Hartinger's Hat Trick Leads Way

Published on February 20, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
New Mexico Scorpions News Release


[ PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz.]-Vladimir Hartinger picked up his first career hat trick and led the Scorpions to a 6-4 victory Wednesday night. The win moved the Scorps to within two points of first place Arizona.

The scoring started quickly on Wednesday night. On the very first shift Hartinger's slap shot found the net giving the Scorps the lead 23-seconds into the game.

Two minutes later the Sundogs went to their first power play of the game. Chris Bartolone launched a shot from the blue that went through traffic and into the net.

The Scorpions kept the pressure on goalie Marco Emond throughout the entire first period. Hartinger scored his second goal on a snap shot from in-between the circles at the 11:26 mark. The Scorpions captain then scored for the third time 1:44 into the second period.

The Sundogs again used their potent power play midway through the second period. Bartolone picked up his second goal of the game, cutting the Scorps lead to a single goal. Late in the middle frame, Kevin Cormier picked up a rebound from the end boards and shot it into the net, tying the game heading into the third period.

As the Scorpions watched Arizona score their power play goals, New Mexico used a two-man advantage to reclaim the lead. Craig Macdonald fluttered a wrist shot past Emond's pads and into the net giving the Scorpions a 4-3 lead.

Minutes later the Sundogs were given a chance on their own two-man advantage. Alex Leavitt pounced on a rebound and slid it past Scorps' net minder Mike Minard retying the game.

As the power play continued for Arizona the Scorpions penalty killers hunkered down. Ray Ortiz delivered a perfect pass to a streaking Konrad Reeder. Reeder found open ice and scored the eventual game winning goal at the 15:31 mark. With less than two minutes left in the game, Reeder found himself with open ice again and gave the Scorpions some insurance with his 24th goal of the season.

Hartinger picked up an assist to go along with the three goals on the evening. The four points gave him 128 in a Scorpions jersey, most by a defenseman. He passed former Scorps great Eric Ricard.

The same two teams will rematch Friday and Saturday night at Tim's Toyota Center. Both games begin at 7:05 p.m. and can be heard on 610 The Sports Animal or seen on the CHL Network. New Mexico returns home on Friday, February 29th, for another battle against the Sundogs.

Take advantage of the Scorpions "All You Can Eat Weekend Special." Eat all the hot dogs, sodas, nachos and popcorn you want while sitting in a corner seat for only $20. Call the Scorpions' office at (505) 881-PUCK (7825) or visit www.scorpionshockey.com to find out how you can be a part of Real Hockey, Rio Entertainment. You don't want to miss your chance to watch the Scorpions drive toward the Ray Miron President's Cup.

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Central Hockey League Stories from February 20, 2008


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