OFFENSIVE STRUGGLES RETURN IN 13-4 LOSS TO IRONMEN
Storm get early goals but are shut out in final three quarters

The first of a three-games-in-four-days stretch for the Chicago Storm did not go well in a 13-4 loss to the New Jersey Ironmen at the Prudential Center on Thursday.

Chicago (3-8) visits first place Detroit (7-3) at 6:30 p.m. Friday and then goes to Milwaukee (7-4) on Sunday.

The Storm broke out quickly with first-quarter goals by Andy Rosenband and Frederico Moojen for a 4-2 lead, both on turnovers forced in New Jersey’s defensive end. It was 4-all at halftime, but the Ironmen controlled much of the possession in the second half.

Chicago trailed only 8-4 when Jeff Richey came off for a sixth attacker with about 3 minutes to go, but Lucio Gonzaga’s long 3-pointer and another 2-pointer by Tiguinho widened the final margin.

The Storm’s offensive struggles returned in this game, after consecutive outings with 18 and 13 points. Ironmen keeper Brett Phillips faced just eight shots, and the Storm were 0-for-3 on the power play.

Defensively, Fabinho blocked five shots and the Storm defense turned aside 15 as the Ironmen cranked out 57 shots, indicative of their possession. Chicago also killed off all three power plays it faced.

Chicago travels Friday to Detroit for a 6:30 p.m. CST kickoff with the first-place Ignition. Next home action for the Storm is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. against Milwaukee. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling the Storm office at 1-866-STORM81 (1-866-786-7681).