Rampage "3 Stars of the Week" Nov 18th-Nov 24th

The Rampage had a solid week winning two out of their three games played, including a rare win in Cedar Park. The week kicked off with a 6-1 “School Kids Day” drubbing of OKC that saw the Rampage dominate from beginning to end. Friday, the Rampage fell behind early to Maxime Fortunus and the Texas Stars before overcoming a 2-0 deficit halfway through the second period,eventually winning on Jed Ortmeyer’s 7th round shootout goal. On Sunday, however, the visiting Toronto Marlies would spoil the Rampage’s attempt at a flawless week. Former Panther TJ Brennan scored a power play goal late in the 3rd period and the Marlies would take the win 4-2.

The Rampage were 2-1 for the week, earning four out of a possible six points. Their record now sits at 9-9-0-1 and their 19 points put them tied for 9th in the conference, just one point behind Chicago and five points behind Texas for 4th in the conference and second in the division.

San Antonio Rampage “Three Stars of the Week” for the week ending November 24th:

Photo by Darren Abate

1^st Star: Jacob Markstrom (3GP  2-1-0  2.29GAA  .936)

There was some concern among the Rampage faithful when Markstrom was sent to San Antonio. How was his confidence? How was his attitude following the demotion? Judging by his performance this week, he’s the same old “Marky”. He looks just as quick as ever and played superb hockey all week, especially Friday night in Cedar Park where he stopped 43 of 46 shots faced and then another six out of seven in the shootout.

Photo by Darren Abate 

 2^nd Star: Jared Gomes (3GP  0G-3A-3pts  4 SOG  +2)

It’s no secret that Gomes has struggled this season after a very good rookie season. This week, we saw a glimpse of what we were expecting from Gomes. On Tuesday, his hard work and skill directly led to two Rampage goals. He would add another assist on Friday night before being kept off the score sheet on Sunday.

 Photo by Darren Abate

3^rd Star: Jed Ortmeyer (3GP  1G-1A-2pts  8 SOG  +1)

This was another tough decision. Both Quinton Howden and Vincent Trocheck had star-worthy weeks as well. Ortmeyer, however, had a big game vs. OKC (registering both of his points for the week) and, more importantly, had the game winning shootout goal in Cedar Park. Without that goal in the shootout, this week looks very different for the Rampage.

Honorable Mention: Quinton Howden (3GP  1G-2A-3Pts  4 SOG  +3)

Quinton had a terrific game against the Barons and had been stellar defensively for the last three weeks or so. He’s turned into one of the team’s best players on the PK and, with his speed, is always a threat to get on the score sheet. I’m thinking we could see a big couple of months from Howden.

Three Stars Season Standings
T-1. Garrett Wilson - 2 
T-1. Vincent Trocheck - 2
T-2. Bobby Butler - 1
T-2. Quinton Howden - 1
T-2. Michael Houser - 1
T-2. Steve Pinizzotto - 1
T-2. Dov-Grumet-Morris - 1
T-2. Jon Matsumoto - 1
T-2. Greg Rallo - 1
T-2. Drew Shore - 1   
T-2. Jacob Markstrom - 1
T-2. Jared Gomes - 1
T-2. Jed Ortmeyer - 1

News and Notes:

• Twitter was abuzz yesterday with news of Alex Petrovic’s healthy scratch and the signing of veteran defenseman Doug Janik. Despite the rumors flying around, a team source has told me that Petrovic is still in San Antonio and he is expected to be here this weekend.
•  Veteran center, Jon Matsumoto, has been listed as a healthy scratch the last two games. This could continue for the time being due to the Rampage being at their limit of vets with the addition of Janik.
• Philippe Cornet has registered 1g-2a-3pts in 2 games with the Charlotte Checkers. This comes as a surprise to virtually no one who has followed the Rampage for longer than 15 minutes.

The Rampage played game #19 on Sunday. This means we have reached the quarter mark of the season. My 1Q Grades will be up Wednesday evening. Please stop by and check them out.

This week is also Thanksgiving, and I would be remiss if I didn’t throw out some things I am thankful for.

• I am thankful for all of my friends I have made through the Rampage. You all know who you are and your friendship means a lot to me.
• I am thankful to each and every one of my loyal readers, followers, and fans. Without you, this whole endeavor is me talking to myself in an empty room in my mom’s basement.
• I am thankful to the Rampage for giving this hack blogger the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream. I know it’s not much but this little hobby has turned into a big part of my life.
• Which leads me to: I am SO thankful for having an amazing wife and two awesome kids who understand what this means to me and give me as much leeway as they can to let me keep going. Without their support, there is no way I could do this.