STATELINE, NV- There’s nothing like home cooking.
In their first home game in almost three weeks, The Tahoe Knight Monsters enjoyed some home cooking on Thursday and erupted to a dominant 8-2 win against the Utah Grizzlies. Luke Adam had five points, Tahoe had 8 different goal scorers, and Jesper Vikman stayed sharp in net in the fifth straight victory for the Knight Monsters.
Things did start poorly for the Knight Monsters though, as they allowed Utah to strike first on a point-blank chance from Aaron Aragon. It was just the second time over the past three weeks that Tahoe had allowed the first goal in a game.
But then Tahoe took charge and didn’t look back.
They notched a four-goal avalanche to close down the first, with Jett Jones, Anthony Collins, Simon Pinard, and Patrick Newell all striking to make it 4-1 Tahoe after 20 minutes.
🚨 #10 JETT JONES TIES IT UP IN THE FIRST!! 🚨
🍏 Captain #19 Luke Adam! pic.twitter.com/Y6BB6iA3fa— Tahoe Knight Monsters (@Knight_monsters)December 13, 2024
Both Jones and Newell scored while stationed on the doorstep, and both goals were assisted by Luke Adam, who finished with five helpers in the game.
🚨 #10 JETT JONES TIES IT UP IN THE FIRST!! 🚨
🍏 Captain #19 Luke Adam! pic.twitter.com/Y6BB6iA3fa— Tahoe Knight Monsters (@Knight_monsters)December 13, 2024
“It was important getting the lead… we played a good game tonight, maybe let them back in a little bit there, but bounced back and played a smart, solid, all-around game,” said Adam.
Hear from our @Tahoe_AleWorX player of the game, captain Luke Adam, after his 5-assist performance in our 8-2 win tonight!#tessthewaters pic.twitter.com/Ku5gErYLWc
— Tahoe Knight Monsters (@Knight_monsters)December 13, 2024
Things continued to roll in Tahoe’s favor in the second, as Adam Robbins and Troy Loggins both scored following a Luke Manning goal for Utah. Loggins’ goal was set up off a beautiful feed from Jake McGrew, who also assisted on Newell’s goal in the first.
like I said... ain't. no. thang.
🚨: #17 ADAM ROBBINS!!!
🍏: #21 Sloan Stanick & #23 Jake Johnson pic.twitter.com/IvvKm1Kq7c— Tahoe Knight Monsters (@Knight_monsters)December 13, 2024
The game was well in hand entering the third, but the Knight Monsters continued to tack on with McGrew being rewarded with a deflection goal just two minutes in, and Blake Christensen scoring with just over 90 seconds to go in regulation.
🚨: #81 Blake Christensen with goal #8 for Tahoe tonight!! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/3Sdh9DfHWL
— Tahoe Knight Monsters (@Knight_monsters)December 13, 2024
Vikman finished the contest making 36-of-38 saves in his best start since early November.
Tahoe has now won five games in a row, by far their longest winning streak of the season, and looks poised to continue the momentum in front of two more home crowds this weekend.
“It's great to be back in front of the fans, it was a great, great crowd for a Thursday night,” said Adam. “They were loud, they were into it, and we hope to keep that going.”
Tahoe has a day off on Friday before game two of the series on Saturday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 pm, and don’t forget to bring your teddy bears for Teddy Bear Toss Night! After every Knight Monsters home game check out a postgame party at AleWorX Stateline for wood-fired pizza, self-serve beer, and great scenery.
#TessTheWaters