Chiefs Falter In Shootout Against Nailers

Published on December 2, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - The Johnstown Chiefs had a third period lead slip away late in regulation and ended up falling by a score of 5-4 to the Wheeling Nailers in a shootout on Wednesday night at the UPMC Health Plan Ice Rink at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena.

The Chiefs' record moved to 7-9-4 on the season as they played their fourth consecutive overtime game against the Nailers.

Sean Berkstresser netted his fourth goal in as many games by jabbing home a rebound at 9:31 of the first period. Mike Couch got the play started with a quick head-man pass to Mike Bartlett on the right wing. Bartlett's low wrist shot bounced off of Wheeling's goalie Brad Thiessen to Berkstresser in the crease. It would be the only goal of the opening frame.

Chase Watson's first goal of the season slipped past Thiessen 1:33 into the second period to extend the Chiefs' lead. Carter Lee's dump in banked off of the end boards to Watson high on the left wing as he earned his first pro point, and Chris Zarb added the secondary assist. Wheeling got on the board with Ryan Hillier potting a rebound past Kris Mayotte 1:23 after Watson's goal, but Troy Schwab cashed in his sixth goal of the season at 6:52 while the Chiefs were on the power play. Wheeling, though, battled back with two unassisted scores from Casey Pierro-Zabotel and Thomas Beauregard to tie the game heading into the third period.

In the third, Bryan Marshall gave the Chiefs what appeared to be the game winning goal with 6:21 left to play. Bartlett slid a slick pass to Marshall as he jetted down the slot and his quick snap shot beat Thiessen to the blocker side. Wheeling would pull Thiessen for the extra attacker and put a lot of pressure on the Chiefs over the final two minutes. They finally broke through with Alex Grant tying the game with just three seconds left to play.

After a scoreless overtime session Andrew Lord and Mitch Ganzak would score for Wheeling in the shootout to best the Chiefs who got one goal from Ryan Menei.

Mayotte made 37 saves in sustaining the loss while Johnstown went 1-for-6 on the power play and 4-for-4 on the penalty kill.

Mark your Calanders! The Chiefs are back on home ice on Friday, December 4 against the Wheeling Nailers at 7:05. The Chiefs will be hosting their annual Cool 101.7 Toy Toss to benefit the United States Marines' Toys for Tots drive. Everyone in attendance is asked to bring a new or used stuffed animal, that is in good condition, and throw it onto the ice after the Chiefs score their first goal. Good seats still remain for individual tickets, go to ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-Ticketmaster.

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