By Jim den Hollander
Editor/Publisher
Saukhockey.info
This story has been delayed somewhat due in part to a holdup in getting the gamesheet updated on the USPHL website.
After a great start to the weekend, the Dells Ducks wrapped up its stay in Massachusetts with a third straight loss and second straight shutout loss, falling to the Jersey Shore Whalers 6-0 on Sunday (Nov. 21).
The Ducks kicked off the tournament with its most lopsided win in two seasons, defeating the Wooster Oilers 9-3, but a pair of losses Saturday spoiled the celebration a bit.
On Sunday the Whalers notched one goal in the first and third periods blowing the game open with a four-goal middle frame.
An unfortunate occurrence became the talking point in the days after the game. Jayden Tkaczuk, leading scorer on the team last season and one of the top scorers again this year, was rocked by a brutal hit in the game’s final minutes. The camera angle on the broadcast of the game appeared to show a Jersey Shore skater coming from the bench all the way to the far blue line area – likely 8-10 strides – before delivering the crushing hit on an unsuspecting Tkaczuk.
Tkaczuk suffered a concussion as a result of the charge and had no memory of it or the next little while later. Making matters worse, among the players that came on in defense of their teammate was the team’s leading scorer, Caden Glamkowski who was assessed a fighting major and disqualification in the melee.
The Ducks scattered across the continent after Sunday’s game to celebrate Thanksgiving with their respective families. The team will return after the weekend to begin preparations for a fairly light December schedule.
After traveling to Chicago for a pair of games against the Cougars Dec. 4-5, the Ducks will host the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings at the Lake Delton Ice Arena Dec. 9, then heads back to the Windy City for its third and final Showcase event of the season Dec. 16-19.
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