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Icehawks Hold Off Aggressive Generals, 4-2

April 6, 2010 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Icehawks News Release


PORT HURON, MI - Port Huron goalie Larry Sterling set a new Icehawks record for saves in a regulation game when he turned away 45 shots in the Icehawks' 4-2 victory over the Flint Generals Tuesday at McMorran Arena. Though his shutout streak came to an end at 129:38, Sterling turned in one of his best performances to hold off a Generals squad firing on all cylinders.

Flint fired the game's first four shots with an aggressive early power play, but Port Huron got on the board first when Nick Lindberg scored on the team's first shot of the game. Rookies Mickael Bedard and Mike Gershon assisted on the goal, scored just eight seconds after the conclusion of the Generals' power play. Flint outshot Port Huron 13-8 in the opening period.

Matt Auffrey gave the Icehawks a two-goal edge when he scored a power play goal less than two minutes into the second period. Mike Kinnie kept his point streak alive with an assist on the goal. Peter Flache also assisted on the play. The Generals cut the deficit in half on a 4-on-3 powerplay when Pascal Rheaume found the back of the net at 6:33 of the second period. John Ronan and John Mori assisted on the goal.

Six minutes later, Mickael Bedard took advantage of a Flint turnover, skating in for an unassisted goal to put Port Huron back up by two. Rheaume lit the lamp for the second time on a breakaway at 17:40 to keep Flint within one. Brandon Gentile and Jake Pence assisted on the second period's final goal. The Generals continued to fire away, outshooting the Icehawks 19-9.

Auffrey scored his second goal of the night halfway through the third period off assists by Kris Vernarsky and Brandon Naurato to put the Icehawks back up by two. Flint would go on an extended 6-on-4 advantage when they pulled goalie Rob Nolan while on the power play with three minutes to go in the game. Port Huron goalie Larry Sterling held off the surge to give the Icehawks the victory.

Flint outshot Port Huron in every period for a total of 47-30. It is the most shots on goal allowed by the Icehawks all season, narrowly edging the previous high of 45 shots set just nine days ago at Bloomington.

Sterling reached 40 saves for the third time this season in the win, his 21st of the season. The third-year Icehawks goalie also holds the team record for most saves in an overtime game, set during game seven of the 2008 Turner Cup Finals when he made 57 saves in a 100-minute marathon of a game.

Nolan takes the loss for the Generals, allowing four goals on 30 shots against.

For game stats: http://www.pointstreak.com/prostats/gamesheet_full.html?gameid=1057924.

With the win the Icehawks reach 90 points for the second consecutive season. Port Huron remains in third place in the IHL standings with an overall record of 43-24-0-4. The Icehawks are 26-9-0-0 at home this season. The Generals remain in fifth place and 65 points with the loss, dropping to 11-24-1-0 on the road and 29-33-3-4 overall.

The Icehawks and Generals will meet up twice more this week, with games tomorrow and Friday in Flint. These will be the final road games of the regular season for Port Huron, who welcomes the Dayton Gems to town Sunday afternoon.

Single game tickets for all Icehawks home games are on sale now at McMorran Arena Box Office, any Ticket Master location or by phone. For more information, visit www.porthuronicehawks.com or call 810-966-3800.

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