CHL Mississippi RiverKings

Gardner Era Begins with Win Over Evansville

December 17, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, MS --- Russell Smith scored once and added two assists, while Brian Ihnacak and Chris Auger added their first Central Hockey League goals in the Mississippi RiverKings' 4-1 conquest of the Evansville IceMen on Friday, December 17th at the DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven.

Patrik Levesque also scored as new coach Paul Gardner earned his first victory behind the RiverKings' bench since joining the team earlier in the week.

After a scoreless first period, Nicklas Lindberg opened the scoring for Evansville with a power play goal at 3:32 of the middle session.

That was answered later in the second period when Smith's blast from in front on the power play tied the game at 1-1 with just over ten minutes to play in the second period.

The eventual game-winner came off the stick of Ihnacak, a backhander in front of the Evansville net at 16:06 of the second period for a 2-1 lead.

Mississippi added two more in the third period, Auger's first CHL goal at 2:17, and Levesque wrapped up the night with a power play goal at 14:59 for the final score of 4-1 for the RiverKings.

Mississippi finished with a 2-for-10 night on the power play and the RiverKings also stopped six of seven Evansville man advantage opportunities.

The RiverKings allowed a season-low 12 shots on goal to the IceMen, while taking 33 themselves. Mississippi goaltender Alexander Pechurskiy (6-4-0) needed to make only 11 saves, while Evansville goalie Matt Lundin stopped 29 shots in falling to 7-7-2 for the season.

With the win, the RiverKings have now won two straight while Evansville fell for the fourth straight time (0-3-1). Mississippi also moved above .500 for the year at 12-11-1, while the IceMen dropped to 9-12-3 for the campaign.

Mississippi will be looking to win its third straight game for the first time this season tomorrow night at home against Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs at 7:05 PM. For RiverKings tickets, call 662-342-1755 or go online to www.riverkings.com today!

RIVERKINGS UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, December 21st, the Mississippi RiverKings invite you to celebrate the holidays early when the Bloomington PrairieThunder. One child age 12 and under will be admitted free with an adult paid admission to that night's game between the RiverKings and PrairieThunder. The limit is one child per each paid adult admission of equal or lesser value. It's another great way to bring out the family to watch your hometown hockey team in action and save money at the same time. The offer is available for the December 21st game only and only available at the DCC box office during their office hours.

Wednesday, December 22nd is an Away Game Watch Party at the Southaven Buffalo Wild Wings, 7188 Airways Boulevard, north of Goodman Road. Fans will be able to come watch the CHL-TV broadcast of the game on the big screen, when the RiverKings travel to Bloomington to play the PrairieThunder.

For RiverKings ticket information, call 662-342-1755 or go online to www.riverkings.com today!



Central Hockey League Stories from December 17, 2010


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