Chiefs Drop Preseason Opener

October 10, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


Wheeling, W Va. - The Johnstown Chiefs fell 4-3 to the Wheeling Nailers on Friday night to begin their preseason schedule.

Johnstown got off to a fast start by drawing two penalties at the onset of the first period, and had a two-man advantage for 1:54. The Chiefs couldn't cash in while up by two men, but with one second remaining in the 5-on-4 advantage Domenic Maiani pushed a loose puck past Curtis Darling's left leg. Andrew Sarauer got an assist by taking the initial shot while Joey Olson got the secondary assist.

Johnstown went up by two goals on a great slap shot by newcomer Mark McCutcheon. McCutcheon, who was reassigned to Johnstown from Lake Erie by Colorado just yesterday, was sprung through center on a nice pass by Ryan Del Monte and then ripped a slap shot by Darling's blocker for the 2-0 lead that would stand after the first period.

In the second period the Chiefs and Nailers would trade power play goals which allowed Johnstown to maintain its two-goal advantage.

Rob Sirianni put Wheeling on the board when his centering pass from the left wing hit leg in front and skipped past Chiefs starter Kris Mayotte. The goal came with one second remaining on a cross-checking minor to Mike Bartlett. Mike Knight, however, would send home the Chiefs' second powerplay goal to go up by a 3-1 score. His slap shot from the left point skittered along the ice and beat Darling past his left leg. Clinton Pettapiece and Kyle Bushee added assists on the goal.

The Nailers received goals by David Krantz and Jordan Morrison in the third period. Krantz cashed in at even strength while Morrison earned a power play goal. With Johnstown unable to score in the third the teams headed to overtime.

Jon Landry would take a hooking minor in the overtime frame giving the Nailers a 4-on-3 advantage. Jon Grecu took a pass in the high slot, fired off a wrist shot, and with a lot of traffic in front was able to get it through Mayotte's five hole.

Johnstown finished the game 2-for-7 on the power play while Kris Mayotte made 29 saves on 33 shots.

Mark your calendars, the Chiefs home opener is just around the corner! Johnstown begins its home schedule against the Wheeling Nailers on Saturday, October 18 2008 at 7:05 PM at the UPMC Health Plan Ice Rink at the Cambria County War Memorial. The Chiefs will be giving away magnet schedules for the 2008-09 season at the game as well! Season tickets and special packages are available right now. We've got the right ticket option for everyone so get yours by calling the Chiefs at 814-539-1799 or 1-800-SLAPSHOT, or by visiting www.johnstownchiefs.com.



ECHL Stories from October 10, 2008


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