Bucks Blitzed In Rio, 5-2

Published on October 24, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Laredo Bucks News Release


HIDALGO, TX- The Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League fell to the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 5-2 Friday night, in front of 4,201 fans at the Dodge Arena. The Bucks fall to 1-2 on the young season, while the Bees improve to 2-0.

Laredo, who was outshot 52-38, was blitzed by five straight Rio goals, three coming in the second period, and two coming at the start of the third period.

The first 20 minutes turned out to be faced paced, with end to end action, and solid goaltending.

Laredo scored first for the third straight game, as they picked up a loose puck in the Bees end and took advantage.

Alex Goupil played the puck at the bottom of the left circle, then sent a laser pass through the slot to the bottom of the right circle, where Igor Agarunov sent a wrist shot past Bees goaltender Wylie Rogers and into the back of the net.

Both teams were busy on special teams in the first period, with each team going 0-for-three on the power-play, and each team killing off a five-on-three advantage.

Bucks rookie goaltender Ryan Gibb played like a veteran in the opening period, as he set aside all 20 Killer Bee shots that he faced, including several rebound attempts in his crease.

Rio would come out on fire in the second period and score three straight goals, to take a 3-1 lead after 40 minutes.

The Bees tied the game up just 23 seconds into the middle period, when they scored off of a rebound in front of Gibb on the power-play.

Jesse Bennefield poked in his own rebound through Gibb's legs from right in front of the crease.

The Bees took a 2-1 lead almost three minutes later, when Evan Rankin picked up his own rebound in the right corner of the ice, and went in un-touched and sent a back hander over Gibbs left shoulder.

Rio would increase their lead at the 6:07 mark of the period, when Nick Dumoulin played the puck off the left side boards at the point, and rocketed a slap shot that hit off the bottom of the crossbar and landed over the goal line.

Laredo was outshot for the second straight period, this time by a count of 21-16.

Rio would score two straight to open the third period to take a 5-1 lead on the Bucks, when Aaron Lee (5:34) and Bennefield (6:37) tallied to put the game out of reach.

Adam Rivet scored his second goal of the season, 8:49 into the third as he sent a slap shot from the point past Rogers on the power-play. Serge Dube picked up the assist on the goal.

Gibb set aside 47 of 52 Killer Bee shots he faced in his first professional start, while Rogers stopped 36 of 38 Laredo attempts in the win.

Laredo's busy weekend continues on Saturday, when the Bucks will play in Corpus Christi, before hosting Rapid City on Sunday at the LEC in a 4pm game. Group tickets start at just $10. Come check out the new "ONE BUCK DOLLAR MENU", with five concession stand items costing just one dollar. Call 718-BUCK (2825) to order your tickets.

*Bucky's Birthday On Sunday*

The Bucks will celebrate their mascot Bucky's seventh birthday during Sunday's game against the Rapid City Rush. Bucky was born on October 26, 2002, and has seen his favorite hockey team win two CHL Championships.

Come celebrate Bucky's seventh birthday on Sunday at the LEC!

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Central Hockey League Stories from October 24, 2008


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