Charlotte’s “Six Shooters” Reign in D.C.

Charlotte Outlawz 9, D.C. Mad Dogs 2

The Charlotte Outlawz served notice to the competition Saturday on the road with an impressive thumping of the D.C. Mad Dogs, 9-2. The Outlawz, playing in their season opener for the 2006-2007 Season, were already playing with a depleted roster – only six players were in uniform as opposed to the twelve players dressed for the Mad Dogs. As it turns out, six was all it took for Charlotte to throttle D.C. and stake their claim as a team to watch in 2006.

Asst. Captain Morgan Miskell (#77 Defenseman) notched a hat trick Saturday, complementing his three-goal performance with three assists. Captain Chris Street (#9 Forward) also helped two pucks find their way into the net, tallying three assists as well. Forwards Chris Welch (#27) and Mike Tefft (#18) also scored twice. Fatigue may have been setting in on the overworked roster by the end of the day, but their performance in the game never wavered – six of the Outlawz’ nine goals came in the second half, this after notching three goals in the opening half. All six players acquired at least a point in the game, including Defensemen Eric Ortega (#19) and Matt Savino (#12), who also contributed stellar defensive play to the winning effort. The Charlotte defense held D.C. to a pair of goals, with only one allowed in each half.

Performance of the night honors go to goaltender David Levinson, who logged 37 saves off of 39 shots on goal, keeping the outnumbered Outlawz from falling behind early and allowing his playmakers to go to work. And go to work they did, spanking the Mad Dogs in what amounted to a poor showing from a team with twice the depth heading into Saturday’s game. The final shot tally came in at 41-39 in favor of the visitors, making the game appear closer than it actually was. The Outlawz averaged a goal almost every five shots on net, demonstrating a scoring prowess that should put the fear of God into their opponents, all things considered. If the six forwards missing from Saturday’s game can perform anywhere near the level of the current line, the Outlawz could have the most depth of any team in the Super League.

This coming Saturday (12.16.06), the Outlawz play in their home opener against the Virginia Wings at the Charlotte Sports Center. With a win, the Outlawz will find themselves in first place in the MLRH Super League, so it’ll be a guaranteed dogfight to the finish in the Queen City. Tailgate Crashers will be their Saturday night for continuing coverage of Charlotte Outlawz hockey. Then, check back here Sunday for analysis and comments.

The Outlawz are an expansion team in their second year with MLRH, which is the only professional full contact roller hockey league operating in the United States today. Other teams in the league can be found in Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and in the Midwest. Games consist of four twelve minute quarters/periods, with a sudden death overtime period lasting five minutes in duration in the event of a tie score at the end of regulation. Similar to the new NHL overtime format, a game cannot end in a draw in Major League Roller Hockey. A shootout will determine the winner if a sudden death overtime period cannot. The league itself uses the International Inline Hockey Federation perimeters for any play deemed offsides, and is “open” to the idea of physical play.

The Charlotte Outlawz make for a great atmosphere, and you really owe it to yourself to check out a game. Playing at the Charlotte Sports Center (Ph. 704-597-7311), Outlawz tickets are only $5.00, and fans can sit right up near the action. The league begins play in November, and will run throughout the winter into early spring 2007. For more information on the Charlotte Outlawz, visit their website at OutlawzHockey.com!

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By Steve Price, Your Host with the Most
Tailgate Crashers – Returns 12.17.2006