The Maine Nordiques began their 2021-2022 season at the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, Minnesota against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs; who were 4-0 all-time against the Nordiques headed into the game and runners-up in the 2018-2019 Robertson cup final.
The first period began with some good back and forth action as both teams were feeling each other out and some players feeling the ice for the first time in the NAHL. 7 minutes into the game Tristan Fasig would try to cram away at a loose puck in front, but would overstep the line and be called for a goalie interference penalty. The Nords were about to go on their first PK of the season with a quick rush the other way and a power move in front of the Nords net allowed the Ice Dogs to strike first to take the 1-0 lead. Just 3 minutes later the Nordiques would head to the power play; after working it around for just under a minute, Johnny Meiers, would fire a shot on net that got stopped. Caden Pattison was there to pick up the rebound and give the puck to Zion Green who found the back of the net for the Nordiques first goal of the season and his first goal in the NAHL! The Ice Dogs however would respond 4 minutes later off a bad turnover and get the lead back. 2-1 Ice Dogs after 1.
The second period saw more physical play and the Nordiques wanting to get out of the locker room hot, a penalty 4 minutes into the period allowed the Ice Dogs to gain some momentum. Avery Sturtz was strong in net, but the Nordiques couldn’t get much-sustained zone time. The Ice Dogs would add a goal in the second to make it 3-1.
The Nordiques needed a big third period if they wanted to come back. The third featured some good chances for the Nordiques where they were stopped by one of the Mid-West divisions top goalies. The Nords were unable to score on a power play early on into the period and would give up a power play goal late into the period for a 4-1 Ice Dogs win.
The Nords go back to work against the Bismarck Bobcats at 3pm EST for day two of the NAHL showcase looking for their first win of the young season.
