Gorillas Rally to Beat El Paso in Overtime
January 2, 2003 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
Rookie forward Derek Hahn scored the game tying and the winning goal in overtime to power the Amarillo Gorillas to a 4-3 win over the El Paso Buzzards on New Years Eve at The Jungle in the Amarillo Civic Center.
The win improved the Gorillas record to 17-10-0 for 34 points and now trail the Oklahoma City Blazers by six points for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Northern Conference.
The Gorillas saw their home record improve to 9-7-0 which gives the club more wins on home ice then Amarillo had all of last year.
El Paso had the jump on the Gorillas early and built a 3-1 lead in the second period before the comeback began. Scott Wray deflected in a Mark DeSantis shot from the point on the powerplay to make it 3-2.
Early in the third period Derek Hahn scored on a great effort to tie the game at three and then in overtime potted the winner on a great set up from rookie defenseman Darren Curry and Ben Gustavson. For Gustavson it was his second assist of the game. Curry, the Manotick, Ontario native made a great play at the blue line and then spotted Hahn in the clear behind the defenseman who tipped the puck into the goal.
Ben Maidment had the other Amarillo Gorillas goal, while Mark DeSantis and Brandon Carper each collected two assists.
Goaltender Steve DeBus posted his 10th win of the season in goal. The Rochester, Minnesota native looked solid between the pipes and made some great saves to keep his club within striking distance.
The Amarillo Gorillas have a busy weekend with three games in as many nights. On Friday night, the Gorillas host the New Mexico Scorpions at 7 p.m. The Tulsa Oilers then make an appearance at The Jungle to face the Gorillas on Saturday night at 7 p.m.. The Gorillas conclude their weekend with a trip to El Paso to face the Buzzards on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. MST, 4 p.m. CST.
Central Hockey League Stories from January 2, 2003
- Schneider, Periard Named All-Star Starters - Laredo Bucks
- Richards named starter to CHL All-Star Game - New Mexico Scorpions
- Tomorrow's Oilers Game Not Televised - Tulsa Oilers
- Veteran forward to make fourth CHL All-Star Game appearance - Wichita Thunder
- Pair of Oilers to Start in CHL All-Star Game - Tulsa Oilers
- CHL All-Star Starters Announced - CHL
- Rayz Sign Defenseman Werfelman - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Buzzards Prepare for Holy Showdown - El Paso Buzzards
- Barksdale Appreciation Night Announced - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Bats Win 4 Straight Into New Year - Austin Ice Bats
- Gorillas Rally to Beat El Paso in Overtime - Amarillo Gorillas
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
