Laliberte's OT winner finally give Lynx win over Gladiators

Published on December 28, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Augusta Lynx News Release


Behind two goals from #23 John Laliberte, the Augusta Lynx posted their first win of the season over the Gwinnett Gladiators on Friday night with a thrilling 4-3 overtime win in front of 3,238 fans at the James Brown Arena.

From the get go, the Lynx played an inspired 1st period swamping the Gladiator net with 21 shots. The Lynx broke through first as #6 Will Bodine intercepted a pass at the Glads blueline and raced in on a 3 on 1, where he slipped a shot over Dan Turple's blocker side for a 1-0 lead and Bodine's second goal of the season.

The 2nd period saw the Gladiators turn the tide, taking advantage of seven power plays in the second frame alone. The league's best power play got two goals from Matt Anderson and Lou Dickenson in a span of 1:18 to take a 2-1 heading into the lockerroom.

The Lynx had to kill off an extended 5 on 3 to begin the 3rd period, and thanks to several key saves by goaltender #30 Bobby Goepfert, the Lynx were able to kill off the rest of the penalties to seize the momentum. It didn't take long for Augusta to tie the game as #18 Igor Pohanka raced down the left wing and beat Turple high to the glove side with a pin-point shot that banked in off the post. The assist on the game-tying goal went to #20 Matt Auffrey.

The Lynx took a 3-2 just four minutes later on a power play of their own as John Laliberte smashed home a loose puck in front with help from Auffrey and #25 Adrian Veideman. However, Gwinnett applied pressure late in the game with some vicious cycling in the Lynx zone that paid off in a goal with 3:20 remaining from Jeff Campbell to tie the game at 3-3.

In the overtime, a breakaway down the right wing by #27 Nick Toneys was interupted by a hooking penalty on Mike Hamilton. The 4 on 3 power play is all the Lynx would need as a broken play face-off win by #9 Louis Goulet got the puck to Laliberte in the slot, who smashed home the one-timer past Turple for the game-winner.

The Lynx return home again on Saturday, December 29th to face to Columbia Inferno at the James Brown Arena at 7:05pm. It is 4 for $44 Night. For only $44 you can get 4 lower level tickets, 4 hot dogs and 4 cokes! For tickets call 706-724-4ICE.

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ECHL Stories from December 28, 2007


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