Griffins Beat Knights By A Nose, 3-2

January 27, 2006 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


Omaha, NE - The Grand Rapids Griffins scored three goals in the first ten minutes of the game and then held on for a 3-2 win over the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights on Friday night at the Omaha Civic Auditorium. The loss overshadowed a sterling effort from the Knights who controlled play for nearly 50 minutes of regulation.

Jiri Hudler opened the scoring just 3:40 into the game when he one-timed a feed from Donald MacLean just under the crossbar. Hudler tallied again just 3:30 later, beating Brent Krahn with a sharp wrist shot for his 24th goal of the year.

The lead became 3-0 just 2:06 later when Matt Ellis tipped in a shot by Bryan Helmer.

The Knights got one goal back before the period was over. Lynn Loyns wheeled up the left wing and threw the puck in front where Chris Neiszner steered the puck through the legs of goalie Joey MacDonald. It was Neiszner's first AHL goal.

In the second period, the Knights closed the gap to one when Loyns stepped out from behind the net and banked a shot off the crowd in front of MacDonald that just clattered across the goal line.

The Knights had the territorial advantage throughout both the second and third periods, outshooting the Griffins 21-8 through the last two periods. MacDonald made several tough saves in tight to protect the lead and give the Griffins the 3-2 win, their fourth in as many tries against the Knights.

The Knights are now 17-22-1-7. They visit the Iowa Stars on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and then return home on Sunday to host the Peoria Rivermen at 5:00 p.m. Both games can be heard on 1420 KOTK and on the internet at omahaaksarbenknights.com. The games can also be watched on-line by clicking on the link to the B2 Networks on the Knights' home page.

Tickets for all home games are on sale at the Civic Auditorium box office, Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on Sunday from noon through game time and at all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets may be purchased by calling 422-1212 or at Ticketmaster.com.



American Hockey League Stories from January 27, 2006


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.

OurSports Central