Chiefs slip against Jackals

February 21, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - The Johnstown Chiefs earned a point for making it to overtime, but ultimately were dealt a 5-4 loss by the Elmira Jackals on Saturday night.

The loss dropped the Chiefs to 30-19-3 on the season, and with Cincinnati beating Dayton the Chiefs sit two behind the Cyclones in second place in the North Division.

Johnstown came roaring out of the gates and built a 3-0 lead through the first period. Trevor Hendrikx scored his second power play goal of the weekend to open the scoring at 3:35. He took a pass at the right point from Petr Poh, skated into the faceoff circle and fired a wrist shot past Michael Teslak. Andrew Sarauer extended the Chiefs lead, and his point streak to six games, with a backhand goal from the right wing that was assisted by Sean Berkstresser and Greg Gallagher. Berkstresser now has four assists in his last three games. Petr Pohl potted his 23rd goal of the season with 51 seconds left in the first to put the Chiefs' lead at three.

The second opened with a furious exchange of goals that left Johnstown ahead by three. Steve Yetman put the Jackals on the board just 23 seconds into the middle frame, and was set up by former Chief Mike Sgroi. Pohl came right back 19 seconds later to re-up the Chiefs lead to three, and Ian Keserich assisted for his first point of the season. The Jackals would cut the lead to one with tallies by Moises Gutierrez and Sgroi setting the stage for a tense third period.

The Chiefs defense and Keserich made the goal stand up for the majority of the final frame, but Wes Cunningham scored with a slap shot from the left wing with 3:26 left in regulation. Greg Gallagher took a hooking minor with 18:39 gone by in the third, but the game stayed tied to the final horn. The Chiefs killed the final 41 seconds of the penalty in overtime, but Nathan Lutz hammered a slap shot off of Ryan Del Monte and past Keserich for the game winner.

Keserich ended up making 27 saves in taking the loss while the Chiefs power play went 1-for-4 on the night.

Mark your calendars! The Chiefs are back on home ice on Sunday, February 22nd against the Elmira Jackals at 2:35 p.m. ET. The Chiefs will partner with Rotary International to "Face Off Against Hunger" in an effort to fight hunger in the area. Those who bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the drive will be eligible for $2 off of their ticket! 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 21, 2009


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