Austin 2, El Paso 1 (series tied, 2-2)
April 12, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
El Paso Buzzards News Release
The Austin Ice Bats had the hot hand offensively in the first period, but used defense and goaltending to beat the El Paso Buzzards 2-1, evening the best-of-seven Southern Conference Finals at two games apiece.
For the first time in the series the Ice Bats opened up the scoring as Gerald Tallaire tallied his fourth goal of the series with a backhander in the slot past a screened Rob Laurie in the Buzzards goal.
Tallaire's goal at 9:59 of the first was answered by teammate Greg Willers just over four minutes later. Willers, a defenseman, ripped a shot from the blue line that beat Laurie at 14:00 of the first, and Austin carried a 2-0 lead into the first intermission.
The Bats once again outshot El Paso, peppering Laurie with 19 shots to the Buzzards five in the first frame.
The second period was a bit brighter for the Buzzards. Though still outshot 11-7, El Paso's increased effort was evident and John Hanson finally broke through Austin's defense with a rip from the left circle. Bats goalie Bryan McMullen made the initial save, but the shot's momentum carried it past his glove and into the net at 6:53, and Austin had their lead halved going into the final period.
El Paso finally broke into double figures in shots on goal in the third, outshooting the Ice Bats 13-6. But McMullen stood strong robbing the Buzzards improved stabs at the Austin net and earning second star honors.
Game 5 of the series is tonight in Austin and Game 6 will be Monday in El Paso. If necessary, Game 7 would be played Wednesday night in Austin.
Central Hockey League Stories from April 12, 2002
- Austin 2, El Paso 1 (series tied, 2-2) - El Paso Buzzards
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