Viks Down Two With One to Go!

January 22, 2007

By: Skip Berry – Director of Media Relations

The Portland State Vikings drop two games over the weekend against the Oregon Ducks and now look to the final meeting of the year on Thursday night. The Ducks were much too deep for the Vikings and Portland State loss two games to the Ducks by the finals of 9-2 and 11-1.

Portland State (8-7-0-1 – 17 pts.) will prepare for a rare Thursday game against Oregon (14-5-1-0 – 29 pts.) with the same problems that the Vikings have had all year. The lack of skaters has been the story for the Vikings this season and it won’t change for the rest of the 2007-2008 season.

“We gave it our all and did our best tonight,” said Vikings forward Ryan Ellis after Friday night’s 9-2 loss. “We just got to keep the game plan simple and not make big mistakes because a team like Oregon will make us pay for it.”

Ellis, who seen a lot of time playing defense due to the lack of numbers, has been shaking off the effects of an injury that was sustained in the first game at Western Washington University a week ago. He played brilliantly against the Ducks, tallying 2 assist in the two games.

Oregon’s Cameron Forni had a big weekend against the Vikings scoring 7 goals and picking up 2 assist. Something that head coach Lance Gilbert feels the Vikings need to focus on shutting down the effectiveness of Forni.

“He’s a smart player and if you give him room, he will make you pay with a good scoring chance,” Gilbert said after Saturday night’s game. “It’s not simple to shadow a guy when you don’t have the depth to rest players.”

Vikings had some success on the power play turning in a 2 for 14 performance against the Ducks in the two games. However, the Vikings allowed 5 power play goals to the Ducks on 15 opportunities during the weekend match up.

If the Vikings are going to beat the Ducks this season they will only get one more chance and that will be this Thursday at 9:00pm in Eugene, OR at the Lane County Ice Arena. Viks Radio will be live at 8:30pm with the Pre-Game Show from Eugene.

If you would like more information about the Portland State University Vikings Hockey Club, advertising and sponsorship opportunities at our home venue, Mountain View Ice Arena, please contact BWL Media LLC at 971-409-7443 or by email: skipberry@psuvikingshockey.com