Sabers & Shredders rivalry delivers a thrilling series

Friday, September 29, 2023 - Lakewood Ice

In a nail-biting game, the Long Beach Shredders defeated the San Diego Sabers with a 3-2 overtime victory. The thrilling match, held at the Lakewood Ice, showcased the tenacity of both teams.

The first period saw the San Diego Sabers seize the initiative, with Felix Gouin finding the back of the net at 14:39, assisted by Almanza and Ouellet. The Sabers managed to keep their discipline early on, despite some minor penalties. However, as the game progressed, tensions rose, leading to several misconduct penalties for both teams.

The second period remained scoreless, thanks to the solid goaltending from both sides. Both Perry for the Sabers and Patterson for the Shredders made key saves to keep their teams in the game.

The third period witnessed a fierce battle, with Long Beach Shredders' Wight leveling the score at 2-2 at 9:25. The Sabers responded with a goal by Williams, assisted by Ouellet, at 13:04. However, the Shredders weren't finished yet, as Flick netted the equalizer at 19:35, sending the game into overtime.

In the first overtime period, Long Beach's Wight capitalized on a power play opportunity, securing the victory just 30 seconds in, assisted by Cherniak.

The shot count was almost even, with the Shredders recording 46 shots on goal and the Sabers not far behind at 45. The power play favored the Shredders, who converted on 1 of their 6 opportunities, while the Sabers were unable to capitalize on their two chances.

Both goaltenders, Perry for the Sabers and Patterson for the Shredders had impressive performances, making 43 and 43 saves, respectively.

This thrilling game set the tone for what promises to be an exciting rivalry for both teams.

Saturday, September 30, 2023 - Carlsbad Icetown

In a high-scoring showdown, the Long Beach Shredders emerged victorious with a 7-5 win over the San Diego Sabers in their second meeting of the season. The action-packed game, held at Carlsbad Icetown, featured a flurry of goals and penalties from both sides.

The Shredders wasted no time, with Walton, Flick, and Hewitt finding the back of the net in the opening period, giving Long Beach a commanding 3-0 lead. The Sabers fought back, with Litzinger and Ouellet scoring two quick goals, but the Shredders remained in control.

The second period continued to be a rollercoaster, with both teams exchanging goals. Walton, Coughlin, and Flick extended the Shredders' lead, while the Sabers' Ouellet and Litzinger kept their team within striking distance.

The third period witnessed a late surge from the Sabers, as they scored three goals, including one on the power play. Despite their efforts, the Shredders held on for the 7-5 win.

The Shredders gained more shots on goal, tallying 56 to the Sabers' 53, showcasing both team's relentless offensive action in the game.

In the end, Long Beach's Patterson stood tall in the crease, making 48 saves on 53 shots. On the other side, the Sabers split goaltending duties between St-Denis-Lacombe and May.

The Shredders' victory in this high-scoring contest gave them a valuable lead in the series, heading into the final game with a 2-0 advantage.

Sunday, October 1, 2023 - Carlsbad Icetown

The Long Beach Shredders completed a stunning series sweep with a 6-5 victory over the San Diego Sabers in a dramatic final showdown at Carlsbad Icetown. This thrilling contest had fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The first period set the tone for the game, with the Shredders' Wight opening the scoring at 2:39, countered by the Sabers' Taylor and Therrien, who notched a power-play goal, and the Shredders' Hryhor, making it 2-2 at the end of the period.

The second period continued the back-and-forth action, with goals from Heskett and Taylor for the Sabers and Flick, Walton, and Nieto for the Shredders. The Shredders capitalized on the power play twice during this period.

In the third period, Long Beach's Wight netted his second goal of the game at 6:52. Despite a late push from the Sabers, who managed to score on the power play once again, the Shredders held on for the win.

The shot totals favored the Shredders, who registered 52 shots on goal compared to the Sabers' 44.

Long Beach converted on two of their power-play opportunities, while the Sabers capitalized on three.

Krell, the Shredders' goaltender, made 39 saves on 44 shots, securing the series sweep.