Chiefs Strike Down Nailers

Published on February 9, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


In the Nailers' first ever Kid's Day game it was the Chiefs getting the drop on the road. Against the team that cut him in training camp, Jonathan Ralph netted his fourth goal of the season and gave the Chiefs a 1-0 lead 1:35 into the game. Knifing through the slot, Ralph took a pass from Chanse Fitzpatrick and slid a backhand shot through the legs of Adam Berkhoel. Matthew Kang also assisted in his Chiefs debut. Next, at 9:42, Kang earned the primary assist as he fed Connor Shields on the back door for a 2-0 Johnstown lead. Fitzpatrick hit Kang with a pass low on the right wing to earn his second assist of the period. Kris Mayotte, making his second straight start played a busy first and turned in 11 saves.

Looking to bounce back in the second, Wheeling's Thomas Beauregard tapped home a power play goal at 3:08. Aaron Clarke had his tipped shot clang off the cross bar and lay at the right post. As Mayotte scrambled to cover up, Beauregard touched it home. The Chiefs took five penalties in the period which contributed heavily to Wheeling's 12-4 shot advantage in the frame. But of the four shots, Connor Shields was able to bury another setup from Kang and Fitzpatrick at 15:39 and re-up the Chiefs' two-goal lead.

Johnstown did a better job of staying out of the box in the third period, but a Bryan Marshall hooking minor gave Wheeling a chance to chip away. And chip they did with Cleve Kinley gunning home his third goal of the season at 8:32. The goal seemed to energize the Nailers as they forged ahead with the comeback attempt. At 16:02 Joey Haddad pulled the Nailers even with a wraparound goal that beat Mayotte low to the glove side. Neither team could convert in the final minutes of regulation, or overtime, and the game headed to the shootout for the second straight night.

Wheeling looked to be in control with their first two shooters, Haddad and Mitch Ganzak, cashing in. Connor Shields scored for the Chiefs to keep them within striking distance after two rounds. Mayotte gave the Nailers no leave the rest of the way and slammed the door on the final three shooters. Jim McKenzie, in his first game back after missing six with a shoulder injury, and Fitzpatrick cashed in for the Chiefs and propelled them to their second consecutive win.

Mayotte turned in 37 saves, also three-for-five in the shootout, in picking up his seventh win of the season. The Chiefs went 0-for-2 on the power play and 5-for-7 on the penalty kill.

Mark your calendars! The Chiefs return to Johnstown on Sunday, February 14 against the Cincinnati Cyclones at 7:05. The Chiefs will holding a coloring contest for kids in attendance sponsored by BIC. Kids can pick up the drawings at the Chiefs' information table and color them at the game. The best judged coloring will get a great Chiefs prize. Good seats still remain and for individual tickets, go to ticketmaster.com or call 1-745-3000.

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ECHL Stories from February 9, 2010


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