Chiefs Bitten By Jackals

Published on February 21, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


ELMIRA, Ny. - The Johnstown Chiefs couldn't find a way to slow down the ECHL's best offensive club and fell 7-2 to the Elmira Jackals at First Arena on Sunday evening.

The Chiefs knew they would receive a stiff test from the league's leading offense, but they could not slow down the high-octane Jackals in the first period. Yannick Tifu potted a rebound goal just 2:37 into the game and the ECHL's leading scorer Tyler Donati took over. Donati lazered home a wrist shot at 4:09 making the score 2-0 and then followed it up with a power play goal at 15:11. The Chiefs did register nine shots, to Elmira's 10, in the opening frame but the bounces didn't go their way. Shortly after Donati's first goal, Mike Couch rung the pipe with a hard wrist shot, and later on in the period Connor Shields was denied by Julien Ellis on a quick strike chance while the Chiefs were shorthanded.

Elmira continued its assault in the second period and tacked on a pair of goals to extend the lead. Tyler Donati showcased his playmaking ability, instead of his scoring, as he fed a backhand pass through his legs to his twin brother Justin for a shot that beat John Murray to the blocker side. The goal was also set up by Olivier Proulx. The Chiefs tested Ellis seven times in the middle frame, but couldn't feed a puck across the goal line. At 13:51, Chris Korchinski scored a power play goal thanks to a fortunate rebound off of a blocked shot by Trevor Hendrikx.

Sean Berkstresser provided a quick spark for the Chiefs by rifling home a wrist shot 30 seconds into the frame. Elmria's Brennan Truner had his outlet pass intercepted by Berkstresser in between the circles and the second-year Chief beat Ellis high to the blocker side. Jim McKenzie also scored for the Chiefs in the third period at the 16:21 mark. Berkstresser's goal was his 14th, while McKenzie's was his 12th. Elmira kept the Chiefs at arm's length, though, with goals by Tyler Donati and Maxime Gratchev. Donati finished the game with four points on three goals and an assist.

Murray took the loss in net for the Chiefs with 19 saves while the power play went 0-for-3 and the penalty kill was 3-for-5.

Mark your calendars! The Chiefs return to Johnstown on Friday, February 26 against the Toledo Walleye at 7:05. The Chiefs encourage their fans to visit any of the five Em's Subs locations throughout the area to take advantage of the Em's Friday Meal Deal. Ten dollars will get you a voucher for that night's game, an Em's sub, a drink, and a bag of chips. Good seats still remain and for individual tickets, go to ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000.

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ECHL Stories from February 21, 2010


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