Chiefs Felled By Jackals

October 23, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


Elmira, Ny. - The Johnstown Chiefs dropped an emotional back-and-forth affair in Elmira on Friday night by a score of 7-4.

A wild first period found Johnstown in the penalty box a bit too often and on the wrong side of a 3-0 score. The Chiefs earned the first power play of the game 38 seconds in, but Elmira netminder Michael Teslak turned aside both shots he faced. Then the Chiefs proceeded to take four penalties in the next eight minutes and Elmira converted on three of the four advantages. Justin Donati scored at 8:51 and 11:20 5-on-4 and sandwiched in between was Branden Svendsen at 9:46 on a 5-on-3.

Johnstown started the second period with 4:12 of power play time thanks to a late first-period boarding major taken by Chanse Fitzpatrick. The Chiefs were unable to convert, though, and Elmira used the momentum from the successful penalty kill and turned it into offense. Out of a pile in front of Shane Connelly, Chris Korchinski was able to find the back of the net for his first goal of the season. Undaunted, Johnstown stormed back with two even-strength goals to close the gap. Dan Collins deflected a pass behind Teslak at 8:30 of his second for his first goal of the season. Matt Robinson added his first assist of the campaign as did Tyler Hirsch. Next up was Mike Bartlett with a great redirect off of a shot by Greg Gallagher at 11:45. Kyle Bushee added the secondary helper.

Ryand Del Monte got a big power play goal in the third period to draw Johnstown within one. Bartlett fed Jarrett Konkle on the left wing and his quick wrist shot left a great rebound opportunity. Del Monte was denied on his first try but the second one found its way across the goal line. As they did all night, though, Elmira answered with a power play goal. This time Matt Lowry netted it at 16:47 with assists from Brennan Turner and Korchinski. The Chiefs refused to quit until the final buzzer, though, and Ryan Menei beat Teslak to get Johnstown back within one with 31 seconds left. Elmira would get empty net goals from Olivier Proulx and Tyler Donati in the final 30 seconds to ice the game.

Shane Connelly took the loss in his first pro start making 22 saves on 27 shots. Johnstown's power play went 1-for-5 on the night with the penalty kill went 2-for-7.

Mark your calendars! The Chiefs are back on home ice on Saturday, October 24 against the Elmira Jackals at 7:05 p.m. Bic Corporation is sponsoring a "Welcome Back Bonanza" giveaway with tons of great Bic products being given to the fans. It's also the first UPJ doubleheader of the season where Chiefs season ticket holders can get into the Icecats' 2:30 game against Gannon for just $3 for adults and $1 for students. Great seats are still available and you can get yours by going to www.johnstownchiefs.com or by calling 1-800-TICKETMASTER.



ECHL Stories from October 23, 2009


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