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CHL Colorado Eagles

Eagles Drop First of Three to 'Hounds, 3-2

March 19, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release


Eagles Drop First of Three to 'Hounds, 3-2

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The Colorado Eagles fell 3-2 to the Youngstown SteelHounds as both teams tried to lock up playoff spots. After a strong first period, the Eagles couldn't keep up their play and All-Star goalie Andy Franck and the 'Hounds shut down all six of Colorado's power play chances to impede the Eagles' efforts.

With the Eagles and SteelHounds battling for playoff positioning, the two teams came out of the chutes battling in the literal sense as David Simoes dropped the gloves with Ryan Tobler just three seconds in and Milan Maslonka tussled with Jay Birnie just two seconds after that - both immediately off of faceoffs. Colorado dominated play in the first, out-shooting Youngstown 16-5 and playing most of the period in the offensive zone on four power play chances. Ed McGrane got the Eagles on the board with his 34th goal and 86th point - both of which tied him with Riley Nelson for the team lead. Aaron Schneekloth, a finalist for the CHL's Most Outstanding Defenseman Award and named yesterday to the All-CHL Team, got the second assist on McGrane's shot from the point. The opening goal came at 10:31, just two seconds after a SteelHounds' penalty had expired.

Youngstown came back in the second, tying the game at 1 on a goal by Eric Main at 10:02, but it could have been much worse for the Eagles if not for some great goaltending by Sebastien Laplante. Laplante first came up large when Ryan Bennett was awarded a short-handed penalty shot, but was shut down by the goalie's left leg. Main's goal midway through was a weak shot from the right circle that deflected off defenseman Brad Williamson's stick and trickled under the Eagles' goaltender. Laplante was again key as the period wound down, performing as his team's best penalty-killer with some solid play.

Joel Irving put the SteelHounds on top for good at 13:11 with a power-play goal after receiving a pass from Jason Baird along the right-wing boards and getting off a quick shot from right hashes. Bennett scored the winning goal just 14 seconds later when he tapped in a back-door pass from Chris Richards in the left circle. Colorado added their second goal in a desperation move as McGrane scored his second goal of the night with just 31 seconds left and Laplante pulled for an extra attacker. After winning the faceoff in the right-wing circle of the offensive zone, McGrane made his way to the net and deflected a Schneekloth point shot for his team-leading 35th goal and 87th point on the season.

The Eagles will battle the SteelHounds two more times to finish off the regular season with games Friday and Saturday night.

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