Hounds win over Memphis

Published on February 10, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Youngstown SteelHounds News Release


Southhaven, MS. - The Youngstown SteelHounds (17-25-2) went on an offensive tear on Friday night versus the Memphis RiverKings (18-23-2) scoring four third period goals en route to their second straight road victory with a 7-4 triumph. The win was the first in six chances versus Memphis this season and was fueled by a balanced attack that saw Mario Chinelli and Chris Shaffer each score a pair of goals.

The SteelHounds were all over the RiverKings in the first five minutes taking six of the game's first eight shots but as has been the case all season long, Michael Dilorenzo assumes the role of Ken Dryden versus the SteelHounds (5-0 this season versus Youngstown). The RiverKings scored the game's first goal on just their third shot of the game at the 10:21 mark of the period when Travis Banga literally crashed the net directing a feed from Ryan Watson by David St. Germain for his 21st goal of the season assisted by Watson and Tim Plett. Youngstown answered with the teams skating four aside with a rush up the ice that led to a goal by Kris Mallette, his second of the season, assisted by Jeff Christian and Chris Richards at the 14:28 mark. The Hounds took their first lead with a great snap shot perfectly placed between the legs of Dilorenzo by Chris Shaffer. For Shaffer, it was his fifth goal of the season assisted by Ben Manny and Darryl Lloyd scored at the 16:14 mark of the period. Memphis' Banga struck again just 24 seconds later taking advantage of a funny hop off the boards that found him with the puck alone in front of the Hounds net. It was his second goal of the game and 22nd of the year. Once again, Watson and Plett drew the assists of the goal scored at the 16:38 mark. The Hounds outshot the RiverKings 13-9 in the first period as Dilorenzo made 11 saves and St. Germain stopped seven shots.

Youngstown continued to dominate play in the second period but could only manage to take a one-goal lead after two periods. The Hounds only goal of the middle frame came on a power play with a backhanded shot by Mario Chinelli notching his 10th goal of the season and his fourth straight game with a goal. The SteelHounds outshot the RiverKings 18-4 in the period tying the highest single period shot total this year for Youngstown. Through two periods the Hounds led 31-13 on the shot board. Dilorenzo was wearing the ‘S' on his chest stopping 28 of 31 shots through two periods, while St. Germain was tested rarely stopping 11 of 13 shots.

The Hounds finally got the offense going and had the number of Dilorenzo in the third period scoring four goals. Chinelli started the scoring at the 5:41 mark of the period with his second goal of the game and 11th of the season giving Youngstown a 4-2 lead. The RiverKings came back with a pretty power play goal scored by Ryan Watson for his 17th goal of the season cutting the lead to 4-3 but then Youngstown took advantage of their chances with Joey Sewell scoring on the power play regaining the two goal cushion. Sewell's fifth goal of the season was followed by Shaffer's second of the night and J.F. Labarre's fifth goal of the season giving the Hounds a 7-3 lead. Watson added a goal in the final minute getting his second goal and fourth point of the night.

Youngstown outshot the RiverKings 44-23 earning the most shots in a single game this season. St. Germain made 19 saves earning his 13th victory of the season.

The road trip continues for the Hounds tomorrow night with an 8:35 PM (EST) face-off versus the Oklahoma City Blazers in the Ford Center.

Game Notes: Kris Mallette returned to the line-up after missing the previous four games with a lower body injury. Memphis' Ryan Watson extended his point streak to nine straight games with his first period assist (4-12=16 over that stretch). Don Parsons (injury) and Derek Landmesser (AHL call-up) were both out of the line-up for the RiverKings. Jeff Christian and Chris Richards each have four-game point streaks. After not scoring a power play goal in four straight games, the Hounds have tallied with the mad advantage in each of their last five games (7 for 33).

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Central Hockey League Stories from February 10, 2006


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