Despite Effort, Gorillas Fall Short on Weekend

Published on November 11, 2002 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release


WEEKEND RECAP: The Amarillo Gorillas played with a lot of grit and determination over the weekend, but failed to post a win in Central Hockey League action. The lack of goal scoring continued to plague Joe Ferras' charges with just three goals tallied in two games. The Gorillas saw their record fall to 4-5 and remain in third place in the Northern Conference's Northwest Division.

FRIDAY COMEBACK: Despite a solid second-period comeback, the Amarillo Gorillas fell to the El Paso Buzzards 4-3 on Friday night at The Jungle in the Amarillo Civic Center. The Buzzards raced out to 3-0 lead in the first 10 minutes of the game, but couldn't get any more until the third. The Gorillas had an outstanding second period and tied the game up thanks to the efforts of rookie defenseman Darren Curry. The Manitok, Ontario native netted back-to-back goals to pull the Gorillas to within a goal at 3-2. Curry has five goals in five CHL games this season, including four with Amarillo. With five seconds remaining in the second period, Henry Kuster tipped in a shot in front of the net to tie the game at 3-3. However, penalties would again come back to haunt the Gorillas in the third period and they surrendered a third period goal with about 15 minutes to play.

Amarillo pulled its goaltender in the final minute hoping to get the equalizer, but failed to find the back of the net and the game ended 4-3.

NASCAR SATURDAY: More than 4,500 fans converged on The Jungle to see Bobby Labonte's No. 18 Interstate Batteries Car and a little hockey. The fans were disappointed as their Gorillas dropped a 2-0 decision to the Tulsa Oilers, but they were treated to one of the most exciting games of the season. The Amarillo Gorillas played well again against one of the Central Hockey League's

elite teams. Fans roared during the second intermission as Bobby Labonte's car took a lap of the ice at the Amarillo Civic Center.

Goaltenders Rod Branch of Tulsa and Shawn Degagne of Amarillo played outstanding and made some key saves. Todd Marcellous had both goals for Tulsa. One coming in the second period on a power play and the other was into an empty net with about 8 seconds to play. The Gorillas crashed the net and had several great scoring opportunities, but were denied continuously by Oilers goaltender Rod Branch.

BANANA BITS: The Amarillo Gorillas currently rank sixth in the CHL on the powerplay, while their penalty killing ranks eighth. The Gorillas are second in shots on goal behind the Lubbock Cotton Kings, but have surrendered an average of 38 shots per game, which ranks second worst in the league.

Brandon Carper leads the Gorillas in shots with 46, while Henry Kuster is second with 45.

THE WEEK AHEAD: More than 900 miles of blacktop awaits for the Amarillo Gorillas as they head out on their longest road trip of the season traveling to Indianapolis to face the Ice. The two teams will meet in back-to-back games Friday at the Pepsi Coliseum and Saturday at Conseco Fieldhouse. Both games face off at 7 p.m. eastern, 6 p.m. central and will be aired live on 1440 AM The Score, beginning with the pre-game show at 5:40 p.m.

REMAINING SCHEDULE: Following the road trip, the Gorillas have three more home games remaining. The Gorillas host the Tulsa Oilers on Friday, Nov. 22 then the Oklahoma City Blazers on Wednesday, Nov. 27 and the Lubbock Cotton Kings on Friday, Nov. 29. All games face-off at 7 p.m. and the Friday, Nov. 29 tilt is Run From Your Relatives Night featuring 50 cent hot dogs.

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Central Hockey League Stories from November 11, 2002


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