Andrew Bergmann’s five-point effort led the Airdrie Thunder to a 6-4 win over the Mountainview Colts during the Junior B hockey team’s wildly entertaining home and season opener at the Ron Ebbesen Arena on Oct. 1.
The 18-year-old Airdrie native’s third goal of the night came on a penalty shot with 2:50 remaining in the game with the Thunder grasping to a 5-4 lead.
Bergmann knew exactly what he needed to do.
“We had a one-goal lead and I just wanted to put it away – I love going backhand and usually come in from that same side,” he said.
“Whenever you get a penalty shot, it’s nerve-wracking and (Bergmann) made a great move,” said Thunder head coach Darryl Einarson. “He’s a super talent. All three of his goals were highlight goals.”
Einarson wasn’t as happy when the Colts opened the scoring eight minutes into the game, after Thunder goalie Logan Marlow kicked out a huge rebound to Cody Krebs – who promptly tucked it into the open net.
Tannor Kocis responded with 1:50 left in the first, on the Thunder’s fourth straight power play, when his point shot beat Colts’ goalie Ethan Jemieff. Bergmann and Cache Doolaege drew assists.
Bergmann made it 2-1 a minute later on a top corner shot following a gift-wrapped pass from Alex Hustad. The Thunder kept its momentum into the second period when Alex Diduch found Bergmann and he cleared two defenseman and Jemieff to make it 3-1, one minute into the frame.
“I was just at the right place at the right time and found my teammates for the assists and they found me for the goals,” Bergmann said. “It’s awesome (to get the first win), especially against a division rival.”
Taylor Olsen brought the Colts within one 14:19 into the second when he finished a slick passing play from Beau Jackson and Braeden Anderson.
“Their goalie really held them in at 3-1, making some spectacular saves, and their second goal gave them some momentum,” Einarson said. “When we were down 3-2, it was a gut check time. But we hung in there and showed our maturity - great character.”
Tyson Taylor beat Marlow 1:26 into the third on a Colts power play, before Jackson put Mountainview ahead 4-3, two minutes later. But the Colts took another three straight penalties and Airdrie took advantage of the momentum swing when Ryan Russell’s point shot, from Bergmann and Diduch, tied the game again.
Hustad scored the game winner less than two minutes later, also on the power play, which was 3/13 on the night, to put the Thunder ahead 5-4. Bergmann then completed the hat trick and put the game out of reach on his penalty shot goal.
“We didn’t have a great start, but I thought we did well to come out with a win,” Einarson said. “We’ll take the win, no question about that.”
The Thunder moved to 2W-0L following Hustad’s game-winning overtime goal in a 3-2 road win over the Coaldale Copperheads on Oct. 2.
The team will return home to face the Rimbey Rock on Oct. 8. Game time is 8 p.m. at the Ron Ebbesen Arena.
