Flags Contain Fury in Shootout, 4-3

Published on January 6, 2007 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Flags News Release


(PORT HURON, MICH.) - The Port Huron Flags earned their first victory against the number one team in the league, the Muskegon Fury, by the score of 4-3 in a shootout on Saturday night at McMorran Arena.

In only six other contests have the Flags found themselves ahead after the first period, and in the first 19 minutes of the game, it looked like both sides would head to the locker room with no goals. However, Mark Cadotte made broke away with a pass from Craig Mahon to effortlessly light up the scoreboard at 19:11. Goaltender Noah Ruden was credited with the second assist. Port Huron outshot the visitors 19-11 in the session.

Bobby Kukulka widened the Flags' lead at 6:37 in the second, snagging the pass from Shayne Tomlinson and then outskating Muskegon's defenders to put the puck behind Ryan Cyr. Exactly one minute later, the Fury took advantage of a defensive lapse to cut the lead in half. Rustyn Dolyny netted the goal, with assists going to Tom Galvin and Todd Robinson. A few minutes later Colt King and Kelly Thomson dropped their gloves, much to the surprise of the home crowd of 2,050. King missed a month of the season due to a wrist injury that he incurred in his last fight, bur he threw down with Thomson showing little sign of being bothered by the injury. A strong defensive front from the Flags prevented the Fury from capitalizing on any power plays, as Muskegon outshot Port Huron 10-9 in the second.

Kukulka opened up the third with his second goal of the night at 1:09, assisted by Garett Cameron. A pile up in front of the Fury net nearly sparked a fight between Mike Olynyk and Chase Trull, but the scrap was broken up by the referees. Both received roughing minors, but Trull was also issued a misconduct and Thomson took a slashing minor. The visitors closed in when Adam Smyth whipped the puck into the corner of the net at 6:10. Dave Noel-Bernier and Josh Chase assisted on the goal Dolyny followed up with his second goal of the night at 10:11, tying the game on assists from Dave Van Drunen and Noel-Bernier. Despite outshooting Muskegon 9-6 in the third, the Flags headed to a shootout for the second straight night.

After the initial five shooters, the contest was tied at threes, and neither team capitalized in the sixth round. After Ruden blocked Smyth's attempt, Garett Cameron triple-deked on Cyr to net the game winner, giving the Flags their first win over the Fury.

AT&T awarded the First, Second and Third Stars of the Game to Cameron, Kukulka and Mahon, respectively. The Flags next home game is Saturday, Jan. 20 against the Kalamazoo Wings. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. at McMorran Arena.

CHEFS' SHOWCASE DINNER GALA: On Tuesday, Jan. 23, the Flags organization is hosting its annual Chefs' Showcase Dinner at the Fogcutter Restaurant. The $75 ticket includes a dinner from the area's top chefs that is served by the 2007 Flags players. Call the office at (810) 982-FLAG to reserve your ticket. Hurry! Space is limited!

BUY 2 GAME TICKETS, GET THE 3rd FREE! Now through January, the Flags are offering a special deal to ensure that fans don't miss a minute of the action. With the purchase of 2 game tickets, the 3rd is free, when purchased in advance through the Flags office. Call (810) 982-FLAG to reserve yours today!

The Port Huron Flags are a community owned, nonprofit member club of the United Hockey League. For more information on the 2006-07 season, contact the front office at (810) 982-3524 or visit the website at www.porthuronflags.net.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from January 6, 2007


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