CHL Mississippi RiverKings

Blazers Blast By RiverKings 5-1

January 16, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


(Southaven, MS) -- Bill Vandermeer's two goals and an assist supported the goaltending of Doug Groenestege as the Oklahoma City Blazers stopped the Mississippi RiverKings' three-game winning streak, 5-1, Friday night at the DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven.

With the win, Oklahoma City moved back into first place in the Northeast Division of the Central Hockey League with 21-10-5 record and 47 points. Mississippi fell to second place in the division with 46 points and a 23-13-0 record.

Bill Vandermeer opened the scoring in the first period with his 14th goal of the season at 2:46 for a 1-0 Oklahoma City lead.

The RiverKings answered with a goal from Garrett Larson (his 15th) with just 19 seconds remaining in the period, assisted by Louis Dumont, for a 1-1 tie after twenty minutes of play.

Oklahoma City took control of the game in the second period after Tyler Fleck's power play goal at 1:20 of the second period. Brian Passmore added to the lead with a goal at 8:47 for a 3-1 Blazers' lead after forty minutes of play.

In the third period, Bill Vandermeer scored another goal, this time on the power play goal at 6:10 for a 4-1 lead, followed by Simon Lambert netting a shorthanded, empty net goal over ten minutes later at 16:33 for the final score.

Shots were even at 34 each for the game, with winning goaltender Doug Groenestege (10-4-2) making 33 saves. Kevin Beech (18-9-0) made 29-saves in the losing effort.

Oklahoma City scored two power play goals in six chances, while the RiverKings were 0-for-6 with the man advantage.

Mississippi travels to play Tulsa tomorrow night at 7:35 PM, a team the RiverKings has swept in four games this season.



Central Hockey League Stories from January 16, 2009


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