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Icehawks Become First Team To Advance To Turner Cup Finals

April 26, 2008 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Icehawks News Release


PORT HURON, Mich. - The Port Huron Icehawks had the hometown fans at McMorran Arena on their feet on Friday as they defeated the Flint Generals 4-3 in overtime to become the first International Hockey League team to advance to the Turner Cup Finals.

After splitting the first two games, the Icehawks won three consecutive contests to take the best-of-seven series 4-1. The Icehawks first round victory marks the first time that a Port Huron hockey team has advanced to the playoff finals since 1978.

Josh Aspenlind scored the game winner at 17:42 in the overtime period on assists from Kris Vernarsky and Donnie Margettie. The offensive effort was backed by a stellar performance from goalie Larry Sterling who stopped 47 shots, with 13 saves in the overtime period alone, to keep the Icehawks in the game.

The Icehawks got on the board first when Jeff Zehr scored his first goal of the series on the power play at 14:24 in the first period. He was assisted by Jamie Carroll and Rich Hansen.

Flint's John DiPace scored midway through the second stanza to tie the game, but Margettie scored his third goal of the series on the power play at 18:39 in the second period and Vernarsky notched a goal at 9:15 in the third period to put the Icehawks on top 3-1. DiPace then scored again at 10:03 to cut the Generals deficit to 3-2.

The Icehawks seemed poised to win in regulation until Flint's Josef Fojtik scored with just 24 seconds left to play to force the overtime period. The Generals had an extra attacker on the ice after pulling goalie Chad Alban.

Port Huron was outshot 47-40 in the win. The Icehawks were 2-9 on the power play, while the Generals were 0-3 on the power play.

The Icehawks are now awaiting their opponent for the Finals. Fort Wayne shutout Muskegon 3-0 Friday and now leads that series 3-2. The two teams play tomorrow night (Saturday) in Muskegon.

Game Notes...Sterling was outstanding through the playoff's first round with a 4-1 record and 157 saves on 170 shots...Margettie and Vernarsky were the most productive Icehawks through the first round with seven points each.

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