Knights Stun Griffins In Final Seconds, 4-3

Published on October 15, 2006 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


Warren Peters scored with just 2.2 seconds remaining in regulation to give the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights a 4-3 win over the Grand Rapids Griffins on Saturday night at Van Andel Arena. It was the Knights' first ever win against the Griffins, and it came in front of a sell-out crowd.

The Griffins took the lead just 1:50 into the game when Matt Hussey picked up a loose puck at the Knights' blue line, sprinted in and popped a shot over Brent Krahn for his first goal of the season.

The Knights answered back late in the period. Justin Taylor created a turnover behind the Griffins' net and then drifted in front. Cam Cunning threw a perfect pass that Taylor tipped in for his first goal of the year. Eric Godard picked up the other assist.

Grand Rapids retook the lead early in the second when Krys Kolanos fed the puck from behind the net in front to Valtteri Filppula who scored at 2:24.

Once more, the Knights had an answer. Ryan Donally blocked a shot off a face-off. The ricochet found Kris Chucko who raced down the right wing. His pass in traffic came back to him, and he rammed it past goalie Stefan Liv to make it 2-2.

But the Griffins would get a five-on-three powerplay later in the period, and they cashed in. Josh Langfeld slammed in a perfect cross crease pass from Kip Miller to make it 3-2, a score that stood up until intermission.

The Knights would once more tie the game late in the third period when Andrei Taratukhin won a face-off back to Cunning who whipped a wrist shot under the crossbar to make it 3-3.

The Griffins made a critical error in the final ten seconds when Matt Ellis was whistled for tripping. The Knights worked a perfect face-off play, and David Van der Gulik hit a streaking Peters who tipped the puck past a helpless Liv for the game winner.

The Knights dropped all four meetings with Grand Rapids last season, three by just one goal. They remain unbeaten in regulation this season, improving their record to 2-0-1-0.

Three Stars: 1. Warren Peters (OMA)-Game winning goal; 2. Cam Cunning (OMA)-1 goal, 1 assist; 3. Josh Langfeld (GR)-1 goal

The Knights end the weekend at Chicago Sunday afternoonat 5:00 p.m. The game can be heard live on 1420 KOTK and on the web at omahaaksarbenknights.com. The game also can be viewed on line by clicking on the link to B2 Networks on the Knights' home page.

The Ak-Sar-Ben Knights host their home opener on Friday, October 20th when they welcome the Syracuse Crunch at 7:00 p.m. The first 5,000 fans will receive a free magnetic schedule from Alegent Health. Tickets for that game and Saturday's clash with the San Antonio Rampage are on sale at the Omaha Civic Auditorium box office Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets also are available through all Ticketmaster outlets and by phone at (402) 422-1212.

Season tickets and 22-Game Mini Plans for the 2006-2007 season are on sale now. Season tickets start as low as $10 per seat per game. For more information on pricing and benefits, visit the Knights' office at the Omaha Civic Auditorium or call (402) 344-4625. Ticket information is also available on-line at omahaaksarbenknights.com.

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American Hockey League Stories from October 15, 2006


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