Saturday Sept 19, 2020 USPHL Premier Potomac Patriots 0 @ Charlotte Rush 8
The Potomac Patriots opened their season on the road as they travelled to face division rival Charlotte Rush in a Saturday night match-up.
Both teams were sloppy early as they looked to get their feet underneath them. The lack of execution on passes, penalty trouble and individual play hindered the flow of the period. Both sides took turns getting into penalty trouble.
Charlotte was in the penalty box early and was able to fend off the Potomac attack. The Rush were able to keep the Potomac power play to the outside and any high percentage chance Potomac had was turned aside by Rush goaltender David Battisi 01’. Potomac brought a nice physicality to their game but were extremely undisciplined. Charlotte began to assert themselves after a Potomac five-minute major late in the first period. Charlotte’s Ethan Demumbrum 01’ Forward; who was fantastic all night, was able to pick off a D to D pass from Potomac Defensemen Antonio Balestra 01’ and finished the puck right in the net front.
The late first period goal provided the momentum that Charlotte was looking for as they came out of the intermission looking like a new team. The Rush were able to dominate the period as they scored four second period goals. Two goals came from 03’ Forward Alex James who finished the night with a hat trick. Ethan Demumbrum was able to add his second goal of the night while Pallen Brooks 01’ was able to connect on his first goal of the season.
In the third Charlotte controlled most of the play and were able to continue to add to their impressive score as Potomac looked defeated entering the final period. The Rush saw third period goals from Alex James, Kieran St. Onge 01’ and Christian Bachman 02’. Goaltender David Battisi finished the game with roughly 25 saves (no shot count) for his first shutout of the season.
Charlotte’s youth and skill look to be top notch this season as they move pucks at a rapid pace. The Charlotte power play is extremely effective, and they can get scoring from both units. Potomac looked like a team that was out of sync as they were extremely messy and lacked team chemistry. Charlotte did a nice job of eliminating space for the Potomac attack as Potomac struggled to create sustained offense.
TSA Stars of the Game
Ethan Demumbrum- 01’ Forward, 5’10, 170LBS, Right, Charlotte Rush- Had two goals but was more impressive because of his work away from the puck. He is extremely effective in the defensive zone as he has high effort and great stick habits which eliminate time and space. Showed off nice vision in transitional play and showed the ability to finish around the net consistently.
Alex James- 03’ Forward, 6’1, 168LBS, Right, Charlotte Rush- Scored a hat trick as he is a power play weapon for Charlotte. He does a tremendous job of finding soft areas of the ice and can operate in tight areas. Very soft hands, nice touch around the net and ability to finish. Could use another gear to his overall speed but with his age he will continue to improve his skating.
Alex Davis- 00’ Defensemen, 5’11, 175LBS, Left, Charlotte Rush- Very good awareness from the blue line as he was able to pinch at the appropriate times. Very good stick in the neutral zone and plays the game with a tight gap. Worked well on the power play as he can distribute and get his pucks through traffic. At times he hangs onto pucks too long as he is overly patient. Davis is a very good division 3 prospect this season.
Other Recent Game Reports
Eastern Hockey League Game Report
September 18, 2020 Sono Ice House, CT.
CT Chiefs 7 @ CT Roughriders 3