Gorillas edge Scorpions in exhibition opener

Published on October 10, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release


Amarillo, TX 10/10/08 - Rookie forward Mike George had two points and first-year Gorilla Sebastian Jonsson stopped 36 shots as the Amarillo Gorillas defeated the New Mexico Scorpions in their pre-season opener, 4-3, at the Amarillo Civic Center Friday night.

In a game heavily pock-marked by penalties, power-plays, and defensive zone turnovers, Amarillo got out to an early first-period 2-0 lead. Less than two minutes into the game, while on the power play, George corralled a rebound off the left pad of Scorpions starting goaltender Peter Vetri and deposited it in the back of the net. About ten minutes later, Jason Weitzel scored after scooping up the rebound from a Drew Power shot and tapping it by Vetri, putting the Gorillas up by two.

New Mexico answered the Weitzel goal quickly, scoring just 12 seconds later. Matt Cosmos grabbed a loose puck behind the Gorillas' net and potted it on a wraparound to draw the visiting Scorpions to within one. With just 21 seconds left in the first period, Mitch Stephens hammered in a point-blank rebound opportunity during a Scorpions power play, and the teams went into the first intermission knotted at two.

Midway through the second period, the Gorillas found themselves on a two-man advantage following penalties to Adam Blanchette and Josh Paquette. Just 15 seconds into the 5-on-3, Emery Olauson scored to give the Gorillas a 3-2 lead. New Mexico then made a goaltending change, putting in the veteran Jason Wolfe in favor of Vetri.

Amarillo would take the one-goal advantage into the third period. With just over 11 minutes to play in the final frame, Amarillo's Yan Ouimet took a shot from the point that deflected off a Scorpion defender onto the stick of Brett McConnachie. Left alone in the New Mexico slot, McConnachie flipped a wrist shot over the glove hand of Wolfe to extend the Gorillas' lead.

Despite a late goal by New Mexico's Chris Robertson, the Gorillas and their new netminder Jonsson held steady for the last four minutes of the game to ensure the victory. Jonsson, who received first star honors, stopped 23 of the final 24 shots he faced, and 36 of 39 shots overall. The two teams combined for 40 minor penalties during the exhibition affair.

The Gorillas advanced to 1-0-0 in preseason play, while the Scorpions dropped to 0-1-0 following the loss. McConnachie, the lone returning Gorilla in uniform, was credited with the game-winning goal, while Jonsson got the win between the pipes for Amarillo. The Scorpions and Gorillas will face off for a second preseason tilt Saturday night in Santa Fe, NM, with an 8:00 PM (CST) start at the Genoveva Chavez Community Center.

Enjoy all the benefits of being an Amarillo Gorillas season ticket holder, including pregame meetings with Coach Coolen and one-of-a-kind access to special events! Gorillas season tickets for 2008-09 are available by calling (806) 242-PUCK (7825) or by visiting the Gorillas office at 901 Buchanan in Amarillo.

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Central Hockey League Stories from October 10, 2008


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