Bucks Fall To Rio 2-1, Third Place Spot Slipping Away
March 10, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Laredo Bucks News Release
HIDALGO, TX- The Laredo Bucks fell to the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 2-1 Tuesday afternoon, in front of a sellout crowd of 5,600 fans at the Dodge Arena. The Bucks lead over the Killer Bees for the third playoff spot in the South slips to two points. Laredo's winless streak increased to five games (0-4-1) as they fall to 31-22-5 (67 points).
Rio would score once in the first, and once in the third to take the win, and extend their point streak to six games (5-0-1).
The Killer Bees (31-22-5, 65pts) took advantage of a turnover in the Bucks end to take a 1-0 lead late in the first. Zak McClellan picked up a loose puck in the slot and scored on a wrist shot. McClellan's goal, which came with 2:14 left in the first, was his 11th of the season.
Laredo has now given up the first goal in 24 of their last 33 games.
The Bucks could not take advantage of a 58 second five-on-three in the first period, as the Bees killed it off.
Laredo was outshot in the first period 13-9.
Niether the Bucks or the Bees scored in the second period, keeping Rio up 1-0 after two periods.
The Bucks had two more five-on-three chances in the second period, but the Bees killed them both off.
Laredo outshot Rio in the second period 12-8.
Jesse Bennefield put Rio up 2-0 as he stuffed in a rebound 8:52 into the third period. The goal was Bennefield's 33rd of the season, extending his new franchise record.
Ryan Salvis would cut the Bees lead to 2-1 as he knocked in a rebound from the left side of the crease at the 12:38 mark of the third. The goal was Salvis' 13 of the season, with Igor Agarunov picking up his 15th assist.
The Bucks could not tie the game with a two-man advantage (empty-net, power-play) in the final minute of play.
Christian Boucher stopped 33 of 34 shots for the Killer Bees, while Sebastien Centomo set aside 27 of 29 shots.
Laredo was 0-9 on the power-play, as they outshot the Bees 36-29.
The Bucks won the season series over the Bees 8-6.
The Bucks continue their four game road trip this weekend in Amarillo and Texas.
Laredo will return home for their final two regular season home games when they take on the Texas Brahmas on March 18th-19th at the LEC. March 18 is Taco Palenque Pirata Wednesday, where a family section ticket gets you a FREE PIRATA. March 19 is HEB Dollar Night, where ALL Beer, Soda, and Hot Dogs are just $1! Call 718-BUCK (2825) to order tickets now.
*Smith Finalist For Rookie Of The Year*
The CHL announced Monday that Darryl Smith has been named a finalist for the rookie of the year award. Balloting will take place among CHL Head Coaches, team Communications Departments and selected media members to determine the recipient of the award.
Smith has had a stellar year for the Bucks, winning the All-Star Game MVP Award, leading all CHL rookies in scoring, being tied for the league-lead in goals scored, and earning a player of the week nod in December.
Entering Tuesday Smith has 34 goals, 31 assists for 65 points. Smith leads the Bucks with eight game-winning goals.
The Rookie of the year will be announced before the end of the regular season.
*Win A Vegas Weekend Or Carnival Cruise From The Bucks!*
The Bucks have announced that fans can win either a Las Vegas Weekend Getaway or a Carnival Cruise, if they purchase a Bucks playoff package.
The Las Vegas Weekend Getaway includes airfare and hotel reservations, courtesy of the Bucks, on dates agreed upon by the winners of the getaway and the Bucks.
The Carnival Cruise winner receives a FREE 4 night cruise leaving from the Port of Galveston, Texas, courtesy of the Bucks, on dates agreed upon by the winners of the cruise and the Bucks.
Winners of either the Las Vegas Weekend or Carnival Cruise may not take a cash equivalent and it is not transferable.
To be eligible to win one of the two great prizes, fans must buy their Bucks playoff package before the first home playoff game. Drawing will be held during the 1st intermission of the 1st playoff game.
Call 718-BUCK (2825) to order your playoff packages now, and to be eligible to win the prizes.
*Credit for playoff games not played, will be applied to the 09-10 season ticket packages.
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