Chiefs stymied by Cyclones

April 4, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


CINCINNATI, Oh. - The Johnstown Chiefs saw their playoff hopes put to rest on Saturday evening by the Cincinnati Cyclones. The defending Kelly Cup champions handed the Chiefs a 6-0 loss in the final game of the 2008-09 season.

The Wheeling Nailers edged the Chiefs by one point for the fourth and final playoff spot in the North Division.

The Chiefs and Cyclones started Saturday's contest a bit conservative as neither team registered a shot on goal for the first few minutes of the game. Overall, the first was played on very even footing until the Chiefs found themselves in penalty trouble late in the first. Cincinnati converted on two 5-on-3 power plays on Friday night, and kept that momentum going into Saturday. Gerard Miller's third of the season, and Mark Van Guilder's 26th of the season were scored 52 seconds apart on two different 5-on-3 advantages.

The Chiefs top line of Blair Yaworski, Randy Rowe, and Petr Pohl turned in a great first shift to start the second period that produced a couple of scoring chances, and eventually drew a penalty. That man advantage came 59 seconds into the period, but Cincinnati held the Chiefs at bay and was eventually able to extend its lead to three goals. Jimmy Kilpatrick found himself open on the low left wing and sneaked a wrist shot past Kris Mayotte on the stick side. Johnstown had another chance to work on the power play when Jacob Dietrich was whistled for hooking at 16:35, but the Chiefs failed to convert and began the third down three.

The Chiefs produced the most offensive pressure of the game during the third period with 13 shots fired Ryan Nie's way, but the former Chief netminder kept his old club off of the board. Kilpatrick, Felix Petit, and Matt Dias all added insurance goals and set the final score.

Kris Mayotte took his 13th loss of the season in making 36 saves. Johnstown finished the night 0-for-5 on the power play.

The Chiefs would like to thank all of their season ticket holders, sponsors, and fans for all of their support during the 2008-09 campaign. Your contributions alone made this season a possibility and a success. The Chiefs look forward to seeing you all again for the Chiefs' 22nd season in the ECHL in 2009-10!



ECHL Stories from April 4, 2009


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