Flags Silence PrairieThunder in Shootout, 4-3
December 22, 2006 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Flags News Release
(PORT HURON, MICH.) - Despite falling behind early to the Bloomington PrairieThunder, the Port Huron Flags rallied to their first shootout victory of the season, keeping their winning streak alive in a 4-3 win at home.
Bloomington didn't wait long to get things started, with a pair of goals inside of four minutes. The first occurred just 51 seconds into the first, off the stick of Brad Thompson, assisted by former Flag Ryan Gillis. At 3:35, Shawn Snider put the PrairieThunder up by two, with assists from Shawn Roed and Thompson. Bloomington nudged out Port Huron in shots on goal in the first period, 11 to 10.
The Flags started the second with a bang when Bobby Kukulka scored just 10 seconds into the period, taking advantage of an interference call on Alex Goupil in the last second of the first. Kukulka was assisted by Colt King and Greg Bullock. Later, a 5-on-3 advantage for Port Huron yielded the equalizing goal, from King, with assists credited to Kukulka and Steve Hildenbrand. While Port Huron outshot Bloomington 16-9 in the second, the more interesting statistic was the 19 penalties called in the first 40 minutes.
Things got interesting in the third, when Andre Niec was ejected from the game for a butt ending major that nearly sparked a line brawl. After King's corresponding minor was served, the Flags were left with a 3 minute power play on which they were unable to capitalize. Late in the period, Mike Adamek was also tossed from the game for a kneeing major and a game misconduct. Chris Bogas was on the bad end of that penalty and had to leave the game due to injury. The incident left Port Huron with a considerable power play, but it was Bloomington who took advantage first, when Goupil scored shorthanded and unassisted at 16:01. However, the Flags answered right back, at 16:50, when Garett Cameron tied the game again, off assists from Rob Snowball and King. Although the Flags' 10 shots on goal beat Bloomington's nine, the Flags entered their fifth shootout of the season, looking to keep their four game winning streak alive.
Goupil opened up the shooting for the PrairieThunder, but was stuffed by Dustin Traylen. Kukulka took the ice for Port Huron, but was unable to fake out Jeff Reynaert. Shawn Snider and Mike Olynyk were both denied in their tries. Gaustad finally scored for Bloomington, while Ryan Markham was unsuccessful. Jarad Bourassa missed, while T.J. Sakaluk evened things for the Flags. Jon Booras was also stopped short, and the home crowd of 2,078 exploded when Captain Greg Bullock scored the electrifying game-winner.
AT&T's First, Second and Third Stars of the Game were awarded to King, Traylen and Cameron, respectively. The Flags next home game is Wednesday, Dec. 27 against the Kalamazoo Wings, at 7 p.m.
WILD WINTER WEDNESDAY - While everyone recovers from the holidays, the Port Huron Flags are offering a special break for next Wednesday's ticket prices. All seats are being sold for $8! Call McMorran Arena or the Flags office to cash in on this special deal.
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
International Hockey League 2 Stories from December 22, 2006
- Magers earns shutout as Hounds top Rockford 2-0 - Rockford IceHogs
- Komets Freeze Jackals 4-2 - Elmira Jackals
- Flags Silence PrairieThunder in Shootout, 4-3 - Port Huron Flags
- Countdown to Face-Off - Kalamazoo Wings
- Jackals Present Holiday Gifts To Season Ticket Holders - Elmira Jackals
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