Bedford 7, Perrysburg 4

In a game that had a little of everything, Bedford rang in the new year with a bizarre 7-4 victory over Perrysburg.  There were full strength goals, 4-on-4 goals, power play goals, a shorthanded goal, and an empty net goal.  There was even a parade to the penalty box that would rival any bowl game festivity.

The Yellowjackets startled Bedford with an early goal, so much so that Coach Menchaca called for a time out to settle down the team.  The Mules responded a couple of minutes later with a pair of goals in a 40 second span.  David Jeffers scored the equalizer, his first in a three goal night, followed by the go-ahead goal from Josef Molnar.

The second period was all Bedford.  Goals by Austin Grycza, Bob Bobroski, and Jeffers gave the Mules what seemed like a comfortable 5-1 lead at the break.  The shots were 18-0 in the period, and it looked like Perrysburg had run out of steam.  Things aren’t always what they appear to be.

Eight straight Mule penalties helped change momentum.  Three times Bedford had to work off a 5-on-3 situation.  It felt like the Jackets were the only team allowed to check, which further rattled the Mules.  Perrysburg scored during their second two-man advantage, then tallied again during the ensuing 5-on-4.  Now it was suddenly a 5-3 game.  Less than two minutes later it went to 5-4 on yet another power play, and there were still five minutes remaining.

The Mules were hanging on for dear life.  However, as the last of the Bedford penalties was on the clock, Jeffers knocked home a pivotal short-handed goal and the Mules could breathe a little easier.  Then with the Perrysburg goalkeeper pulled for an extra attacker, Dale Davis broke free and scored into the empty net to end the roller coaster ride of the third period.  The Jackets outshot Bedford 13-4 in that period.