Bucks Collar \'Hounds 3-1, Win 40th Game Of Season

March 16, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Laredo Bucks News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League beat the Youngstown Steelhounds 3-1 Sunday afternoon, in front of 2,957 fans at the Chevrelet Centre. With the win The Bucks pick up their 40th victory of the season (40-19-3, 83 points), and decrease their magic number to one point to clinch the number one seed in the Southern Conference playoffs. If Arizona loses in regulation, overtime or shootout on Tuesday or Wednesday Laredo will clinch the South.

Laredo (17-12-2 on the road) jumped out in front of the Steelhounds at the 10:25 mark of the first period. Derek Legault took a loose puck in front of Youngstown goaltender Kevin Beech, and slid it by Beech's left pad. It was Legault's fourth goal of the year, with Gord Burnett (12th) picking up the assist. Burnett jammed the puck of the center ice boards, and it slid down right in front of Beech where Legault opportunistically slid it past Beech.

The Bucks outshot the Steelhounds in the first 20 minutes nine-to-eight.

Laredo would increase their lead to 2-0 4:39 into the second period on the power-play. Chris Stanley stole an errant Youngstown pass at the high slot and sent a slap shot past Beech. It was Stanley's second goal in three games as a Buck. The Bucks would make it 3-0 at the 8:30 mark when Alex Goupil broke free on a two-on-one break and sent a wrist shot high past Beech. It was Goupil's 21st tally of the season, and his eigth in 14 games as a Buck. Legault and Burnett picked up assists.

To say the second period turned into a a melee would be an understatement.

At the 10:11 mark of the middle period the two teams engaged in an all out brawl right in front of the Laredo net, resulting in eight game misconducts, four for each team, including both goaltenders Traylen and Beech.

It all started when Traylen made a save and hung on to the puck. At that point several different fights broke out, and Traylen's goalie mask was ripped off by Jason Baird who then poked Traylen in the eye. Traylen then ended up in a scuffle when Beech came down to confront his former goaltender teammate. Traylen and Beech then got into it swinging each other around. Neither goaltender threw a punch.

In all the Bucks and Steelhounds (36-20-5) combined for 180 penalty minutes, 98 for Youngstown and 82 for Laredo.

Niether team scored in the third period, with the Bucks outshooting the Steelhounds 12-8. Laredo outshot Youngstown for the game 29-26.

Traylen picked up his 24th win in net, as he stopped all 12 shots he faced before his ejection. John Ceci stopped 13 of 14 shots in place of Traylen. Beech took the loss as he set aside 10 of 13 Bucks shots before his ejection, with Andy Franck stopping all 16 shots he faced in relief of Beech.

The Bucks will fly back to Laredo Monday afternoon and resume practice Thursday. Laredo will finish out the regular season Friday and Saturday in a home and home series against Rio Grande Valley. Friday night the Bucks will host the Bees on TCI Tire Center Night. There will be a HUGE car show outside the LEC before the game. Group tickets start at $10, with individual tickets starting at $12.75. Call 718-BUCK (2825) to order today.

*Boxscore*

http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=534764

*Bucks Notes*

*The Bucks are now 18-2-2 when leading after one period, and 28-2-1 when leading after two periods this season.

*The Bucks are 26-5-2 when scoring first this season

**Bucks Playoff Packages Available Now**

Bucks playoff packages are available now starting at $9.99 per game (payment plans are available). Call a Bucks representative at 718-BUCK (2825). Buying playoff tickets now gives you the opportunity to secure those same seats for next regular season if you choose to.

**Playoff Discounts For Military And Students**

During the playoffs the Bucks will offer a discount for Military Members and students (any level). On all walk-up tickets for playoff games Military Members and students will receive a $2.50 discount for all ticket levels (with a valid ID).

**Bucks Playoff Schedule**

The Bucks are scheduled to open the 2008 Playoffs at the LEC on Saturday March 29th at 7:30pm, with game two of that series on Monday March 31st at 7:00pm. The official playoff schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.



Central Hockey League Stories from March 16, 2008


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