CHL Mississippi RiverKings

Indianapolis one better than 'Kings in Shootout

Published on January 23, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, Miss – The two-time defending CHL Champion Memphis Riverkings fell one shot short of pulling out a dramatic victory, falling 3-2 in a shootout against the Indianapolis Ice at the DeSoto Civic Center in front of a crowd of 4,325.

Ice forward Ryan Carter finished off the ‘Kings, firing a shot past goaltender Mike Minard in the shootout session. Carter was his team's 6th shooter, the first of the sudden-death extra frame.

Indianapolis started the scoring off, as the Ice jumped ahead quickly with newly acquired forward Jim Shepherd finishing a 2 on 1 break. The goal, Shepherd's 16th on the season, came at the 1:29 mark of the first period with forwards Ryan Carter and Jason Selleke assisting on the play.

The 'Kings would counter a little under 10 minutes later on the power play, as defenseman Jasmin Gelinas capped a cross-slot pass from forward Brent Ozarowski and All-Star defenseman Derek Landmesser. The goal was his first on the season, as well as his first in a 'Kings uniform. Gelinas' goal tied the game at 1-1.

The score remained knotted until a slashing call put the ‘Kings on the penalty kill, and forward Dave Gilmore's team-leading 28th goal put the Ice ahead 2-1. Forward Jared Dumba and defenseman Bernie John picked up the assists.

But the ‘Kings drew even less than a minute later, as forward Jay Neal cashed in on a neutral zone turnover, beating Ice goaltender Brent Zelenewich. The goal was Neal's 15th of the year.

The second period also saw a rash of penalties in the final five minutes, with the two teams combining for 8 infractions. Ice defenseman Ryan Aikia was given a 10 minute game misconduct for diving during the stretch. Despite the penalties, neither team was able to gain an advantage on the scoreboard.

From that point on the game belonged to the goaltenders, with each pitching shutouts through both the third and overtime frames, forcing the shootout.

Picking up the loss, Minard saved 5 of the 7 shots he faced as the ‘Kings grabbed a point in their pursuit of the Northeast Division lead. Zelenewich went 6 for 7, allowing only Alexandre Mathieu's backhanded tally.

The loss dropped the RiverKings dropped to 25-16-3 on the season. The team maintained second place in the Northeast Division.

The RiverKings will look to pick up some points against the Ice this weekend, hooking up for two games in the next two games. Their next contest is scheduled against Ice at 6:05 pm in Indianapolis, at Conseco Fieldhouse.

All 64 RiverKings games can be heard on Easy 680 AM, as well as worldwide via SportsJuice.com. Select RiverKings games will also be available through CHL TV, a league-wide video streaming enterprise. CHL TV is available at www.CHLTV.com. Information on the RiverKings, including the latest roster moves, press releases, and pictures, is available at www.riverkings.com.

Season, group, and individual game tickets are available. For more information, telephone (662) 342-1755.

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Central Hockey League Stories from January 23, 2004


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