LITTLETON — Chatfield’s curse also is its greatest blessing.
The Chargers were true to form Saturday as they struggled to match the discipline and intensity of rival Dakota Ridge for two periods before erupting early in the third.
“We’re a third-period team when it all works out,” Chargers’ forward Justin Norman said.
Norman’s backhander capped a two-minute, three- goal flurry as Chatfield rallied for a 3-2 nonleague victory over the depleted Eagles at The Edge Ice Center.
Ryan Jendreas and Trevor Knoll each scored for the Chargers (5-3), who snapped a two-game slide by living up to a reputation they established last season of keeping teams close and finishing them off in the final 15 minutes.
“We came out talking about how we really got to pick it up and start playing Chatfield hockey,” said Kris Boguniewicz, who assisted on two goals, including the game-winner. “Our line really had to pick it up. Being the first line, we had to get it going.”
Jendreas scored a short-handed goal with 13:39 remaining and Knoll tied it 67 seconds later when he fired a shot through traffic from the right side. Norman was all smiles when discussing his goal 13 seconds later — a no-look flick behind him as he skated past Eagles goalie Sean Hanni.
“That’s how I practice,” Norman joked.
The Chargers outshot the Eagles 14-4 in the third period, which was as much tenacity as it was discipline. Chatfield couldn’t stay out of the penalty box, especially early on, and gave the Eagles (3-4) nine power-play opportunities.
The Eagles were missing five starters but rode the strong play of their defensemen and Hanni, who is third on the depth chart. Jason Refka opened the scoring for Dakota Ridge, and Gordon Nytes added a power-play goal.
Chatfield 0 0 3 — 3
Dakota Ridge 1 1 0 — 2
First period — DR: Refka (Thenell, Steeman) 10:14. Penalties — Smith, DR, (cross check) 13:10; K. Amstutz, C, (tripping) 6:20; Harris, C, (cross check) 5:05; Render, C, (boarding) 2:35.
Second period — DR: Nytes (unassisted) 2:09 pp. Penalties — Latham, DR, (slashing) 12:08; Nahmensen, C, (hooking) 9:20; Smith, DR, (elbowing) 6:09; Denbow, DR, (roughing) 5:58; Norman, C, (roughing) 5:58; too many men on the ice (served by Royval), C, 3:27; Knoll, C, (boarding), 0:21.
Third period — C: Jendreas (Glombecki) 13:39 sh; Knoll (Norman, Boguniewicz) 11:32; Norman (Render, Boguniewicz) 11:19. Penalties — Z. Amstutz, C, (kneeing) 10:27; Norman, C, (elbowing) 2:42; Denbow, DR, (holding) 0:45; Steeman, DR, (unsportsmanlike) 0:07.
Saves — Chatfield (Johnson) 6-12-4 — 22; Dakota Ridge (Hanni, Ibeling) 12-12-11 — 35. Power-play opportunities — Chatfield 0-for-4; Dakota Ridge 1-for-9.
