Jackals Whip Cyclones

December 27, 2012 - ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release


CINCINNATI, Ohio - December 27, 2012 - The Elmira Jackals stormed out of the gates after the Christmas break with a 4-3 win over the Cincinnati Cyclones at U.S. Bank Arena on Thursday night. The win improved the Jackals' record to 13-13-3 on the season.

The Jackals used some intense pressure in the first period to create a handful of Cincinnati turnovers and quality scoring opportunities. But Cyclones goaltender Michael Houser was outstanding in stopping each of the 12 shots the Jackals sent his way. He saved his best for Elmira's lone power play opportunity of the period. After making the initial save on a shot from the left wing, Houser readjusted to rob Louie Caporusso's bid on the rebound from the high slot. Cincinnati claimed the lead when its captain, Mathieu Aubin, finished off a 2-on-1 rush with Michael Pelech. It was Aubin's fifth goal of the season and came 5:37 into the contest. Elmira's Maxime Clermont was sharp in stopping nine of the 10 shots he faced.

In the second period the Jackals put the pedal to the metal offensively and collected three goals for their efforts. Dustin Gazley began the barrage with a breakaway goal at 3:36. It was Gazley's first goal since November 10 in Orlando, but was not the last time he showed up on the scoresheet. Gazley next worked a pretty passing play with Justin DaCosta to set up Andrew Rowe's 13th goal of the season at 8:29. Gazley pumped Elmira's lead to two when he slammed home a backdoor setup by Rowe at 13:43. The goal capped Gazley's second three-point night of the season. Cincinnati answered back with Anthony Bitetto's first professional goal 1:10 after Gazley's marker. That set the scene for an intense third period.

Louie Caporusso keyed a play that allowed for Elmira to take back the two-goal lead it briefly enjoyed in the second. After winning a neutral-zone faceoff forward Caporusso battle through a pair of defenders to get a point-blank shot off on Houser. The initial save was made but Chaz Johnson crashed the net and cashed in the rebound for his fifth goal of the season with 3:10 gone by. That goal proved to be crucial because Cincinnati trimmed it back to one when Garrett Wilson punched home a centering feed from Anthony Luciani with 6:15 to play. The Cyclones put forth a furious comeback effort but Clermont slammed the door preserve the win.

With 27 saves on the night Clermont picked up his fourth win of the season. The Jackals finished the game 0-for-1 on the power play and 4-for-4 on the penalty kill.

Mark your calendars! The Jackals are back on First Arena ice on Friday, January 4, 2013 to take on the Reading Royals at 7:05 p.m. Join the Jackals for Dave Clark Foundation night and help us celebrate his achievements! Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounted tickets and preferred seating based on availability.Call 607-734-7825 to book your group outing. Pro-rated season ticket packages are on sale, as well. Season tickets offer the best value for Jackals fans.



ECHL Stories from December 27, 2012


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