Robby "No-No": Rob Nolan Records First Shut-Out As a Flint General

FLINT, Michigan -- Flint Generals goaltender Rob Nolan recorded his first professional shutout against the Dayton Gems on Saturday night. Flint out-shot, out-skated and dominated the Gems for 60 solid minutes. Flint's 20 shot first period was a season best.

The Generals have had a year-long-struggle when it comes to stringing together three stout periods of hockey but they managed to pull it all together for fans the day after Christmas.

Echoes of "Ho-ho-ho" were still heard in the Perani Arena -- chants that should've been changed to "No-no-no" for rookie net-minder Robby Nolan.

"I think this was our best game," said Nolan, "we have to take what we can from the game, forget about it, go tomorrow and do the same thing."  

Flint's John Ronan scored his 10th goal of 2009-10 campaign midway through the second period. Jake Pence and Rick Smith were there for Ronan with the assists.

Some of the Generals' best hockey of the year came in the third period.

Flint scored two quick goals in the first three minutes to gain a comfortable edge over the visiting Gems.

Former Spartan great Brian Smolinski and current Flint star, Jamie Schaafsma put the puck on the tape of John Mori's stick -- a combination that led to a 2-0 General lead.

Just over two minutes later, another former MSU standout, Brandon Gentile, was virtually untouched before netting Flint's third goal of the contest. Gentile's unassisted backhander was the "nail-in-the-coffin" -- the Generals would skate away with their most impressive victory of the year 17 minutes later.

"If guys don’t think we’re going to make the playoffs, they won’t be here very long. Everyone's bought into the system," said Nolan.

The Generals have their work cut out for them and they know that. Making the IHL playoffs is a goal that is still attainable.

Rob Nolan isn't the only guy in the locker room that feels that the Generals have what it takes to be competitive and make a post season run. Nolan welcomes the pressure of being the anchor for his team and has a positive outlook on the remainder of the season.

"I think that every guy that plays hockey wants to be the go-to-guy," Nolan said, "(We have to) take it night by night and see what happens."

The Generals improve to 9-17-1-2 and will host the third place Fort Wayne Komets on Sunday.