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Cianfrini's First Pro Goal Gives Icehawks 2-1 OT Win Over Gems

April 11, 2010 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Icehawks News Release


PORT HURON, MI - Goalies Larry Sterling and Derek MacIntyre took center stage as the Port Huron Icehawks defeated the Dayton Gems 2-1 in a nail biter that ended with just six seconds to play in overtime Sunday at McMorran Arena. Rookie defenseman Paul Cianfrini's first professional goal gave the Icehawks the victory in his fourth game since joining the team last week.

Dayton took the early lead when Corey Couturier scored an unassisted goal just 20 seconds into the game on the Gems' first shot. The goal was the quickest allowed from the start of a game of the season for the Icehawks. Port Huron would even the score when Derek Patrosso tipped in a rebound goal after Mike Gershon picked off a Dayton clearing attempt at 12:44 of the first. The Icehawks outshot the Gems 16-5 in the opening period.

Icehawks newcomer Cianfrini shut down a Gems breakaway opportunity to ensure a scoreless second period. Dayton outshot Port Huron 9-6 as the game headed to the third period tied at one.

A great third period of goaltending by Port Huron's Larry Sterling and Dayton's Derek MacIntyre ended scoreless to send the game into overtime. The Gems outshot the Icehawks 11-10 in the period. With just six seconds to play in the extra session, Cianfrini scored his first goal as a professional to give the Icehawks the overtime victory. Matt Auffrey and Nick Lindberg assisted on the goal.

Port Huron outshot Dayton 2-0 in overtime and 34-25 overall.

Sterling earned his fourth consecutive home victory, stopping 24 of 25 shots and keeping the Gems goalless over the last 64:34 of the game. MacIntyre turned away 32 of 34 shots in the overtime loss. MacIntyre has started 23 consecutive games, dating back to February when teammate Ryan Mior was called up to the AHL.

With the win, Port Huron improves to 45-25-0-4. The Icehawks are the only IHL team without an overtime loss this season. Dayton drops to 25-45-4-1 with their fifth straight loss.

In other IHL action Sunday, the Muskegon Lumberjacks earned a 7-4 road victory over the Flint Generals and the Fort Wayne Komets doubled up the Quad City Mallards 8-4 to secure a second place finish in the IHL standings.

The Icehawks return to action with a pair of home games against the Bloomington PrairieThunder to bring the 2009-10 season to a close next weekend. The Gems finish their inaugural campaign when they host the Muskegon Lumberjacks Friday.

Single game tickets for all Icehawks home games are on sale now at McMorran Arena Box Office, any Ticket Master location or by phone. For more information, visit www.porthuronicehawks.com or call 810-966-3800.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from April 11, 2010


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