Gorillas Take Four Points on Longest Road Trip of Season
November 18, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
INCREDIBLE WEEKEND: The longest road trip of the season was a productive one for the Amarillo Gorillas as they took four points in two games against the Indianapolis Ice. The 3-2 shootout win on Friday night and the 5-4 shootout victory on Saturday improved the Gorillas record to 6-5 and currently sit in second place in the Northern Conference's Northwest Division with 12 points, one ahead of the Oklahoma City Blazers. The Gorillas have played in 11 games, the fewest of any CHL team so far this season.
FRIDAY RECAP: The Amarillo Gorillas raced out to a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes against their conference rivals the Indianapolis Ice. Henry Kuster scored on the powerplay on a feed from Mark DeSantis. Less than a minute later, John Dean fired a shot from the high slot area to make it 2-0 from Dave Rattray. Goaltender Shawn Degagne had an outstanding game for the Gorillas, making some spectacular saves. Indianapolis Ice netted a late third period goal to tie the game up and force overtime and later a shotout.
Henry Kuster, Dorian Anneck, Ben Maidment and Scott Wray all netted goals for the Gorillas in the shotout, while Shawn Degagne turned aside two of the three Ice shooters. Anneck's goal was the prettiest as he put a lovely one-handed move on the Ice goaltender.
SATURDAY FUN: This game was hyped up in the national media all week as the Indianapolis Ice announced the signing of former NBA shot blocker Manute Bol. The 7 foot-7 inch center didn't disappoint the 5,000 fans who came out to Conseco Fieldhouse as he was fully dress in hockey equipment, minus the skates and sat on the Ice bench.
In the game, the Gorillas jumped out to a 3-1 first period lead on goals by Ben Gustavson, Brandon Carper and Henry Kuster. However Indianapolis tied the game in the second period and then took the lead with under five minutes remaining in the third period. But the Gorillas waisted little time in tying the game at 4-4 as Kuster potted his second of the night.
For the second game in a row, the two teams would go to a shootout. Chris Robertson and Henry Kuster gave the Gorillas an early lead, while just one Indianapolis player would score and Amarillo won 5-4.
CYCLING THE PUCK: With another shorthanded goal on Saturday night, the Amarillo Gorillas rank third in that category with five this season. Henry Kuster ranks third in goals in the CHL with 11. The Gorillas goaltending tandem of Shawn Degagne and Steve Debus have been solid in their recent games lowering their goals against average.
WHAT'S UP NEXT: The Amarillo Gorillas have a rematch with the Tulsa Oilers on Friday at 7 p.m. at The Jungle in the Amarillo Civic Center. The night is sponsored by Progressive Step Rehabilitation and the first 1000 fans receive frizbees courtesy of the Diabetes Partnership. The Gorillas will also be collecting food for the High Plains Food Bank. Fans can bring a non-perishable food item either to the Gorillas hockey office anytime this week or at the box office on game night and receive a gold level ticket for just $7.
BACK ON THE ROAD: The I-27 rivalry between the Amarillo Gorillas and the Lubbock Cotton Kings is renewed on Saturday night at the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum, beginning at 7 p.m.
REMAINING NOVEMBER SCHEDULE: Fans are encouraged to come celebrate Thanksgiving with the Amarillo Gorillas next week with a pair of home games. The Oklahoma City Blazers make their first visit to The Jungle next Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Gorillas will then host the Lubbock Cotton Kings next Friday at 7 p.m. It will be Run From Your Relatives Night with 50-cent hot dogs available.
GORILLAS TO HOLD FOOD DRIVE THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AGAINST TULSA OILERS
AMARILLO, TX â The Amarillo Gorillas will be supporting the High Plains Food Bank this Friday night when they host the Tulsa Oilers in Central Hockey League action.
The Gorillas are inviting their fans to bring a non-perishable food item to their hockey office anytime this week or to the box-office on the night of the game and receive a gold level ticket for just $7.
All food collected will be going to the High Plains Food Bank to help people in need during Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season.
"We invite all of our fans to drop off non-perishable food items at our offices this week and get a gold level seat," said Director of Media Relations Denis J. Puska. "Fans will be able to help a good cause and see a great game."
The Amarillo Gorillas and the Tulsa Oilers hooked up in an exciting game at The Jungle two weeks ago. The Oilers, which currently have the CHL's best overall record, won the game 2-0 due to a late second period goal and then an empty net market with time running out.
The Amarillo Gorillas hockey office is located the lower level of the Commerce Building at the corner of Eighth and Tyler. The office is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For further information on the food drive, please call Denis J. Puska at 806-242-7825.
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