Chiefs chop down Elmira

March 21, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


ELMIRA, Ny. - The Johnstown Chiefs needed overtime for the second straight night against the Jackals, but were able to pick up another two points with a 5-4 comeback win on Saturday night.

Johnstown's record improved to 36-25-4, which places the team in second place in the North Division, and one behind the Cincinnati Cyclones.

Special teams goals had been virtually nonexistent in games between Johnstown and Elmira at First Arena this season until tonight. The Jackals scored twice on the power play and once shorthanded to hold a 3-1 advantage after one. Andrew Sarauer tied the game at one for the Chiefs after Bear Trapp had given Elmira a 1-0 advantage with his first pro goal at 11:44 of the first. Sarauer cashed in exactly one minute later thanks to a strong individual effort by Sean Berkstresser to create a rebound opportunity. With Johnstown skating on a 5-on-3, though, Paul McIlveen put a shorthanded goal behind Ian Keserich, and Trapp added his second power play goal with 18 seconds left to go in the first.

Much as Keserich was the hero last night for Johnstown, Michael Teslak stood on his head for Elmira in the second period. The Chiefs out-shot Elmira 17-6 in the second period and had two extended chances with a 5-on-3 manpower advantage. Only Toby LaFrance, though, was able to crack Teslak for a power play goal when the second was 9:44 old. It was Toby's ninth goal of the season and was set up by Sarauer and Ryan Del Monte. That goal got the Chiefs back within two after Nathan Lutz had given the Jackals a 4-1 lead 1:03 into the middle frame.

Johnstown had won only two games this season when trailing after two periods, but one of them came against Elmira. This night the comeback started early with Mike Knight cashing in a power play goal 1:41 into the final frame. Petr Pohl followed on to tie it with an even strength goal at 10:49. Elmira took eight penalties in the final frame and allowed Johnstown to stay in attack mode for nearly the entire period. The final penalty to Travis Gawryletz came with 40 seconds left in regulation and carried over into overtime. Ryan Garlock would be the hero for Johnstown this evening as his 10th goal of the season, and second in as many games provided the game winner 42 seconds into the extra frame.

Keserich won his second straight game, and 13th of the season, with a 25-save effort. Johnstown's power play went 3-for-16 on the evening.

Mark your calendars! The Chiefs are back on home ice on Sunday, March 22 when they host the Elmira Jackals at 2:35. Atlantic Broadband is sponsoring a kids' pack giveaway and we'll be having our final post-game skate with the Chiefs of the season.. Good seats are available, but going quickly! Act fast and be sure to get yours by calling 814-539-1799 or 814-536-5156.



ECHL Stories from March 21, 2009


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