Arizona Beats Scorpions For Division Crown

Published on March 19, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
New Mexico Scorpions News Release


[ RIO RANCHO, N.M.]-The Scorpions fought hard but could not overcome a four goal deficit and fell 8-6 to Arizona on Tuesday night. The loss coupled with the Odessa win dropped the Scorps to the fourth spot in the Southern Conference.

The Sundogs got out to a quick start with two goals in the first five minutes. Alex Leavitt found the back door open for the game's first goal. The lead increased when mark Kolanos pushed home a rebound at the 5:03 mark.

A whole new Scorpions team played in the second half of the opening period. Ross McCain scored his first goal in six weeks with a great wrist shot from inside the circle. Craig Macdonald tied the game up minutes later with his 27th goal of the season.

Arizona grabbed the lead back when Tyler Liebel tipped in his first goal of the night 1:20 into the second period. The Scorpions came back with a power play goal from Dominic Osman.

Back to the lead went the Sundogs when Liebel scored his second goal of the game. With his team on a power play Jason Visser found a rebound sitting on his stick, and scored to put Arizona back up by two goals.

For the third straight period the Sundogs came out the faster team. Cory Urquhart scored a power play goal 48 seconds into the third period. Steve Rymsha gave the Sundogs their biggest lead of the game with his second goal of the season.

Down four goals the Scorpions attempted a furious comeback. Kevin Harvey tipped in a Ross McCain shot at the 6:13 mark of the final frame. Vladimir Hartinger, who early in the day was named to the All-CHL team, brought his team to within two goals. With a two-man advantage underway, Aaron MacInnis' slap shot found the back of the net, bringing New Mexico to within a lone goal.

The Scorpions got pressure on net after the goaltender was pulled with 1:43 remaining. The centerman won the draws and put seven shots in the final two minutes on the net, but goalie Rob McVicar stopped them all. Liebel fished his hat trick and the game with an empty goal with 3.8 seconds showing on the clock.

The win clinched the Southwest Division title for Arizona, their first in team history. The Scorpions will head to Amarillo for an important game Friday night. The puck drops at 6:05 p.m. can be heard live on 1050 KTBL or seen for free on the CHL Network.

The final regular season home game is Saturday, March 22nd when Amarillo visits the Santa Ana Star Center. It will be "Fan Appreciation Night" with a chance to win $10,000 in cash, airline tickets or a beautiful safe filled with prizes.

Take advantage of the Scorpions "All You Can Eat Weekend Special." Eat all the hot dogs, sodas, nachos and popcorn you want while sitting in a corner seat for only $20. Call the Scorpions' office at (505) 881-PUCK (7825) or visit www.scorpionshockey.com to find out how you can be a part of Real Hockey, Rio Entertainment. You don't want to miss your chance to watch the Scorpions drive toward the Ray Miron President's Cup.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Central Hockey League Stories from March 19, 2008


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.

OurSports Central