Chiefs feast on Walleye

Published on March 26, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


Johnstown, PA - The Johnstown Chiefs rallied past the Toledo Walleye by a score of 7-4 Friday night at the UPMC Health Plan Ice Rink at the Cambria County War Memorial

The Walleye broke out of the gates first with a power play goal early on in the first period. Mike Hedden beat Kris Mayotte at the 6:23 mark to put Toledo up 1-0 with Scooter Smith and J.C. Sawyer picking up the assists. The Walleye were able to add another just over two minutes later at 8:29 in the period. Sal Peralta beat Mayotte right side with Jonathan Carlsson and Akim Aliu gaining the assists on the power play goal. At 11:28 the Chiefs thought they scored but the goal was called off on an alleged kick by Connor Shields. Evan Rankin was able to increase the Walleye lead to three deep in the period on an unassisted goal. The Chiefs answered back a half minute later on a Jeff Martens goal with Anthony Sarno and Michael Couch registering the assists.

The Chiefs were able to turn the tide on a Toledo power play early in the second period. Sean Berkstresser sent a crisp center ice pass to Dan Collins who was able to find the back of the net at the 6:26 mark. It was Collins' first game back since January 30. The Chiefs almost tied it less than thirty seconds later on a break by Troy Schwab, but the shot careened of the cross bar. The Chiefs left the period trailing by one.

Toledo scored the first goal of the third period but after that it was all Chiefs. Chris Robertson potted his 19th of the season with Aliu and Joe Charlebois gaining the assists at the 4:05 mark. At 4:59 a series of penalties were issued after a minor brawl and got the crowd roaring into the game. The Chiefs were able to ride the momentum and rally back to tie the game on back-to-back power play goals 11 seconds apart. Chanse Fitzpatrick scored the first on a rebound at 6:01 for his 29th of the season with Collins picking up the assist. Connor Shields squeezed one through the five hole for his 27th of the season with Schwab and Russ Sinkewich registering the assists at 6:12. Soon after the Chiefs kept the assault coming with Collins potting his second of the game on a rebound with Berkstresser and Kyle Laughlin gaining the assists at 8:08. Late in the game the Walleye pulled goalie Jordan Pearce in an attempt to take advantage of the extra skater. Jim McKenzie was able to take advantage of the empty net and knot his 15th of the season with Bear Trapp picking up the assist at 18:51. Fitzpatrick was able to score his second of the game on an empty net with just one second left on the clock. Collins polished off a four-point night with the helper.

Mayotte made 31 saves in the victory. The Chiefs went 2-for-6 on the power play and 1-for-4 on the penalty kill.

Mark your calendars! The Chiefs return to Johnstown on Sunday, March 28 against the Cincinnati Cyclones at 2:05. The Chiefs and BIC will be giving away grab bags filled with great products from BIC to the first 1,000 fans through the door. It will also be the final Sunday post game skate with the Chiefs of the season. Good seats still remain and for individual tickets, go to ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000.

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ECHL Stories from March 26, 2010


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