Gorillas keep pace with rest of conference following split of weekend games
Published on January 24, 2005 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
AMARILLO, TX â The Amarillo Gorillas remain in the thick of the playoff fight in the Southern Conference despite splitting two games over the weekend in Central Hockey League action.
On Friday night at the Jungle in front of a crowd of better than 4,000, Dan Donnette fired what proved to be the game winning goal as the Gorillas nipped the Oklahoma City Blazers 3-2. The Gorillas had a 2-0 lead after 40 minutes thanks to goals from Scott Wray and David Rattray, but the Blazers rallied late to make it 2-1 before Donnette stole the puck in at the blue line and scored on a breakaway.
Shawn Degagne was solid between the pipes for Amarillo, which collected its 18th win of the season, and 14 on home ice.
On Saturday night the New Mexico Scorpions fired 22 first period shots at Degagne only to score once and in the end held off a late flury by the Gorillas to win 2-1. The Gorillas actually out shot the Scorpions 22-12 over the last 40 minutes of hockey but couldn't tie the game up on goaltender Miguel Beaudry. Rattray had the lone Gorillas goal and it came late in the second period.
The Amarillo Gorillas record currently stands at 18-13-4 for 40 points and five points back of the Southwest and Southern Conference leading San Angelo Saints which have 45 points. The Gorillas are in a three way traffic jam for third place with the Lubbock Cotton Kings and the Austin Ice Bats, but are placed fifth because they have fewer wins.
It's a short week for the Gorillas as they return to action on Thursday night when they host their Southwest Division rival the Odessa Jackalopes at 7 p.m. at The Jungle in the Amarillo Civic Center. It's Cox Communications Night and 400 stress balls will be handed out at the door.
That night two lucky fans and their friends will win a trip aboard the Bud Bus and attend a game on Saturday, Feb 5 when the Gorillas take on the Lubbock Cotton Kings.
Fans are reminded about the weekday-warrior promotion where all tickets are buy-one-get-one-free. (excluding Fridays and Saturdays.) Tickets may be purchased at the Gorillas Hockey Office 1934 Civic Circle; Civic Center Box Office and at Panhandle Tickets Outlets including Randy's Music Mart, the WT Event Center in Canyon and United Supermarkets. Fans can charge by phone 378-3096 or 242-7825.
The game will be aired live on 1440 Am The Score beginning with the Farmer's insurance Group Warm Up Show at 6:40 p.m. Amarillo Gorillas Hockey Presented by Bank of America follows at 7 p.m. Fans can also tune in to the game on the world wide web at www.amarillogorillas.com or www.chltv.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from January 24, 2005
- Mudbugs Weekly - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- RiverKings call up another Huntsville forward - Mississippi RiverKings
- Gorillas keep pace with rest of conference following split of weekend games - Amarillo Gorillas
- Gorillas/MDA Coconut Bowl set for this Sunday at Western Bowl - Amarillo Gorillas
- Scorpions heat up Tingley, cool off Gorillas - New Mexico Scorpions
- Parsons named Oakley CHL Player of the Week - Mississippi RiverKings
- Oakley CHL Player & Goaltender of the Week Announced - CHL
- Bucks Out & About - Laredo Bucks
- Saints Take Six Point Weekend; Lead Southern Conference - San Angelo Saints
- Tarantulas hosting gentleman's only hockey clinic - Topeka Tarantulas
- Thunder back home Thursday, look to end slide - Wichita Thunder
- Don't forget! âSign âN Dineâ is tomorrow night - Mississippi RiverKings
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