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Bears Edge Phantom on Late Goal

April 19, 2013 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release


Another tight contest well into the third period appeared to have the potential for yet more "free hockey" in the form of overtime at the Glens Falls Civic Center for what would have been the fifth time in the last six home games. Michael Latte came through late with his first goal with his new team for a 2-1 Hershey Bears win.

The loss was just the second in regulation in Adirondack's last 10 home games, both coming on late third-period tie-breakers.

The game also featured an extremely emotional moment in the third period as public-address announcer Dan Miner informed the crowd that the Boston Marathon bomber had indeed been caught. An impressive standing-ovation responded to the news and after that was the popular song for Boston sports fans "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond. After that was a proud and fun "U-S-A" chant ringing out in the GFCC as the fans all relished the chance to celebrate the law enforcement's success at the end of the unforgettable and emotional week.

As for the game itself; Hershey's win strengthens their chances in the final-weekend playoff scramble as they move into a four-way tie for the last two spots with Manchester, Norfolk and Connecticut.

Jason Akeson scored his team-leading 20th goal of the year for Adirondack to give the Phantoms a 1-0 lead in the first period and usually the Phantoms are clutch in their follow-through when they score the first goal of the game. Adirondack was 20-5-2 when scoring the first goal but this one would go down as just their sixth regulation loss of the season in games in which they had a 1-0 lead.

Tye McGinn had almost scored as well for Adirondack that would have made it 2-0 but he had kicked the puck in from the right circle and the officials quickly disallowed the tally after a conference.

Adirondack also had a pair of pipe-shots in the game. Jason Akeson and Rob Bordson both sped free on breakaways, both beat Hershey goalie Philip Grubauer, but both were denied by the iron.

As for that winner which Hershey tallied in the last five minutes, head coach Terry Murray had his own thoughts on a no-call that made the difference.

"Their winning goal is offiside by two feet, "Murray said. "The kids pour their heart into the game and they (cost) them with an offside call that's so clear. I don't get it."

On a few rushes into the zone and also through center that had potential, Adirondack might have been guilty of "too many passes" some of the time.

"I think we get into a situation where we try to do too many things with the puck as we get through the middle of the ice instead of getting it in behind the defense and doing the things that we've been doing so well in the past seven or eight games," Murray said. "Get on the forecheck. Get on the hunt. Get some bodies. Get pucks to the net. We were playing a three-quarter ice game for too much of the game here tonight."

Former Philadelphia Phantom Ryan Potulny helped Hershey get on the board late in the second period to the game. His right-wing shot was saved by Heeter but defenseman Cameron Schilling was in the slot for the rebound as he was able to reach his stick around Garrett Roe for his seventh of the year.

Hershey had the early edge in the first 12 minutes or so of the game as they were outshooting Adirondack 8-1. But the Bears had only three more shots in the next 22 minutes of play while Adirondack was cranking up the chances including their two post-shots in the first period and other narrow misses.

Cal Heeter played extremely well in keeping the Bears in check and made a number of tremendous saves in the game but was not able to get enough offensive support for the win.

Hershey outshot Adirondack 26-20. The game was a relatively clean one with both teams completely staying out of the penalty box in the second and third periods. There were only a handful of penalties called in the first. Hershey was 0-for-2 on the power play while Adirondack was 0-for-1.

Zack FitzGerald missed the game with a lower-body injury. Other scratches included Ian Slater, David Laliberte and Jeff Dimmen.

The Phantoms wrap things up with their last home game on Saturday at 7:00 against the Northeast Division champion Springfield Falcons. Super-Fan Cameron Hughes will be there to get the crowd going crazy. And Scoville Jewelers will give away free gemstones to the first 500 fans in attendance PLUS a $25 gift-card and will also give a prize-package valued at over $1,000 to one lucky fan. Call the Phantoms at 518-480-3355.

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American Hockey League Stories from April 19, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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