Healey Nets Overtime Game-Winner For The Monarchs
January 9, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Manchester Monarchs News Release
Albany, NY - The Manchester Monarchs needed an overtime goal from Eric Healey to defeat the Albany River Rats, 4-3 at the Pepsi Arena in Albany, NY on Wednesday night. Healey's team-leading 14th goal was scored with just 27 seconds left in the extra period. Pavel Rosa and defenseman Jason Holland assisted on the game-winning goal, Healey's third game-winner this season.
A questionable hooking call to Dan Riva late in the third period directly led to the River Rats third goal and the overtime session. With Riva in the box and goaltender Ari Ahonen replaced by an extra attacker, Jason Lehoux tied the game when he scooped up a loose puck in front of the Monarchs net with just 22 seconds left to play. Monarchs goaltender Cristobal Huet moments before had been tested by Michael Rupp, who stormed into the Monarchs zone down the left wing side. Rupp wristed a shot targeted for the top of the Monarchs net.
The Monarchs bolted out to a two-goal lead with first period scoring plays authored by Rosa and defenseman Chris Aldous. Rosa netted his 11th goal just 1:29 into the game, and Aldous followed with a power play tally three minutes later. The goal was Aldous' third this season.
Sandwiched in between the two Monarchs goals was an excellent stop by Huet. The Monarchs goaltender spoiled a breakaway chance from Albany's Rupp 2:30 into the game.
Scott Cameron's power play goal 11:48 into the period put Albany on the scoreboard. The River Rats goal was scored with Monarchs captain Dane Jackson in the penalty box for high sticking
Rosa gave the Monarchs their second two-goal lead of the game when he deflected defenseman Joe Rullier's slap shot past Ahonen just 1:03 into the second period. Rullier, who had missed the previous three games because of an injury, knocked down an Albany clearing attempt, pivoted at the point, and fired the puck in the direction of Rosa. Rosa did the rest by scoring his 12th goal overall and second goal of the game.
The River Rats came to life early third period after a hooking penalty was assessed to Monarchs defenseman Richard Seeley. Defenseman Mikko Jokela blasted away from the point to collect his sixth goal at 4:48 of the period. The goal was scored just seconds after Seeley was freed from the box. Seeley, like Rullier returned to the Monarchs lineup Wednesday after missing seven consecutive games because of an injury.
Earlier in the day, the Monarchs announced that wing Dan Welch had been signed to an amateur tryout agreement. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Welch played for both the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers (WCHA) and the Omaha Lancers (USHL) last season. Welch, drafted by the Los Angeles Kings (NHL) in the eighth round (245th overall) of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, is a 5-foot-11, 193-pound native of Hastings, Minn. The 21-year-old did not skate in Wednesday's game. The Monarchs also on Wednesday assigned defenseman Mat Snesrud and left wing Brian McCullough to the Reading Royals (ECHL). Snesrud and McCullough were both recalled by the Monarchs on Saturday, January 4 and played against the Hershey Bears on Sunday, January 5 at the Verizon Wireless Arena.
The Monarchs (22-8-3-3, 50 points) return to action on Friday when they host the Springfield Falcons at the Verizon Wireless Arena. Friday's game is scheduled for a 7:35 p.m. start.
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