OGDEN – The 4th place Ogden Mustangs, playing host to 3rd place division rivals, the Cheyenne Stampede last weekend, saw more than 2,000 fans enter The Weber County Ice Sheet for Olympic night.
Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games held in Salt Lake City, the Ogden Mustangs and the GOAL Foundation, a local non-profit organization, hosted the event that included a curling demonstration and a reenactment of the Olympic Opening Ceremony.
“It was an amazing event.” said Mustangs Head Coach, Joe Pfleegor. “That was one of our bigger crowds this season and for them to see that kind of production was incredible.”
In addition to the opening ceremony and curling demonstration, local figure skating instructor Karel Kovar and one of his students, Amalia Friess took part in a figure skating performance.
“Everything that went on was remarkable. said Pfleegor. “For both teams to be a part of that wasgreat, I know our boys won’t forget it.”
The night appeared to be the Mustangs’ after the crowd erupted following an early goal by Ogden forward Alex Pizarro, who struck just two minutes into the first period for his 12th goal of the year. Shortly after, forward, Derek Friend put the Mustangs up by 2 as he notched his 3rd tally of the season.
The Stampede rallied back, however, scoring 7 of the next 9 goals including an empty net goal with 17 seconds remaining in the 3rd period to secure the win.
“It was unfortunate that we were not able to get the win for the crowd.” said Pfleegor of the loss. “But what a great game for that many people to see.”
This story is provided courtesy of Kyle Glover of the Ogden Mustangs