Chiefs dropped in OT by Nailers

March 15, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


WHEELING, Wv. - The Johnstown Chiefs earned a crucial point for making to overtime against Wheeling on Sunday evening, but couldn't earn the second as the Nailers took the 2-1 win.

Johnstown's record dropped to 34-25-4, which places the team in a tie for third place in the North Division with Trenton.

Contrary to the offensive outburst that Johnstown and Wheeling produced last night, the first period on Sunday was a defensive struggle. Starting goalies Ian Keserich and David Brown were perfect through 20 minutes of play with Keserich turning in eight saves and Brown 10. Johnstown had two power play opportunities in the first to Wheeling's one, but neither team was able to sustain much pressure.

Pressure was the key phrase of the second period, and the Chiefs brought plenty of it. They fired 19 shots David Brown's way, and while Brown remained difficult to beat it was Trevor Hendrikx who finally broke the scoreless duel. Ryan Garlock, who played in his first game with Johnstown since Dec. 19, took an outlet pass from Kyle Bushee and raced down the left wing. Garlock left a deft drop pass for Hendrikx who in turn laced a slap shot over Brown's glove hand at 13:35.

Keserich did everything he could to make Hendrikx's goal stand up, but it wouldn't be enough. Billy Ryan scored his third goal of the weekend to tie the game at 3:59 of the third period. Johnstown couldn't answer in regulation as Brown turned aside seven shots in the final frame. Overtime was a back-and-forth affair with chances at both ends of the rink. In the end, it would be Mitch Ganzak wristing a shot through traffic to beat Keserich on the glove side.

The netminder from Parma, Ohio turned in 25 saves in sustaining the loss, while the Chiefs power play was held scoreless in six chances.

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 15, 2009


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