Gorillas sweep first two games
March 22, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
SAN ANGELO, TX â The Amarillo Gorillas are on the brink of setting another Amarillo Professional Hockey Record this Saturday when they take on the San Angelo Saints in the third game of their best-of-five Southern Conference semi-final series.
A win by the Gorillas would advance them into the Southern Conference championship series, following a sweep of games one and two in Southwest Texas over the weekend.
On Saturday night, Derek Hahn netted the game-winning goal with 19 seconds remaining in regulation time to power the Gorillas to a 1-0 triumph over the Saints in an epic and emotional contest. The Hahn tally sent more than 100 Amarillo fans who made the long journey into a frenzy. Goaltender Shawn Degagne was outstanding in posting the shutout making some huge saves including a stop on a breakaway in the final five minutes.
In game one on Friday night, the Gorillas rallied from a 1-0 deficit with three consecutive goals to beat San Angelo 3-1. Dave Rattray tied the game at 1-1 on a shorthanded goal when he stole the puck from the San Angelo defenseman. The Gorillas took the lead when Jason Maxwell deflected home a pass from Shawn Roed. Rattray would add an insurance goal in the final five minutes when he also deflected home a shot from Tom Gomes.
The third game is set for Saturday night at 7 p.m. at Bank One Jungle. Fans are encouraged to buy their tickets early to avoid long line-ups at the door. Reid's Appliance sponsors the night and there will be draws for power tools.
A tailgate party will be held in the Northeast corner parking lot from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and fans are encouraged to come out and have fun. Prior to the third game, there will be a special ceremony to honor Gorillas Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager Joe Ferras as he will be presented with the Rick Kozuback Award by CHL President Brad Treliving.
Tickets for Saturday's game can be purchased at the Gorillas hockey office located at 1934 Civic Circle, Civic Center Box Office, Panhandle Ticket Outlets located at Randy's Music Mart, the WT Event Center in Canyon and United Supermarkets; Charge by phone 378-3098 or on line at panhandeltickets.com.
The game can be heard live on Hot 99.7 FM beginning with Prelude to the Playoffs, Gorillas Game Night Post Season Edition with Denis J. Puska at 6:40 pm. The face off takes place shortly after 7 p.m. Fans can also tune into the game on CHLTV.com.
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