Warriors stumble against Wolfpack

The Wasilla Warriors went into their hockey game against visiting West Valley Wolfpack missing a key element of its team Thursday at Brett Memorial Ice Arena.

Missing some key skaters, including outstanding goaltender Nathan Banbury, the Warriors were overwhelmed in an 8-0 loss to the Wolfpack.

"We came into the game missing some players tonight, but the kids worked hard," said Wasilla coach Wade Schachle. "We set a mild pace for the game."

Banbury was sidelined with a bout of the flu and unable to play.

With the Warriors not having a backup goalie available, forward Jamie Roberts suited up to fill the net. Despite giving up the eight goals, Roberts did a good job replacing Banbury, taking 62 shots on goal in the game.

"It was pretty fun," said Roberts. "I got excited out there and didn't keep my stick on the ice as much as I should have."

Roberts was a regular goaltender from age 10 to 13, but spent little time in the net since. The sheepish look on Roberts' face when he was announced before the game showed something that he was not accustomed to hearing.

"I'm not used to being announced as the goaltender," said Roberts.

As the 62 shots on the Wasilla goal would indicate, most of the game was spent in the Wasilla zone.

The Wasilla defenders couldn't hold off the Wolfpack attack of centering and weak side passes that kept Roberts hopping all game.

"We need to work on our lines and set some positions as we come into regions," said Schachle. "This game was good for the kids to understand that they need to work hard, no matter what line they are on."