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Chiefs nipped by Jackals

February 6, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


ELMIRA, Ny. - The Johnstown Chiefs had their three-game winning streak snapped with a 1-0 loss on Friday night against the Elmira Jackals

The Chiefs' record slipped to 26-17-2, and with 54 points find themselves tied in the North Division standing with the Jackals.

The Chiefs saw Elmira jump out to the early lead on a tip in goal from Pierre-Luc Faubert. After a Greg Gallagher poke check in the low slot caused a turnover, the Chiefs were unable to clear it past Travis Gawryletz at the point. Faubert got alone in front of Ian Keserich and tipped Gawryletz's shot in at 4:11 of the first. Johnstown had a two-to-one power play advantage in the first, but couldn't find a way to beat Mitch O'Keefe.

Johnstown had 1:08 to work with on the power play when the second period began, but was unable to convert. Elmira's offense swung into gear after killing the penalty and was outshooting Johnstown eight-to-one with as few as three minutes remaining in the period. In his first game back with Johnstown, Andrew Sarauer took over the game for an entire shift late in the second. His first shot of the shift clanged off of the crossbar, and landed in the low slot where Ryan Card had a chance to slam it in. Card couldn't convert, though, and Sarauer made a couple of nifty moves to free himself up for a backhand shot just below the right faceoff circle. But O'Keefe was there for the save and kept the Chiefs off of the board through 40 minutes.

Johnstown put everything it had into the comeback effort in the third period as it tried to avoid being shut out in Elmira for the second time this season. The best scoring chance of the final frame didn't come until Ian Herbers pulled Keserich for the extra attacker. From the bottom of the right wing circle, Petr Pohl let loose with a quick snap shot, but O'Keefe got his left arm on it and covered the rebound.

Keserich turned in a strong 20-save effort in his return to the net, but found himself on the wrong end of a shutout loss for the third time this season. Johnstown's power play ended the night 0-for-6.

Mark your calendars! The Chiefs are back on home ice on Friday, February 13 and will host the Reading Royals. That game will feature the Chiefs' "Lucky 13" tickets. Any seat in section 13, or any seat numbered 13, can be purchased for just $13. Good seats are available, but going quickly! Act fast and be sure to get your seat by calling 814-539-1799 or 814-536-5156.



ECHL Stories from February 6, 2009


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