Chiefs Wallop Gladiators

Published on February 13, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


Johnstown, PA - After the first seven minutes of the first period, the Johnstown Chiefs seemed to be in big trouble. The Chiefs found themselves down 2-0 and awaiting another Gwinnett Gladiator power play. Then the Chiefs started playing their game and ended up on top winning 6-3 at the War Memorial Arena Wednesday night. This was a big game for Johnstown. After a Dayton Loss Wednesday night, the Chiefs now find themselves five points back of fourth place in the North Division Standings.

The game started off with great defense by both the Chiefs and Gladiators. At 12:00 into the first period, Chiefs forward Joey Olsen got called for slashing. Fifty Four seconds later at 12:54, Mike Knight got called for tripping. The Gladiators would replicate this scoring in back-to-back power play goals when Andy Brandt and Stuart MacRae scored at 13:11 and 13:19. The Chiefs found themselves in a 2-0 hole with six minutes left in the first period. The Chiefs would continue to put pressure on Gladiators goalie Dan Turple. The 6-6, 220 pound goalie would let one slip away when Rob Drummond flew around the net scoring on a snap shot in the top right corner of the net. Assisting in the goal were Joey Olsen and Randy Rowe. A high flying first period ended 2-1 in favor of the Gladiators.

The second period was very similar to the first. The Chiefs continued to put pressure on Turple. At 4:10 into the period, Mike Sgroi netted a goal off a Brian Deeth rebound. Also assisting in the score was center Alexandre Imbeault. Both Johnstown and Gwinnett had opportunities to score throughout the second period but could not convert. The Gladiators had two power play chances at 8:19 and 13:41 but could not skip one by Chief's goalie Ryan Nie. The second period ended tied at two, foreshadowing a hard fought battle to the finish.

The Johnstown Chiefs came out in the third with a chip on their shoulder scoring four goals in the period. The Chiefs broke the 2-2 tie when Imbeault found the net 56 seconds into the period. Assisting on the goal were Mike Sgroi and Jean Derochers. The Chiefs continued to attack the goal scoring two goals at 3:06 and 3:39 into the third. Mike Sgroi and Joey Olsen were the scorers, respectively, while Derochers, Drummond, Imbeault and Rowe all received an assist. The Gladiators managed to make the score 5-3 when Lou Dickenson sneaked the puck past Chief's goalie Nie. This would be the final goal for the Gladiators. With three minutes left in the final period, Joey Olsen ripped a slap shot in the right hand corner of the net, all but destroying any hope for a Gladiator comeback. The Chiefs dominated the third period winning by the final score of 6-3.

Nie finished with 22 saves on 25 shots in picking up his 17th win of the season, while the Chiefs went without a power play goal for the first time in two games, going 0-for-3.

The Johnstown Chiefs take on the Texas Wildcatters this Friday, February 15th. Captain Jack Sparrow will be in attendance! If you miss Friday's game you won't want to miss Saturday's game. The Chiefs play their division rivals the Dayton Bombers. Saturday night is "Man's Night". If you are a big tough man who wants some appreciation, come out to the War Memorial Arena for a night of fun!! Great seats are still available for both games at the UPMC Health Plan Ice Rink at the Cambria County War Memorial. Call 536-5156 or visit www.johnstownchiefs.com to get yours today!

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ECHL Stories from February 13, 2008


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