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Kosolofsky's Late Goal Give RiverHawks the Victory

March 16, 2012 - SPHL (SPHL)
Augusta RiverHawks News Release


It's been a difficult season offensively for Augusta RiverHawks' forward Branden Kosolofsky, as his offensive numbers have not met his personal expectations of himself. Friday night Kosolofsky gained some redemption playing the role as his team's hero, as he scored the game winning goal with just 1:50 remaining in the game giving the RiverHawks a 3-2 victory over the Mississippi RiverKings.

The goal was Kosolofsky's 10th of the season and came at a great time as it allowed the RiverHawks to maintain their choke-hold of first place in the Southern Professional Hockey League by eight points. Both teams currently tied for second place, the Columbus Cottonmouths and the Knoxville Ice Bears, were also victorious Friday evening, but have just four games remaining to make up the difference.

The first period of the game was uneventful until just past the 17-minute mark, when Neil Graham got his squad out in front with his 16th goal of the season. It was a big one for Graham as it snapped a five-game goalless drought.

A scoreless second period gave way to an exciting third period. RiverHawks' Captain Matt Auffrey set up Jim Gehring for his 40th goal of the season, giving Augusta a two-goal lead.

The RiverKings would not go away quietly in front of their home crowd, however, as tough-guy Gabriel Boutin-Gagnon scored just his second goal of the season to pull his team to within a goal. Augusta was able to maintain that lead until late in the third period and was given an opportunity to build upon it with a late power play, but it was the RiverKings who would score as Nick Vandenbeld picked up a short-handed marker with less than three minutes remaining.

The game seemed destined for the extra frame until Kosolofsky put his team back out in front. Still, the RiverKings had a chance to tie it up once again as they were awarded a power play with less than a minute remaining in the game, but RiverHawks' goaltender Peter Skoggard shut the door and preserved the victory.

The RiverHawks are back in action on Phoenix Refrigeration Ice at the James Brown Arena Saturday, March 17th as they play the Cottonmouths. The RiverHawks will be wearing specially designed St. Patrick's Day jerseys that will be auctioned off immediately following the game, with proceeds going to the Vision Discovery Institute at the Georgia Health Sciences University. The puck drops at 7:35pm .Tickets for the game are available through the RiverHawks' office and the James Brown Arena box office. Additional information on the Team, tickets, and schedule are available on the RiverHawks' home on the web, www.augustariverhawks.com or by calling 706-993-2645.



SPHL Stories from March 16, 2012


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