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Ironmen Clinch Second

March 30, 2013 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Jamestown Ironmen News Release


Needing a win in Saturday's game against the Johnstown Tomahawks (27-21-12) in order to clinch a first round bye in the upcoming North American Hockey League playoff season, your Jamestown Ironmen (37-19-4) came out skating hard in the first period of play. As seen in Friday's game between the two squads, physical play ruled the day again as checks were laid out across the ice and scuffles after the whistle were a common occurrence. One such check knocked Ironmen forward, Luc Gerdes, out for the game and in turn caused a brawl that included players both on the ice and from the bench. As a result of the skirmish ejections to players on both sides ensued and the health of the Ironmen's leading scorer now in question for the opening playoff series.

Jesse Kessler of Johnstown scored on a power play goal in the first period with Cody Gylling and Jordan Watt assisting on the play. No goals were scored in the second period as the teams played with grit on both sides of the puck preventing any big play opportunities to present themselves. Johnstown goaltender, Chris Truehl, looked as if he would shut out the Ironmen for the second consecutive night until about halfway through the third period when Nathan Ropelewski scored from outside the blue line with Huba Sekesi assisting on the play.

Ropelewski's goal gave new life to the Ironmen and Daniel Cesarz followed up just over a minute later to add another goal to the Ironmen's total, giving them a 2-1 lead with under ten minutes to play. Jamestown goaltender, Joey Ballmer, faced a flurry of shots in the final minutes and looked stellar as he effortlessly stopped each one he faced. The two goals ended up being just enough for Jamestown to take away the victory 2-1 and in doing so, clinching second place in their division and coming along with that is a first round bye in April's playoffs.

Prior to the start of the game the Jamestown Ironmen and the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena paid tribute to the families of the Ironmen players as well as the billet families that have been gracious hosts to the players, some for two years now. Besides hosting the players in their homes and welcoming them into their families, the billet families also act as ambassadors for the team in the community. On behalf of the Ironmen and the arena we just want to say thanks again!

The North American Hockey League will release the playoff schedule in the upcoming week, and Jamestown will be waiting to see who they will take on in the second round. Johnstown proved to be a physical and talented bunch, and this weekend's games should prove to have been a great primer for playoff hockey. Check the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena's website www.jamestownarena.com in the upcoming days for the release of the home playoff schedule.



North American Hockey League Stories from March 30, 2013


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