Gorillas Sweep Southern Conference Leaders
December 9, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
If wins over certain teams serve as confidence builders, then the Amarillo Gorillas gained a whole bunch of confidence by posting back to back wins over the Southern Conference leading Austin Ice Bats over the weekend.
SATURDAY NIGHT EXCITEMENT: The series sweep concluded on Saturday night as two third period goals sparked the Gorillas to a 3-1 win over the Ice Bats at The Jungle in the Amarillo Civic Center.
The Gorillas fell behind 1-0 early in the second period, but captain Mark DeSantis tied the game up on a great rush up the ice and put a low shot behind Matt Barnes.
In the third period, Eric Andersen made his first goal of the season an important one as he circled the Ice Bats net and scored to give Amarillo a 2-1 lead. Brian Pellerin would later add an empty net goal to seal the victory.
Steve DeBus made 28 saves to post his seventh win of the season and lower his already low Goals Against Average.
Ben Maidment had two assists for the Gorillas, while Brandon Carper, and Scott Wray had the others.
FABULOUS FRIDAY: At the Travis County Expo Center on Friday Night, goaltender Shawn Degagne played an outstanding game to power the Gorillas to a 2-1 win over the Austin Ice Bats.
The Gorillas rallied from an early 1-0 deficit with two late first period goals. Ben Gustavson deflected home a shot from John Dean to tie the game up and then on the power play Henry Kuster scored from Dorian Anneck and Mark DeSantis.
This was an action packed game for the fans as the Goillas played a nearly flawless game on the road. The Gorillas defense didn't allow Austin to create many chances or to get any type of activity in front of the net.
THREE GAMES THIS WEEK: The Amarillo Gorillas return to action this week with three games, starting with a trip to El Paso to face the Buzzards on Thursday night. Broadcast time is 7:40 p.m. central time on 1440 Am The Score Amarillo with the voice of the Gorillas Denis J. Puska providing all of the expert commentary.
There are two more home games to follow for the Gorillas at The Jungle in the Amarillo Civic Center. On Friday night the Gorillas will host the Indianapolis Ice at 7 p.m. It is Unique Solutions of Amarillo Night and three lucky fans could win a home computer system.
The Gorillas wrap up their busy week on Saturday night when they host the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs at 7 p.m. It is the annual Teddy Bear Toss game and fans are encouraged to bring a new or slighly used stuff animal to the game. When the Gorillas score their first goal, fans are asked to throw the stuffed animals on the ice. All of the Teddy Bears and stuffed animals will be collected and given to the Eveline Rivers Society. Fans can also purchase stuffed Gorillas at the game for just $5.
Tickets are on sale now at the Civic Center Box Office, Panhandle Ticket Outlets located inside United Supermarkets across the Amarillo Region. Charge by phone at 378-3096 or on line at www.panhandleticket.com Tickets can also be purchased at Randy's Music Mart, the WT Events Center in Canyon or at the Gorillas Hockey Office located at the corner of Eighth and Tyler in the lower level of the Commerce Building.
GORILLAS BROADCAST SCHEDULE:
- Thursday, Dec 12 â Amarillo Gorillas @ El Paso Buzzards
Broadcast time: 7:40 p.m. â beginning with the Pizza Hut Delivers Amarillo Gorillas Warm Up Show. Radio: 1440 AM The Score.
- Friday, Dec. 13 â Indianapolis Ice @ Amarillo Gorillas
Broadcast time: 6:40 p.m. â beginning with the Pizza Hut Warm Up Show. Radio: 1440 AM The Score.
- Saturday, Dec. 14 â Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs @ Amarillo Gorillas
Broadcast time: 6:40 p.m. with pre-game show Radio: 1440 AM The Score TV: Cox Communications Channel 18.
Central Hockey League Stories from December 9, 2002
- 'Four'-Tunes on the Rise - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Mudbugs Week in Review - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Lalonde will be behind bench for Brahmas next game - Fort Worth Brahmas
- 'Kings Weekly Notes - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- Grenville Named Player of the Week - Laredo Bucks
- Silver Goaltender of the Week Yet Again - Indianapolis Ice
- Silver, Grenville Take CHL Honors - CHL
- Bucks Star Recalled to San Antonio - Laredo Bucks
- Thunder Finally Beat Blazers - Wichita Thunder
- Saints Add Size to Defense - San Angelo Saints
- Scorpions Split Pair of Games - New Mexico Scorpions
- Gorillas Sweep Southern Conference Leaders - Amarillo Gorillas
- Gorillas holding teddy bear toss this Saturday night - Amarillo Gorillas
- Blazers Finish Week 1-2-0 - Oklahoma City Blazers
- Ice Add an Ounce of Silver to the CHL Record Books - Indianapolis Ice
- Russell Snaps Road Losing Streak with Shutout - El Paso Buzzards
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