Allen Edges Arizona 1-0 In Goaltending Battle

October 17, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Arizona Sundogs News Release


PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - In a night full of firsts for the expansion franchise, the Allen Americans edged the Arizona Sundogs 1-0 in both clubs' 2009-10 season opener Friday night at Tim's Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. Allen netminder Charlie Effinger pitched his franchise's first-ever shutout with 33 saves while Kyle McNulty was nearly perfect for Arizona with 33 saves on 34 shots.

The two teams skated to a scoreless tie through the opening period's first 18 minutes but a late power play opportunity for Allen proved to be the difference. Following a Matt Foy interference penalty with just over three minutes to play in the frame, Christian Gaudet went down in Americans franchise history recording his team's first-ever goal with five seconds remaining on the man advantage. With possession behind the net, Bruce Graham sent a centering feed to Gaudet between the circles who lifted a shot past netminder Kyle McNulty at the 18:40 mark. Brandon Straub also figured into the organization's first goal with an assist on the play. Shots were even at nine apiece after 20 minutes of play.

Straub picked up another Allen American first midway through the second period, coming together and exchanging blows with Kim Karsberg for the Texas franchise's and the Sundogs' first fight of the young season. Allen outshot Arizona 15-9 in the frame but McNulty turned aside every shot faced to keep the Sundogs' deficit at just one goal. Effinger remained perfect through 40 minutes of play with 18 saves. Each team received two power play chances in the period but neither was able to convert.

The two teams traded scoring chances in the first half of the final period until Arizona stepped up its pressure, eventually outshooting Allen 15-10 in the frame. The Sundogs received a two-man advantage in the closing minutes of the contest but Effinger was able to secure the shutout and his club's first win.

McNulty allowed one goal on 34 shots in the loss while Effinger kicked away all 33 shots faced for Allen's first-ever win. Arizona finished 0-for-5 with the man advantage while Allen converted once on five tries.

The two teams face off again tomorrow night at Tim's Toyota Center at 7:05pm. Tickets start at just $14 and are available by phone at 1-866-4-GET-TIX (1-866-443-8849), online at www.gettix.net and in person at the Tim's Toyota Center Box Office.



Central Hockey League Stories from October 17, 2009


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