Chiefs Nipped By Jackals

Published on January 10, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


ELMIRA, Ny. - The Johnstown Chiefs lost for only the second time this season when scoring the first goal of the game as the Elmira Jackals handed them a 5-3 loss on Saturday night.

The Chiefs got back to their early-season form with Ryan Del Monte cashing in his 10th goal of the season just 1:01 into the game. Del Monte deftly left a drop pass for Wes Clark on the left wing, got the return feed coming through the slot, and beat David Shantz with a backhand shot. The goal was Del Monte's second of the weekend after netting an empty netter last night. Chris Korchinski potted a Nathan Lutz rebound to tie the game at one and end 74 minutes and 45 second of shutout hockey by Ian Keserich and the Chiefs against the Jackals.

Elmira earned its first lead of the game when Korchinski added his second of the contest 8:02 into the second. That goal began a furious exchange of scores between the teams that left nothing resolved and the score tied at three after 40 minutes. Jarrett Konkle's 18th of the season tied it at two 2:16 after Elmira took the lead. Steve Yetman gave Elmira the one goal lead again with his 16th of the season, first against Johnstown, at 14:54. Johnstown's energy line of Mike Bartlett, Jason Spence, and Sean Berkstresser teamed up on the Chiefs' third goal at 16:22. Working low on the forecheck, Berkstresser slid the puck to Bartlett in the right face off circle. Bartlett let a wrist shot go that Jason Spence tipped in for his fourth goal of the season.

Johnstown was limited to just four shots in the third period, and with Benoit Doucet getting a wrist shot past Keserich at 3:36 Elmira retook a lead it wouldn't relinquish. The Chiefs got Keserich off for the extra attacker with just under 90 seconds remaining but after a strong offensive flurry, Pierre-Luc Faubert stole a pass intended for the point and shot the puck into the open net.

Keserich ended the game with 31 saves while the Chiefs' power play was held scoreless in five chances.

Mark your calendars! The Chiefs are back on home ice Friday, January 16th at 7:05 PM when they host the Elmira Jackals. The Chiefs will host Pittsburgh Sports Pride Night, and encourage fans to don their Steelers, Pirates, or Penguins gear for the game. The fan with the most Pittsburgh pride will take home a Pittsburgh sports prize pack! Good seats are still available, but going fast. Get yours today by calling 814-536-5156 or 1-800-SLAPSHOT.

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ECHL Stories from January 10, 2009


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