled into a defensive mindset, stifled Oxford’s attacks and looked for opportunities to get out on the break. Oxford pressed hard, cutting the lead to 4-2 after a pretty deflection in front of the net that beat goaltender Daniel Orvomaa with 10 minutes remaining. Oxford became increasingly desperate as the game wound down and despite some chippy play, Cambridge kept their cool to finish it out. The game ended with a familiar 4-2 result, and the Light Blues earned a jubilant bus ride home. “Any time you can beat your rival, it’s a big win. The implications for this game were huge for both teams, but to do it in their barn, that’s why I play this game. We’ve got work to do yet, but I’m going to enjoy this one.” said defenseman Alan Bauer; defensive partner Declan O’Briain added “Unreal.”
The Light Blues continue league play in London to take on UCL this Sunday February 21 at the Streatham Ice Arena.
Cambridge Man of the Match – Danny Orvomaa – The netminder was solid again, making key saves when called upon and keeping Oxford from finding the back of the net.
Oxford Man of the Match – Jack Woods – Oxford Brookes’ star was a consistent spark for Oxford and looked to create on every shift on the ice.
Cambridge team-voted player of the game – Declan O’Briain – O’Briain was a cornerstone of the defense, and incorporated a good two-way game.