Sports stats

Chiefs Romp Against Royals

April 2, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


Reading, PA - You wouldn't know that the Johnstown Chiefs had clinched a playoff spot by watching their play on Wednesday night as they beat the Reading Royals 4-1 on Wednesday night.

The Chiefs raced out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on plays that originated from behind the goal line. First, Andrew Martens faked a wraparound attempt, and tried to stuff the puck short side on John Murray. Martens couldn't quite muscle it in, but Mike Sgroi finished it off for his sixth goal in three games at the 5:24 mark. Ray Macias added an assist.

Alex Imbeault potted his 23rd goal of the year at 13:20 to extend the Chiefs' lead. Nathan Saunders triggered the play by skating behind the Reading net and hitting Imbeault in the high slot who beat Murray with a wrist shot.

The second period belonged to Reading as they out-shot the Chiefs 14 to 4, and scored the lone goal of the frame. With the Chiefs on the power play, Reading's Kevin Saurette stole a pass by Andrew Martens and went in on a breakaway. Saurette beat Andrew Penner with a backhand shot for Reading's first goal.

The Chiefs had the highlight of the second, though, as Mike Sgroi was off with a 5-minute major for high sticking, the Chiefs killed off the power play and held the Royals to two shots on that advantage.

That five-minute penalty kill gave the Chiefs all of the momentum back in the third period, where they scored twice to secure their fourth consecutive win over the Royals to conclude the season series.

Andrew Martens picked up his second point of the game when he rifled a one-timer by Murray at the 7:48 mark. Mark Tobin earned the primary assist by hitting Martens with a pass from the left wing wall, and Jean Desrochers added the second.

Mike Knight put the icing on the cake setting the 4-1 final with a power play goal at 11:57. The Chiefs used a play from behind the goal line to set up yet another tally as Alex Imbeault hit Knight from behind the Reading net, and he quickly potted his ninth of the year.

Imbeault (1G, 1A) and Martens (1G, 1A) each finished the game with two points. Andrew Penner earned his sixth win of the season in net by making 31 saves, and the Johnstown power play ended the night with a 1-for-3 mark.

The Chiefs' final home game of the regular season will be this Friday, March 4 at 7:05 PM against the Wheeling Nailers. The Chiefs will be holding their Fan Appreciation Day that night with numerous giveaways on tap throughout the night. That will be a tune up for the Chiefs' home playoff opener against the Dayton Bombers on Tuesday, April 8 at 7:05 PM. Be sure to check out your Chiefs as they chase Patrick Kelly's cup! Great seats are available for both games and can be had by calling the War Memorial Box Office at 814-536-5156, or by going to www.johnstownchiefs.com.



ECHL Stories from April 2, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Johnstown Chiefs Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central