Littlejohn Ties Scoring Record In 4-2 Loss
Published on March 28, 2007 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Elmira Jackals News Release
Kalamazoo, MI - Right wing Frank Littlejohn tied a franchise record for goals in one season, but the Elmira Jackals lost 4-2 to the Kalamazoo Wings Wednesday night at Wings Stadium.
The Jackals thoroughly dominated the shots on goal in the first period, out-shooting Kalamazoo 12-5 in the opening twenty minutes. However, on a controversial decision from referee Craig Welker, the K-Wings scored the only goal of the period when Ryan Gillis' shot from the left face off circle was stopped by goaltender Zach Sikich, yet somehow ended up in the net and the teams argued about whether or not the puck went through the outside of the goal or not. The goal was given and the K-Wings took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.
In the second period, the Jackals persistence finally paid off on a power play. Defenseman Andrei Lupandin blasted a shot from the blue line over the glove of goaltender Tom Askey and into the top corner at 16:03, assisted by Mike Oliveira and Scott Drevitch. The goal was Lupandin's 9th of the season and first since coming to the Jackals from Quad City in a 5-player trade.
In the third period rookie Kevin Labatte scored his first professional goal at 3:18 when he fired a beautiful wrist shot off the inside of the far post. Nick Bootland doubled the lead at 7:15 when he scored a power play goal, giving the K-Wings a 3-1 lead. Elmira battled back as David Morelli sent Frank Littlejohn in on a breakaway at 14:26. The Jackals leading goal scorer did not waste his opportunity and he lifted a backhand shot up into the top sheft, pulling Elmira back within a goal. It was Littlejohn's 37th goal of the season, a career best, and it tied him with former Jackals forward Jarrett Konkle for the franchise record for goals in a single season. Elmira pressed the attack, searching for the tying goal, but with 32 seconds left Kory Karlander put the game on ice with an empty net goal to finish off the Jackals 4-2.
Tom Askey earned his 3rd straight win over Elmira by stopping 30-of-32 shots in goal for Kalamazoo. Zach Sikich took the loss for Elmira, making 29 saves on 32 Kalamazoo shots. Elmira was 1-for-6 on the power play, while Kalamazoo finished 1-for-4.
The Jackals will continue their road trip on Friday, March 30th as they head to Rockford for two games against the IceHogs at the Rockford Metrocentre. Game time is at 8:30 pm EDT on both Friday and Saturday. Elmira's next home game comes on Wednesday April 4th for a 7:05 pm face off with the Port Huron Flags at First Arena.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from March 28, 2007
- Littlejohn Ties Scoring Record In 4-2 Loss - Elmira Jackals
- Countdown to Face-Off - Kalamazoo Wings
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
