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Chiefs edged by Jackals

March 8, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


Johnstown - Johnstown played catch up all game but fell to Elmira in overtime at the War Memorial Saturday night by a score of 3-2.

Vincent Zoare tried to get the Chiefs on the board early on with a wraparound attempt but was denied. Elmira would score after a faceoff to the right of Chiefs goaltender Ryan Nie, as Benoit Doucet fed Maxime Lincourt from behind the net at 10:56 of the first. Matt Gens added the secondary assist for the Jackals. Chris Busby fired a shot from the point, hitting Nie in the chest, and a second attempt kicked off Nie's pad. The Chiefs generated little offensive momentum in the first period and were out-shot 14-5. Johnstown was down by one after 20 minutes of play.

Andrew Martens would find the equalizer with the Chiefs on the power play at 7:22 of the second period. Randy Rowe and Ryan Garlock assisted as Martens went backdoor on Jackals net minder Joel Martin. A mistake in the Elmira zone almost cost the Chiefs midway through the period. The Jackals broke 2-on-none toward the Johnstown net, with Trevor Hendrikx fresh out of the box. Nie came forward to swat the puck into the air and back to center ice. Rob Drummond and Alexandre Imbeault tried to give the Chiefs the go-ahead goal on a breakaway, but the shot hit the side of the net. Elmira would regain the lead at 17:59. Doucet hammered home a pass from Pierre-Luc Faubert and Luke Fritshaw to give the Jackals a 2-1 advantage heading to the dressing room after two.

The Chiefs came out on the wrong end of a 5-on-3 power play, with Jason Spence and Justin Coutu both in the sin bin for 1:30, but Johnstown managed to kill off the two man deficit and almost potted a short-handed goal. Garlock and Nathan Saunders beat the Elmira defenders, but Martin made a glove save on Saunders' shot. Just as the Chiefs' power play was about to expire on a Faubert high sticking minor, Drummond evened the score at two, with Brian Deeth and Kenny Roche adding the assists at 12:15.

Neither team would find the net in the rest of regulation. Greg Gallagher went off for the hook at 1:24 of overtime, giving Elmira a 4-on-3 power play. Bobby Robins misfired on a pass from Busby, but would eventually prove to be the hero, ending the game at 3:13 of overtime. Kyle Wharton and Busby would add the helpers on the game winner.

Ryan Nie took the loss in net for Johnstown, turning aside 27 of 30 shots. The Chiefs went 2-for-4 on the power play.

Johnstown did pick up a point in the overtime loss, gaining ground on Dayton. The Chiefs now sit one point behind the Bombers in the standings.

Don't miss the action as the Chiefs play host to the Elmira Jackals Saturday, March 15 for the Easter Ham Shoot. Each fan in attendance will be given the chance to shoot for a free ham, compliments of Kunzler Co. If you can't make that one, be sure to come out Sunday, March 16 for a "Saint Patrick's Day Celebration" with the Chiefs. The first 2,000 fans through the gate will receive team posters, sponsored by U.S. Army. Great seats are still available for both games at the UPMC Health Plan Ice Rink at the Cambria County War Memorial. Call 536-5156, or visit www.johnstownchiefs.com to get yours today!

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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