Buzzards' drop a heartbreaker at home, 2-1
December 14, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
El Paso Buzzards News Release
EL PASO, Texas â In a battle of old Western Professional Hockey League charter members, the El Paso Buzzards lost a heartbreaker at home to the Austin Ice Bats, 2-1.
Buzzards' center Russ Guzior scored his 12th goal of the season, assisted by Buzzards' forwards Joe Gray and Jeff Scharf, but it wasn't enough as the Ice Bats escape with the win. The Buzzards dominated all phases of the game, out shooting the Ice Bats 36 to 18, but lost on a fluke goal in the third period.
The first period began with great defense and goaltending from both clubs. The Buzzards out shot the Ice Bats 6 to 2 in the period and had numerous opportunities to make some noise. Buzzards' goaltender Matt Carmichael made two outstanding saves in the session.
The Ice Bats got on the board in the second period with a goal by forward Shawn Legault. Legault's recorded his fourth goal of the season, assisted by left winger Tab Lardner and center Kelly Smart. The Buzzards out shot the Ice Bats 18 to 9 in the second period and killed off three Austin power plays.
In the third period, the Buzzards clawed their way back into the game. Guzior scored a power play goal at 16:46 for his 12th of the season. The Ice Bats countered with a goal by center Brett Seguin, scoring the game winner when his shot deflected off of Buzzard's defenseman Jason Tessier and through the legs of Carmichael. Ice Bats' defenseman Pat Brownlee and Legault assisted on the play.
Carmichael, starting for the first time in two weeks, made 16 saves on 18 shots. Ice Bats' goaltender Peter Brady made 35 saves on 36 shots.
The loss drops the Buzzards to 6-16-2 overall, and 4-9-1 at home. Austin improves to 17-4-1 overall and 10-2-1 on the road. The Buzzards remain in fourth place in the Southwest Division and 11 points behind the New Mexico Scorpions.
The Buzzards' next game will be at 7 p.m., Friday, in the El Paso County Coliseum against the New Mexico Scorpions. Listen to all of the Buzzards games on 1380 KHEY, El Paso's Sports Ticket with the voice of the Buzzards, Michael LaPlaca. The Ice Bats hold the first place position in the Southwest Division. The Buzzards retain the fourth place spot, nine points behind New Mexico.
Central Hockey League Stories from December 14, 2002
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