Chiefs ride out the Cyclones

Published on December 6, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


Cincinnati, Oh. - The Johnstown Chiefs picked up their second win in a row over the Cincinnati Cyclones with a 3-2 overtime victory on Saturday night.

The Chiefs carried the play offensively in the first period, but the bounces went the Cyclones way. Off of a blocked Conrad Martin slap shot, the rebound kicked quickly back to T.J. McElroy at the left point. McElroy got his shot through a crowd in front and past Kris Mayotte for the 1-0 lead at 6:55 of the first. The Chiefs drew three power play chances to Cincinnati's none and out-shot their hosts 14-5 in the opening frame, but the Cyclones held the lead after 20 minutes.

The second period was much the same story as the first with Johnstown out-shooting Cincinnati, and getting the better of the scoring chances. The Cyclones were able to pick up two power play chances in the second, but that ended up playing to the Chiefs' advantage. After Johnstown killed off the first chance, Andy Contois picked up a loose puck at the Chiefs' blue line on the second. Contois raced down the right wing and beat Martin Houle with a wrist shot to the blocker side.

The animosity from the previous night's game started to boil over at the end of the second. Trevor Hendrikx and Barret Ehgoetz were whistled for unsportsmanlike conduct penalties that left the teams skating four-on-four for the first 1:33 of the third.

Mike Sgroi, making his Johnstown debut, tipped in a pass from Jon Landry on the power play at 8:58 of the third to give the Chiefs a 2-1 lead. It was Johnstown's first power play goal against Cincinnati in its last 10 tries. McElroy came back with a power play goal for Cincinnati, though, with 27 seconds remaining to force overtime.

The Chiefs only managed one shot in the extra frame, but they made sure it counted. Randy Rowe found a loose puck in the high slot and rifled it over Houle's glove hand for the game winner, his second of the season.

Kris Mayotte earned his eleventh win of the season by making 17 saves on 19 shots, while the Chiefs' power play went 1-for-5 for the game.

Mark your calendars! The Chiefs are back on home ice Wednesday, December 10 to take on the Elmira Jackals at 7:05 PM. The Chiefs will be hosting Ladies' Night with booths set up throughout the arena to cater to their female fans. Great seats are still available, but going fast. You can get yours by calling 814-536-5156 or 1-800-SLAPSHOT.

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