ZOMBIES FALL 1-2 TO BEER HAWKS

The Zombies went toe-to-toe with the defending Wednesday Summer League champion Beer Hawks and nearly pulled off a late comeback before falling 2-1 at Walker Ice & Fitness Center.

The opening period was a defensive battle, with neither team able to break through. Zombie goaltender Kevin Wootton (#35) was outstanding early, turning aside several quality opportunities and frustrating the reigning champions throughout the night.

The deadlock was finally broken in the second period with 8:38 remaining when Trevor Banas scored an unassisted goal to give the Beer Hawks a 1-0 advantage. Just over two minutes later, Banas struck again with 6:17 remaining, finishing a play set up by Coby Sabin to extend the Beer Hawks lead to 2-0.

Despite facing a two-goal deficit against one of the league’s strongest teams, the Zombies refused to stay buried.

The comeback effort began in the third period when Ryan Green (#12) brought the Zombies back to life with 4:12 remaining, burying an unassisted goal to cut the deficit to 2-1. The goal energized the Zombie bench and created several tense moments down the stretch as the team pushed for the equalizer.

The Zombies continued applying pressure during the final minutes while Wootton kept the game within reach at the other end. His spectacular performance in goal against the reigning league champions gave the Zombies every opportunity to earn a result. Unfortunately, the Beer Hawks were able to hold on through the final horn and escape with the 2-1 victory.

While the scoreboard showed a loss, the effort and determination displayed by the Zombies against the defending champions proved they can compete with anyone in the Wednesday Summer League.