Gorillas Split Despite Allowing Just One Goal

November 25, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release


TOUGH DEFENSE: Despite allowing just one goal, the Amarillo Gorillas netted one win and one loss in Central Hockey League weekend action. The Gorillas fell 1-0 to the Tulsa Oilers at The Jungle in the Amarillo Civic Center in a thrilling game. On Saturday night, at the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum, goalie Steve DeBus made 32 saves as the Gorillas blanked their arch rival Lubbock Cotton Kings 2-0. The Gorillas record sits at 7-6-0 and trail the second place Oklahoma City Blazers by three points in the Northern Conference's Northwest Division.

FRIDAY REWIND: It was another Friday night thriller in The Jungle at the Amarillo Civic Center as the Gorillas played tough against the CHL's top ranked Tulsa Oilers. The visitors tallied the lone goal of the game late in the first period and let their goaltender Rod Branch do the rest. The Gorillas fired more than 40 shots on goal from every different direction but failed to find the back of the net and lost 1-0. Gorillas goaltender Shawn Degagne was again solid between the pipes and has allowed only four goals in his last four games.

PERFECT SATURDAY: The Amarillo Gorillas played their best road game of the season so far in blanking the arch-rival Lubbock Cotton Kings 2-0. Brian Pellerin gave the Gorillas an early 1-0 first period lead on a slap shot from Scott Wray and Ben Maidment. Later in the first, Dave Rattray deflected home a shot from Neil Posillico to make it 2-0. After that Steve DeBus took control and made some outstanding saves en route to his second shutout of the season. The Gorillas played great team defense and frustrated the Cotton King players all night long.

LUCKY SEVENS: The Amarillo Gorillas are ranked seventh in goals against in the CHL with less than three goals per game. Goaltender Steve DeBus has the seventh best goals against average in the league at 2.62.

GORILLAS IN THE COMMUNITY: Rookies Matt Brown, Neil Posillico and Darren Curry signed autographs on Sunday at the Amarillo Hockey Association Open House. The Association unveiled its new roller rink located at the Amarillo fairgrounds.

WHAT'S UP: It will be a short preparation week for the Amarillo Gorillas as they hit the ice for three games in four nights. On Wednesday night the Gorillas host the Oklahoma City Blazers at 7 p.m. It is the first appearance by the Blazers in Amarillo this season. Both teams have had difficulties scoring goals, but are ranked among the top six in shots on goal in the CHL.

Following a break for Thanksgiving, the Gorillas will host the Lubbock Cotton Kings on Friday night. It is Run From Your Relatives Night with 50 cent hot dogs. Fans who show their Amarillo Globe News Card at the Box Office on both nights can buy one ticket and get the second free.

The Amarillo Gorillas close out the busy month of November with their first trip to New Mexico to face the Scorpions on Saturday night at 7 p.m. (MST) and 8 p.m. (Central).

ON THE AIR: All three games can be heard live on 1440 AM The Score with the voice of the Gorillas Denis J. Puska at the helm. The broadcasts begin 20 minutes before the puck is dropped with the Pizza Hut Gorillas Warm Up Show. Please note that Saturday's broadcast gets underway at 7:40 p.m.

Friday night's Gorillas and Cotton Kings game will also be simulcast on Cox Communications Channel 18, beginning at 7 p.m.



Central Hockey League Stories from November 25, 2002


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