A late comeback attempt came up short for the Twin City Thunder on Monday.
The Thunder (1-2-1, 3 points) lost its second straight game at the Jr. Bruins Shootout, falling to the Rockets Hockey Club 3-2 in a shootout in a USPHL National Collegiate Development Conference game at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts.
On Sunday, the Thunder lost to the Connecticut Jr. Rangers 2-1.
Rockets forward Ryan Leonard scored in the sixth round for the lone goal in the shootout Monday.
The lack of putting the puck in the net isn’t a concern yet for coach Dan Hodge.
“It’s been difficult, but like I was telling the guys, we are getting the opportunities (to score) and that’s the main thing,” Hodge said. “If we weren’t getting opportunities, there would be a cause for panic. But we are getting chances and pretty soon they will start going . We are creating a lot of great opportunities for ourselves”
Nick Bernstein was outstanding for the Thunder in goal, with 38 saves in the loss. Geno Pichora stopped 27 shots for the Rockets in the win.
All four of the Thunder’s goalies have played well in the early going of the season.
“The goaltender has been fantastic,” Hodge said. “Brody (Haynes) played the first game and gave up a goal. Dane Couture (played Saturday) and (Nick Bernstein) gave up two goals (on Monday), (Owen Carlson) gave up two (on Sunday). Like I told the guys, goalies are giving us a chance to win. We just have to score more than two goals.”
Down 2-0, the Thunder made a comeback in the middle of the third period, starting with Tyler Healey recording his first goal of the season and Nate Chickering picking up the assist. It was a shorthanded goal.
“(Healey) does everything, he’s a real special player,” Hodge said. “These first four games, every night you know what (to expect) from him. He, Chickering and Trace Norwell, that line has been doing a great job together. They seem to thrive off of each other.”
Lewiston native Dom Chasse tied the game at 2-2 on the power play, with Healy and defenseman Ben Monson recording the assists.
The Rockets (2-4-0, 4 points) took a 1-0 lead midway through the second period when Jack Barbo scored his first goal of the season.
Niagara University commit Johnny Wescoe put the Rockets up 2-0 early in the third period. Cam Bergeman picked up his second assist of the game, and Jason Gallucci had the secondary assist.
The Thunder will host the Islanders Hockey Club at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Norway Savings Bank Arena.
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