Markstrom Shuts Down the Rampage
October 17, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Utica Comets News Release
Jacob Markstrom returned to the AT&T Center for the first time since being traded at the NHL Trade Deadline last season, and paced the Comets to a 3-0 win over the San Antonio Rampage Friday night.
Markstrom stopped all 28 Rampage shots en route to his first shutout as a Comet and earning first star honors. Brendan Gaunce (1-1-2), Wacey Hamilton (0-2-2) and Carter Bancks (1-1-2), as members of the Comets fourth line, all netted two points a piece.
Halfway through the first period, the Comets fourth line started its impressive night when Hamilton began the 3-on-2 rush through the neutral zone. Hamilton fed it over to Bancks who drew the Rampage defender over to him before he slid the puck over to a wide open Gaunce. Gaunce took two quick strides before scoring his first professional hockey goal with a quick wrist shot over the right shoulder of Dan Ellis.
As they headed into the second, the Comets decided one wasn't enough when Biega streaked down the right wing and earned a breakaway where he was able to pump fake and sneak it through Ellis's five-hole. Hunter Shinkaruk and Dustin Jeffrey were credited with the assists.
Later in the second period, Gaunce and Hamilton set up Bancks for what would be his 16th American Hockey League career goal. Gaunce was able to feed the puck in front of the net to Bancks who curled it around Ellis's left pad for the insurance tally.
The Comets penalty kill unit maintained its hot start to the season by killing all four of the Rampage's power play attempts. The Comets now sit at 11-for-11 on the season.
The Comets are back in action Sunday night in Cedar Park Texas at 8 p.m. EST. Last year, the Comets went 0-2-0-0 against the Texas Stars.
Tickets to the Comets home opener, on Oct. 22, are now on sale at the Utica Memorial Auditorium box office and online through Ticketmaster. For more information, call 315-790-9070 or visit www.uticacomets.com.
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American Hockey League Stories from October 17, 2014
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