Gorillas down Lubbok 3-2 in preseason opener
October 13, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
AMARILLO, TX - While it may only be preseason play, the Gorillas picked up a big win this evening at the hands of one of their arch rivals as the Apes down the Lubbock Cotton Kings 3-2 in their preseason opener. Matt Miller scored twice for the Gorillas and Jamie Vandespyker was perfect through nearly 30 minutes in helping the Gorillas get off to an encouraging start in a weekend which sees them play 3 preseason contests in 3 days. Matt Miller scored shorthanded midway through the first and then added a powerplay goal during a 2-man advantage late in the first period as the Gorillas jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the opening period. The Apes made it 3-0 late in the 2nd period when Bill Vandermeer tickled the twine on the powerplay for his first goal of the preseason. And despite a pair of late goals from the Cotton Kings, the Gorillas were able to hang on for the 3-2 victory in their preseason debut. The Gorillas had several multi-point contributors this evening as Miller potted home 2 goals, Vandermeer notched a goal and an assist and Costanzo tallied a pair of helpers.
Not only was the Gorilla offense clicking early but their goaltending was sensational throughout. Jamie Vandespyker started the contest and stopped all 15 shots he saw through 29:51 of action. Shawn Conschafter then only allowed a pair of goalies despite 22 shots on goal. Lubbock goaltender Josh Gartner played all 60 minutes and made 32 saves on 35 shots.
Special teams also played a huge part in this evening's game as all three Gorilla goals came through the special teams (2 powerplay, 1 shorthanded). The Gorillas powerplay was 2 for 9 on the evening while Lubbock struggled mightily going 0 of 9 with the man advantage as well as giving up a shorthanded goal.
The Gorillas are back in action tomorrow when they welcome the New Mexico Scorpions to the Civic Center for their second preseason contest.
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