To say Wednesday night’s hockey matchup was eventful is an understatement. Lines of fans flowed from Mennen arena waiting to get tickets for the game between the Hanover Park Hornets and Madison Dodgers, a rivalry game that has left Madison fans with a chip on their shoulder since football season. This November, Hanover ended Madison’s 39 game winning streak which at the time was the longest continuing streak in the state for football. The tension was all there Wednesday on the ice.
Madison struck first with a score by Senior Matt Sweeney in the first period. The Dodgers were loud and on their feet. A chant of “Why so quiet?” came from the Madison fan section pointed towards the Hornets fan section.
Things began to heat up. A few heavy hits from each team were delivered. A Madison and Hanover player had to be separated by the referees after sharing a few words and pushes.
Then in the second period, Sophomore Michael “Mikey” Gleason was tripped by a Hornet player, which opened up the opportunity for him to take a one on one penalty shot. Gleason, starting at center ice, approached the Hanover goalie as both crowds created a substantial amount of noise. Showing off some great stick skills, the sophomore put in a quick backhand between the legs of the Park keep. An earthquake of cheers resounded from the Dodger fan section.
Madison took advantage of ice time again in the third period when Junior Harrison Meyer scored his first goal of the night. Initially, a different Dodger had taken the shot that was saved on the right side of the cage, which sent the puck to the left of the park goalie. Meyer would capitalize on the rebound of this shot and put in a nice score with a wide open left side of the net.
A few minutes later, the Hornets would answer Madison with their first and only score of the night. Otherwise, the night would’ve remained a shut out for Madison’s wall in Senior goaltender Peter Andersson and his phenomenal performance on the night.
Madison came right back at the Hornets with a second score from Junior Harrison Meyer for the last goal of the night to leave the final tally at 4-1 Madison. It was all maroon and gold Wednesday.
The Dodgers go on the road to play Parsipanny today at 3:30. Come out and support the Dodgers!