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'Hawks Come up Short in OT vs Surge

December 8, 2012 - SPHL (SPHL)
Augusta RiverHawks News Release


Augusta, GA--The Augusta RiverHawks heavily out-shot the Mississippi Surge Friday night at the James Brown Arena for the second consecutive night, but a huge performance from Surge goaltender Kiefer Smiley spoiled the night, as the RiverHawks were edged by the Surge 2-1 in overtime.

After nearly four minutes of torrid 3-on-3 play in overtime which featured huge scoring chances for both teams, it was Tommy Lange who finished the game, picking up a loose puck at the side of the RiverHawks' net and fired it in.

Both goaltenders were fantastic on the evening, as Smiley made 35 saves in picking up the win, and RiverHawks' netminder Robby Moss made 26 saves while picking up the overtime loss. This week was a breakout performance for Moss, as he made a total of 65 saves on 67 shots in his three appearances.

Both teams generated plenty of scoring chances in the first period, the Surge in particular aided by a pair of power play opportunities, but neither team were able to cash in. The biggest opportunity of the period came with just 0.8 seconds left n the frame, as the Surge's Branden Kosolofsky was awarded a penalty shot after being hauled down on a breakaway. he put a pretty move on RiverHawks goaltender Robby Moss, but he shot it a little too high, hitting the crossbar.

It was much of the same in the second period, as the RiverHawks carried most of the play into the surge zone, and dominated the shots on goal totals firing off 14 shots compared to just five for the Surge. However, Surge goaltender Kiefer Smiley was up to the task, turning away all of the RiverHawks' attempts.

The most exciting part of the second period came with less than five minutes remaining in the period. RiverHawks' forward Kyle Watson followed through with a heavy check in the corner on a Surge defenseman. The Surge responded immediately, and the result was a six-man line brawl with Watson and RiverHawks' captain Matt Auffrey both engaging two surge players in fisticuffs. The RiverHawks enjoyed a power play following the mayhem, but they were unable to capitalize on the opportunity.

The offensive play picked up in the third period, and it was the Surge scoring first. Surge defenseman James Issacs let go a cannon of a shot from the point that ricocheted off of a RiverHawks defenseman and past Moss for the lead. The lead lasted nearly seven minutes before the RiverHawks were able to even the score. Forward Ian Watters fired off a wrist-shot that Smiley was able to stop, but Dennis Sicard was there to collect the puck and shoot it in the evacuated Surge net.

The RiverHawks will be back in action on Thursday, December 13th at the James Brown Arena. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling the RiverHawks at 706 993 2645 or in-person at the James Brown Arena box office. Season tickets and Flex Packs are still available. Additional information on the Team, tickets, and schedule can be found on the RiverHawks' home on the web, www.augustaRiverHawks.com, or by calling 706-993-2645.



SPHL Stories from December 8, 2012


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