Chiefs slam Nailers, take first place

Published on February 15, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - The Johnstown Chiefs defeated the Wheeling Nailers on Sunday, a 5-2 victory that propelled the Chiefs into sole possession of first place in the North Division.

Johnstown (30-18-2) put up four goals in the third period to win a Sunday afternoon tilt and put the finishing touches on a six-point weekend. It also lifted the Chiefs to a perfect start to a lengthy home stand, winning the first three of six consecutive games at the UPMC Health Plan Ice Rink.

Wheeling jumped on the board early, beating Chiefs netminder Ian Keserich just 40 seconds in. But both teams settled down, and the first period became a tightly contested defensive struggle that saw both teams limited to just seven shots.

Johnstown dominated much of the second frame, pumping 17 shots on Nailers goaltender Curtis Darling. The Chiefs finally found the twine with 4:16 left in the period, when Andrew Sarauer took a feed from Todd Griffith and curled the puck around a sprawling Darling. Sarauer's 11th goal of the season was his first since returning from AHL Lake Erie, and extended his point streak to four games.

The rookie forward was not yet finished. Sarauer gave the Chiefs their first lead of the game just two minutes into the third, beating Darling from a sharp angle off the pass from Sean Berkstresser for his 12th of the season and fourth multi-goal game in 27 games.

Wheeling managed to tie the game once again near the midway point of the third on Jon Grecu's power play goal, but the Chiefs reclaimed the lead for good just 11 seconds later. Petr Pohl had an initial shot denied by Darling, but buried the second effort on the short side for his 21st of the season and a 3-2 lead.

Pohl's 22nd added the insurance, assisted by Berkstresser and Mike Bartlett with seven minutes remaining. Johnstown capped off their third period flurry with a shorthanded empty net marker by Blair Yaworski for a final score of 5-2 and a one-point lead in the North Division over Cincinnati.

Keserich made 23 saves for his 11th victory of the season. The Chiefs were 0-for-5 on the power play and 4-for-5 on the penalty kill, snapping a streak of 16 straight successful penalty kills.

Mark your calendars! The Chiefs are back on home ice on Friday, February 20th. Johnstown hosts the South Carolina Stingrays on Going Green Night #2 presented by Business Records Management at the UPMC Health Plan Ice Rink. If you bring a box of documents to be shredded and recycled, you'll be entered into a raffle to win a Chiefs prize pack that includes autographed Chiefs items, a behind-the-scenes tour of the War Memorial, and free document shredding courtesy of BRM. 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.

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ECHL Stories from February 15, 2009


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