Generals fall to Icehawks 5-4 in wild ending

Published on December 1, 2007 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Flint Generals News Release


FLINT, MI - The Flint Generals surrendered three goals in the final nine minutes of the third period on home ice on Saturday night, and in the process saw a two goal lead evaporate. In the end, the Generals were beaten 5-4 by their rival Port Huron Icehawks at Perani Arena.

The loss extended the Generals losing string to four games and dropped them to third place in the IHL standings. The Icehawks won their fifth game in a row moved into sole possession of first place.

The Generals had built a 4-2 lead early in the third period when John DiPace scored on a nice set up from Jason Cirone. However, the final nine minutes saw Port Huron erase the deficit on two even strength goals and then the game winner shorthanded by Kris Vernarsky with 1:59 remaining in regulation time.

Kevin Kerr's charges tried valiantly to tie the game up on the final minute but couldn't get their goaltender pulled in time and enough pressure on the Port Huron goaltender.

The game didn't start well for the Generals as the Icehawks netted a marker :24 seconds into the game. However the Generals roared back with two goals to take the lead after 20 minutes of play.

Jared Dumba scored on a nice pass from Jordan Fox at the 4:57 mark and it was 1-1. Late in the period Mike Kinnie raced up the ice and wired a shot past Larry Sterling to make it 2-1. Brock Wilson and Martin Ondrej collected assists on the goal.

In the second period, the Generals had a penalty shot called when Michael Beausoleil was pulled down on a breakaway. Beausoleil couldn't score and the score remained 2-1. The Icehawks thought they had scored a short time later when Brent Hughes felt his shot had crossed the line. After conferring with the goal judge, referee Berkbile said the puck didn't go in.

The Generals soon after extended their lead to 3-1 when Jared Dumba notched his second of the game from Mike Kinnie and Michael Beausoleil.

A few minutes later, Port Huron made it a one goal game when Jamie Carroll scored at 13:48.

The Icehawks outshot the Generals 46-29 including 37-19 over the final 40 minutes. The Generals fired the game's lone power play goal, while the Icehawks scored shorthanded. Each team had six power plays during the contest.

The Flint Generals return to action at Perani Arena on Friday, Dec. 7 when they host the Bloomington Prairie Thunder at 7:30 pm. The Generals will be holding a jersey auction immediately after the game to auction off their first home white jerseys. That night, the Generals will also wear their Christmas jerseys that will be auctioned off at a later date.

Tickets available at The Ticketmaster Box Office or by calling 744-0580. Group tickets for 15 or more are available by calling the Generals Corporate Office at 1-810-742-9422.

For further information on the Flint Generals, please contact Director of Media Relations and Broadcasting Denis J. Puska at 1-810-742-9422 or email him at [email protected].

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from December 1, 2007


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