Christian Nets 52nd Goal of the Season but Hounds Fall 5-1 in Memphis

March 11, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Youngstown SteelHounds News Release


Southhaven, MS - The Youngstown SteelHounds (21-33-5) fell behind early at the DeSoto Civic Center on Saturday night and just didn't have enough gas in the tank to catch up as they fell to the Memphis RiverKings (21-31-4) by a final score of 5-1 in their final road game of the season. The win was the eighth of the season for Memphis in nine chances versus the Hounds. Jeff Christian scored his 52nd goal of the season providing the only offense for Youngstown. Travis Banga had a goal and two assists leading the way for Memphis who pull to within a point of the Hounds for second place in the Northeast Division.

Youngstown started the game a little hung over after last night's outstanding performance in Bossier-Shreveport (an 8-3 victory). Memphis tacked on three goals and 20 shots (tied for the most allowed by the Hounds in a single period this season). The first came off a Hounds turnover along the boards that led to a two-on-one rush resulting in Travis Banga scoring his 29th goal of the season assisted by Darrell Stoddard and Brad Wanchulak at the 4:11 mark. Memphis added to their lead with a blue-collar goal in front of David St. Germain. Four RiverKing players were jamming away at a loose puck that eventually ended with Tim Plett scoring his fifth goal of the season assisted by Paul McBrien and Don Parsons scored at the 15:32 mark. The RiverKings pushed another puck across the line at the 18:43 mark with Stoddard scoring his 16th goal of the season while standing alone in between the hashes. Banga and Derek Landmesser were credited with the assists. Memphis outshot the Hounds 20-8 in the period as Guy St. Vincent made eight saves and St. Germain finished with 17 saves.

It didn't take the RiverKings long to add to their lead in the second period as Plett scored his second of the season after St. Germain had made a great save against Parsons but gave the puck back to Memphis who ended the play with the Plett goal. McBrien and Parsons were given the assists at the 33 second mark of the second period. The Hounds finally got on the board with a power play goal at the 8:55 mark of the period with Jeff Christian scoring his 52nd goal of the season assisted by Chris Richards and Matt Hanson. The assist by Richards extended his league-high point streak to 19 straight games (4-26=30). The RiverKings outshot the Hounds 16-13 in the period and led 36-21 through two periods.

The RiverKings scored the only goal of the third period with Landmesser scoring his 16th goal of the season assisted by Banga at the 3:23 mark of the period. Youngstown generated several chances but St. Vincent saved his best for last making 16 saves in the final period.

Memphis outshot the Hounds 45-37 in the game as St. Vincent won his 11th game of the season making 36 saves. St. Germain took the loss falling to 16-25-4 making 40 saves.

The SteelHounds begin a five-game home stand that will take them through the end of the season beginning Friday, March 17th versus the Colorado Eagles. Face-off is scheduled for 7:05 PM (EST).



Central Hockey League Stories from March 11, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central