Leafs Fall to Griffins, 3-1
Published on November 21, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release
St. John's, New Foundland - The Grand Rapids Griffins, bolstered by Blake Sloan's first two goals of the season and strong goaltending by Marc Lamothe, on Friday night earned a 3-1 win over the St. John's Maple Leafs in their first-ever trip to Mile One Stadium. The win puts the Griffins in a tie for second place in the West Division.
Sloan, skating in just his second Griffins game, earned first star honors for his performance.
Following a scoreless opening period, the Griffins (9-6-3-0) struck first. Jiri Hudler made a nifty move and slid a soft, backhand pass from the right faceoff circle into the slot, which Sloan one-timed past Sebastien Centomo at 1:26 of the middle frame. Dave Van Drunen picked up his second assist of the season on the play.
Just 33 seconds later, Kory Karlander doubled the Griffins lead when he slammed home the rebound of Anders Myrvold's blast from the blue line at 1:59. Myrvold earned his first point of the season while skating in his 500th professional contest.
The Maple Leafs (9-9-1-1) nearly narrowed the margin to 2-1, but a shot ricocheted off the cross bar behind Lamothe. Nathan Robinson corralled the rebound for the Griffins and dished to Kevin Miller, who skated through the neutral zone. Miller hit Sloan with a cross-ice pass allowing the NHL veteran to bury his second goal of the night at 16:35 of the second frame.
The home team got on the board when Josh Holden jammed a loose puck past Lamothe at 7:31 of the third period from Kyle Wellwood.
Lamothe stopped 27 shots to earn the win. Centomo stopped 25 shots in a losing effort.
Grand Rapids has won four of its last five road games and six of its nine outings away from Van Andel Arena
The same two teams will face each other Saturday night at Mile One Stadium at 6:05.
View this game's official box score on-line at griffinshockey.com.
American Hockey League Stories from November 21, 2003
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