Comets Ring in New Year with Win over Rochester
December 31, 2019 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release
Utica, NY - The Utica Comets fell behind 1-0 early but would score two power play goals to help them to a 3-2 victory over the Rochester Americans and move into a tie for first place in the North Division Tuesday night at the Adirondack Bank Center. Brogan Rafferty, Wacey Hamilton, and Justin Bailey were the goal scorers for Utica. Zane McIntyre made 33 saves in the win. The December Mega Month 50/50 presented by Don's Ford of Utica selected its winner tonight. The winning number was A-140637, with the total pot reaching $89,380.
The two teams played at a torrid pace to start the opening frame. Taylor Leier netted the first goal of the night 15:13 into the first period, beating McIntyre with a snapshot from the high slot.
Rafferty tied the game at one when his shot from the left circle squeezed through the pads of Amerks goalie Andrew Hammond on the power play. Jonah Gadjovich and Lukas Jasek had the assists. Hamilton put the Comets ahead with 38 seconds to play in the middle frame, taking a Sven Baertschi pass from below the goal line and burying a one-timer past Hammond.
Leier deflected a shot from Zach Redmond past McIntyre to tie the game at two 7:32 into the third period. Bailey put the Comets back on top three and a half minutes later, converting on a tic-tac-toe passing play on the power play. The Comets shut the door on Rochester in the final nine minutes to earn the win
The Comets return to the ice Friday, January 3 when they host the Springfield Thunderbirds. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. Tickets are still available at the Box Office, over the phone by calling (315) 790-9070, or online at www.empirestatetix.com. The game can be heard on 94.9 KROCK and viewed on AHLTV.
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