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AHL Norfolk Admirals

Helenius Pitches Shutout in First AHL Start as Admirals Top Sound Tigers

February 6, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Norfolk Admirals News Release


NORFOLK, VA - Rookie netminder Riku Helenius pitched a 41-save shutout in his first career American Hockey League start and Brandon Bochenski posted two goals as the Norfolk Admirals (19-22-2-5) topped the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (27-16-3-2) 3-0 on Friday night at Norfolk Scope Arena.

The Admirals took a 1-0 lead midway through the opening period. Justin Keller sent a shot from the right corner that bounced off a maze of bodies at the goalmouth. Zenon Konopka found the puck, spun around and banked a shot off the skate of Brandon Bochenski at the top of the crease and into the net. Bochenski's seventeenth goal of the season came at 11:31.

After a scoreless second period where both goaltenders turned aside 14 shots, Norfolk's lead doubled with Bochenski's second goal of the game at 4:43 of the final frame. Mike Lundin centered a pass from the right corner to Radek Smolenak on the goalmouth. Smolenak's shot was stopped and Bochenski collected the rebound in the mid-slot before firing a wrist shot through traffic and past Bridgeport netminder Nathan Lawson.

Brandon Segal closed out scoring late in the third period with a highlight reel goal. He emerged from the left corner and danced around a defender at the bottom of the circle before stickhandling past a prone Lawson and firing into an empty cage. Segal's thirteenth goal of the season came at 15:38.

Helenius withstood 16 shots in the final frame and helped Norfolk kill off three penalties - including a 37-second five-on-three disadvantage - as the Admirals completed the 3-0 victory.

Riku Helenius stopped all 41 shots he saw in his first professional start since December 17. Nathan Lawson (43 shots, 40 saves) took the loss.

Norfolk was 0-4 on the power play. Bridgeport was 0-8.

The Admirals and Sound Tigers will square off once again tomorrow night at Scope. The puck drops at 7:15 p.m.

To purchase tickets to any Admirals game, you may visit the Scope Box Office weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., visit any Ticketmaster outlet, call Ticketmaster at (757) 671-8100 or visit Ticketmaster online at www.ticketmaster.com. Don't miss a minute of the action by purchasing your 2008-09 season tickets today. Stop by the Admirals' Administrative Offices at Scope, call (757) 640-1212 weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or visit norfolkadmirals.com anytime!

Three Stars:

1. Riku Helenius - NOR

2. Brandon Bochenski - NOR

3. Brandon Segal - NOR

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