Beast of the East Curbs Hounds 4-3

Published on November 24, 2006 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Elmira Jackals News Release


Elmira, NY - The Elmira Jackals came from behind to earn a gutsy 4-3 shootout victory over the Chicago Hounds Friday night at First Arena.

Mike Sgroi opened his goal scoring account with the Jackals at 11:27 of the first period as he fired a wrist shot past goaltender Marty Magers for a power play goal, assisted by Erik Anderson and Chris Mann. But Chicago scored a late goal at 19:10 of the period, tying the game on a Steve Cygan goal.

Cygan then gave Chicago their first lead of the night with his second goal of the game at 15:20 of the second period, knocking in a rebound from Bob Rapoza on the power play for a 2-1 lead. This time it was Elmira's turn to score a late goal when Scott Wray finished off a beautiful setup from Sgroi and Wes Blevins to tie the game at two at 19:31 of the second period.

The Hounds took the lead again at 7:24 of the third period off a fluky ricochet when John Spoltore's pass redirected off Maris Ziedins and past goaltender Kris Tebbs for a power play goal and a 3-2 lead. Elmira bombarded the Chicago net in the third period, out-shooting their opponents 26-to-6 over the final twenty minutes. They even had two 5-on-3 power plays, but could not find the equalizer. Finally, with just over three minutes remaining, Scott Wray unleashed a blazing slap shot off an Erik Anderson drop pass that sizzled into the net, tying the game 3-3 at 16:55 of the third period; Anderson and Sgroi both earned assists on the goal that sent the 3,829 fans at First Arena into a frenzy.

In the shootout Bryan Payant got Chicago on the board in the first round, but was quickly leveled by Erik Anderson's effort; his third straight successful shootout attempt. Tebbs and Magers each denied the next two shooters they faced until Mike Brolsma put Chicago up 2-1 in the fourth round. But Frank Littlejohn tied the shootout again with a back-hand shot as Elmira's 4th shooter. In the last round Tebbs denied Chris Busby and setup a dramatic finish as captain Brent Cullaton undressed Magers before slipping a back-hand into a wide open net for a 3-2 shootout advantage and a 4-3 victory over the Hounds.

Goaltender Kris Tebbs earned his 9th win of the season, and his 3rd shootout win, as he made 25 saves on 28 shots in regulation and 3-of-5 in the shootout. Marty Magers took the loss for Chicago, but was fantastic in goal; making 45 saves on 48 shots during normal play, and blocked 2-of-5 in the shootout. Chicago was 2-for-6 on the power play; while Elmira was 1-for-9 and out-shot the Hounds 49-28 in the game.

The Jackals will finish off their 3-game series with the Chicago Hounds Saturday, November 25th at 7:35 pm and it is sure to be the most intensely contested match of the weekend. Saturday is New York Sport & Fitness Water Bottle Giveaway Night; the first 1,000 fans will receive a Jackals Sports Water Bottle courtesy of New York Sport & Fitness, the official workout facility of the Elmira Jackals.

FIRST ARENA UPCOMING EVENTS

TEN - A Tribute to Pearl Jam & Haunted by Angels will be performing live at First Arena on Friday December 15th at 7:30 pm. Tickets are just $10.00 and are on sale now at the First Arena Box Office; limited floor seats available.

Open MRI Presents...Legends Christmas Spectacular, Saturday December 16th at First Arena. The show starts at 7:30 pm and features top notched artist impersonators of Shania Twain, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones and Neil Diamond. Tickets range from $10.00 to $25.00 and are on sale now at the First Arena Box Office. For more information please contact the First Arena at 607-734-PUCK.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from November 24, 2006


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