Chiefs wallop Nailers

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


Johnstown, PA. - The Johnstown Chiefs won their first of five remaining matches against the Wheeling Nailers at the UPMC Health Plan Ice Rink at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena on Wednesday night by a 5-3 score.

With the win, Johnstown's record sits at 32-22-3 which is good for second place in the North Division. The Chiefs are two points behind, with a game in hand, the Cincinnati Cyclones for first in the division.

Wheeling jumped out to the early lead when Bo Cheesman started off the game with a goal at 5:52. Luca Caputi extended the lead to two with a wraparound goal at 9:52. With the score at 2-0, Todd Griffith got his team fired up when he got into a scrap with Wheeling defenseman Brock Sheehan. Soon after, at 17:52, Jarett Konkle amazed the crowd as he zipped a shot into the net all while falling to the ice to put the Chiefs on the board and send them into the locker room down by one. Konkle's goal was his 29th of the season.

Just 48 seconds into the second period, Johnstown got on even footing by tying the score at two. Alex Penner sprung Petr Pohl on a breakaway the Czech winger made no mistake in beating David Brown for his 26th goal of the season. The Chiefs continued their scoring when Mike Knight buried a one timer, in his first game back from an injury, as both he and the puck went smashing into the net to established a 3-2 Chiefs lead. That goal was beautifully set up by Pohl and Blair Yaworski. Johnstown capped off the period with yet another goal when Todd Griffith roofed a backhander over Brown's catching glove with Ryan Del Monte and Knight providing the assists. Kris Mayotte made nine saves in the second to make the lead stand up.

Wheeling's John Mazzei broke up a scoreless third period when he managed to get a slap shot past Mayotte with 7:28 remaining to cut the Chiefs lead to 4-3.

Mayotte made 27 saves in picking up his 19th win, while the Chiefs went 0-for-4 on the power play.

Mark your calendars! The Chiefs are back on home ice on Sunday, March 8 when they host the Elmira Jackals at 2:35 p.m. ET. It's the third and final AmeriServ Sellout Challenge of the season. If the attendance reaches or passes 3,880 everyone in attendance is going home with a free ticket to a future game! 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 March 4, 2009


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