Madore shines as Hornets beat Pikes Peak in TI Thanksgiving Tourney

Updates now just in from eyewitness reports at the Wisconsin game last night, it appeared that both teams had elevated levels of L-tryptophan in their blood systems from Thanksgiving Day turkey as the game started out sluggish and a bit disjointed. Thankfully, Ben Burns stood firm in goal thoughout and Chris Cerrutti (on assists by Ronnie Kramer and Gerry Raymond) rang up the only tally for Hornets to cement this tie game. With the tie behind them, the Hornets moved on to play Pikes Peak later that evening.

In the Pikes Peak game, the L-tryptophan finally wore off as the Pittsburgh Hornets picked up their play and chisled out a 2-1 victory over a gritty Pikes Peak team. The Raymond line was hot again as Gerry Raymond (on assists from Chrsi Cerrutti and Ronnie Kramer) scored the first goal. Pikes Peak tied the game up shortly thereafter and a strong struggle ensued between both teams for the remainder of the game until Chris Cerrutti (on assists from Gerry Raymond and Ronnie Kramer) broke the deadlock and scored the game winner with a few minutes left in the third period to give the Hornets a hard fought 2-1 victory. The compelling storyline of this game though was the outstanding play again of goalie Rob Madore, who played an remarkable game in goal and saved the day with some critical saves on a couple of breakaways in the third period.

Next up the Hornets play Indiana at 3pm est and the Phoenix Firebirds at 9pm est today. Note also they are posting running scores of the tournament at http://teamillinoishockey.com/TI_Thanksgiving_Major.htm though the scores are a bit delayed.