Chiefs dethrone Royals

Published on March 12, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


Johnstown, PA - The Johnstown Chiefs decimated the Reading Royals by a score of 7-2 Friday night at the UPMC Health Plan Ice Rink at the Cambria County War Memorial

The Chiefs had a chance early when Troy Schwab broke loose on a breakaway two minutes into the first. His shot ended up ricocheting of the crossbar and the game remained scoreless. The Royals took advantage of a power play at 7:48 in the first to score the first goal of the game. Bryan Ewing beat Kris Mayotte for his 15th of the season on a power play with Ryan Cruthers and Robert Slaney picking up the assists. Reading was able to add another one less than a minute later. Cruthers potted his 16th of the season with Aaron Brocklehurst and Andrew Sarauer registering the assists. The goal was Reading's last of the game with the Chiefs going on to score seven unanswered goals. At 15:14 Jim McKenzie was able to jam in a puck for his 14th goal of the season with Connor Shields and Anthony Sarno picking up the assists. The goal left the Chiefs trailing by one to end the first period.

The Chiefs came out with intensity early on in the second period looking to swing the momentum in their favor. Reading obliged by taking a pair of penalties nine seconds apart. Brian Kaufman fired a power play goal in top right at 2:12 in the second with Chanse Fitzpatrick and Jonathan Ralph registering the assists. It was Kaufman's second power play goal in as many games. The Chiefs continued to battle and gained the lead at 14:29. Dan Gendur scored his first goal in the season after deflecting a Chris Chambers shot up and in top right past Reading goalie Andrew Engelage. McKenzie and Chambers were awarded the assists. Just signed this week, Chambers was making his pro debut after wrapping up his senior season at Plymouth State University.

Just 0:36 into the third period McKenzie was awarded a penalty shot after being hauled down on a breakaway, but he failed to capitalize on the opportunity. The Chiefs, however, were skating with fire under their skates and weren't going to allow Reading a chance to get back into the game. Jeff Martens scored his fifth of the season on a wrap around fooling Engelage at 2:54 in the third. Sean Berkstresser and McKenzie gained the assists. Ewing tried to bring the Royals back minutes later on a breakaway but was stoned by Mayotte. The Royals again assaulted the net with a fierce attack eight minutes into the period but the Chiefs stood strong with Mayotte making a few dazzling saves and the defense blocking a couple while Mayotte was caught out of position. Chambers increased the Chiefs lead to three with his first profession goal. The goal came on great feed from Shields across the ice at 10:08. David Schulz picked up the second assist on the goal. Dan Gendur scored his second of the game on a rebound at 15:46 from Berkstresser and Ralph on the power play. Fitzpatrick added his own rebound goal for extra insurance at 17:13 for his 27th of the season with Troy Schwab and Shields gaining the assists.

Mayotte made 29 saves in the victory. The Chiefs went 2-for-6 on the power play and 3-for-5 on the penalty kill.

Mark your calendars! The Chiefs return to Johnstown Saturday, March 13 against the Wheeling Nailers at 7:05. You could be a winner just by showing up courtesy of Subway's "We Win, You Win." If the Chiefs take down the Nailers everyone in attendance will take home a coupon from Subway good for one free six inch sub. Also, if you have a group of 10 or more, be sure to call the Chiefs at 814-539-1799 to receive discounted tickets and preferred seating based on availability. For individual tickets call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, visit www.ticketmaster.com, or stop by the War Memorial Arena Box Office.

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