WORCESTER – There is a lot to be said for going out on top, although not every athlete does it. Railer goaltender John Muse did on Saturday night, beating the Reading Royals by a 5-3 score and missing an empty net goal by about six inches. Muse, 36, played his last professional game and nearly ended his career in historic fashion.
With Royals goaltender Keith Petruzzelli on the bench for an extra skater, Muse controlled the puck near the Railers net and fired a high shot down the ice. It went over everyone and landed in the neutral zone. As the puck crossed the blue line it was headed for the net, but was wobbling.
Just before reaching the crease it veered left and missed the goal by about six inches. No Worcester goalie on any team has ever scored a goal. Muse’s coaches and teammates knew before the game he was retiring but the crowd did not know until after the final whistle.
Everyone in the building saw one of the most thrilling matches the Railers have played in the DCU Center. They trailed by 2-0 after one listless period, a score that would have been worse if not for Muse. Worcester was down, 3-2, going into the third period then outshot the Royals, 15-3, and outscored them by 3-0.
Muse has not grown tired of the game but was offered a chance to coach the Chinese National Team and accepted it. “You never know when an opportunity like this will come along,” he said, “and I’m 36, and planned to retire at the end of this season anyway.” Muse did not show any .