Image courtesy: Tom Skulski/Steamboat Pilot & Today
The Steamboat Sailors hockey team continued its dominant home form, cruising to a 7-2 victory over Crested Butte on Friday night at the Howie Dome. The team showcased its depth, with six unique goal scorers contributing to the win, led by senior captain Angus Frithsen’s standout three-point performance.
Frithsen netted two goals and added an assist, solidifying his role as a key player for the Sailors. His efforts were complemented by a strong team showing, despite a challenging game marred by frequent penalties.
Penalty Trouble Challenges Sailors
While the Sailors controlled much of the game, penalties proved to be a persistent issue. The team racked up several minor infractions and two five-minute majors, leaving them shorthanded on multiple occasions. Crested Butte capitalized on these opportunities, scoring both their goals during power plays.
Senior Zane Durham, who was named Player of the Game by head coach Brian Ripley, emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive attitude when penalties occur.
“When we’re down a guy in the penalty box, we know we’ll bounce back and score,” Durham said. His determination was evident as he not only netted the Sailors’ sixth goal off a pass from Finn Chapman but also made critical defensive plays to stifle the Titans’ offense.
Balanced Scoring Drives Victory
The Sailors’ offense fired on all cylinders, with a well-balanced attack featuring contributions from several players.
- Trenton McElhinney struck early, scoring in the opening three minutes of the game.
- Heck Stephenson impressed with a lightning-quick shot to add to the scoreboard.
- Finn Baier opened the scoring in the third period with a slick finish.
- Sawyer Vietanen capped off the game with the seventh and final goal for the Sailors.
Frithsen’s leadership, combined with contributions from his teammates, proved too much for the visiting Titans to handle.
Second Game Brings Shutout Victory
The Sailors carried their momentum into the second game of the weekend, blanking Crested Butte 4-0 on Saturday afternoon to complete the sweep. The back-to-back victories extended the team’s home winning streak to 4-0 and improved their overall record to 5-1 on the season.
Reflecting on the series, Durham acknowledged that the team had a slow start on Friday but quickly found its rhythm in the second period. “We knew Crested Butte would play aggressively, and I think we handled it well,” he said.
Looking Ahead: Road Challenges Await
With their confidence soaring, the Sailors now prepare for a challenging three-game road trip in Colorado Springs. They will face Lewis-Palmer, Cheyenne Mountain, and Colorado Springs District 11 Ice Hockey at Robson Arena from Thursday through Saturday.
Durham expressed optimism about the team’s chances despite the tough schedule. “We’ve always got each other’s backs. We stay positive and lift each other up,” he said.
The Sailors’ strong team chemistry and balanced attack will be key as they aim to maintain their winning momentum on the road.
Final Score Recap
Crested Butte 2, Steamboat Springs 7
- CB: 1 | 1 | 0
- SS: 1 | 3 | 3
The Sailors’ continued dominance at the Howie Dome underscores their potential to make a deep run this season. With a mix of experienced leadership and team depth, Steamboat hockey looks poised for success.
