Momentum Switch Key to Whalers' 30th Win

Published on January 25, 2007 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Plymouth Whalers News Release


There are times when momentum in an Ontario Hockey League game changes as quickly as the weather in Michigan.

A case in point? Plymouth and Sarnia were battling in a scoreless tie in the second period last Saturday at the Compuware Sports Arena when the Whalers turned the game around as quickly as you could say Jerry Hodak.

Plymouth was in the final seconds of a power play when James Neal found a half stride at the right hash mark around Sarnia defenseman Steve Ferry. As he was being tripped on the play, Neal roofed a shot past Sting goaltender Parker VanBuskirk for the first goal of the game at 7:08 of the period.

Ferry was given a penalty on the play and Dan Collins scored for Plymouth 52 seconds later, roofing a shot top shelf for a 2-0 Whalers lead. 1:39 later, Collins was credited with his 19th goal of the season when he centered the puck off Sarnia defenseman Mark Katic and into the net for a 3-0 Whalers lead.

Plymouth went on to defeat Sarnia, 5-1, for their 30th win of the season and it all started with Neal's goal.

In a new era of hockey, Neal is a bit of a throwback. He's developed into a prototypical power forward, someone who bodychecks opponents as hard as anyone in the OHL.

It's fair to say he's earned his space on the ice.

"I think it's becoming rarer to have bigger power forwards," Neal recently told the Oakland Press. "But it's the type of game I grew up playing and love. It's a game I hope to play the rest of my career."

Plymouth's forward line of Neal, Jared Boll and Evan Brophey excel in forechecking in the opponent's zone.

Meanwhile, the Sting had a tough week, with a loss to Saginaw, two losses in a home-and-home series to Kitchener and then the loss in Plymouth.

"I thought we had guys, and pulling no punches, who were afraid out there," Sarnia head coach Dave MacQueen told the Sarnia Observer after the loss in Plymouth. "We didn't go after too many pucks first. You can't be afraid to get hit. I didn't see too many players go into the danger zones tonight, like in the corners or in front of the net."

Plymouth's depth continues to be a factor. Collins' pair in the Sarnia victory gives him six goals over his last four games and newcomer Dan Ryder has four goals in five games. The Whalers are getting excellent scoring balance in January as the chart in the right column shows.

The Whalers are effectively overcoming team-leading goal scorer Tom Sestito's five-game suspension as other players continue to contribute.

Sestito will be back in action this Sunday in Toronto against the Majors.

MEET FORMER RED WING GREG JOHNSON THIS FRIDAY DURING FAITH and FAMILY NIGHT

This Friday - when the Whalers host Ottawa at 7:05 p.m - we'll have Faith and Family Night as well as a Family Value Night. Youth groups will be in attendance and you can enjoy great music and fun times throughout the game. Also, meet former Detroit Red Wing and Nashville Predator captain Greg Johnson. There's a free post-game skate as well as an ice cream social. Want to cash in on our Family Value Pack? Enjoy 4 executive reserved tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 Pepsi beverages, and 4 line-up cards for just $44.

Johnson will participate in a ceremonial opening faceoff and then will be available for autographs.

Greg Johnson was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round (33rd overall) in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. But Johnson never played for the Flyers. After playing four seasons with the University of North Dakota and a couple of seasons with the Canadian National Team, the Red Wings acquired Johnson (along with future considerations) for Jim Cummins and a fourth-round draft pick in 1993.

Johnson played three-and-a-half seasons with Detroit and was traded to Pittsburgh in 1997 for Tomas Sandstrom. Johnson moved to Chicago in 1997 and Nashville in 1998.

Johnson was a consistent performer during his 14-year career in the National Hockey League. Known as a two-way centerman, Johnson's best season came in 1998-99 with Nashville when he scored 16 goals with 34 assists for 50 points in 68 games.

Johnson retired at the beginning of this season after re-signing with the Red Wings. Friday's game also features Ottawa Hall-of-Fame Coach Brian Kilrea. Now in the 30th season behind the bench Kilrea - who scored the first goal in the history of the Los Angeles Kings in 1967 - leads the OHL coaching fraternity with 1114 wins.

On Saturday, the Whalers are Throwing the Night to the Dogs as they battle the Soo Greyhounds. Don't miss out on the famous hot dog toss during the intermissions, as well as wacky dog tricks and great hockey! Anyone who brings a photo of their dog to the box office will receive an $8 executive reserved ticket. There will also be another Ginopolis Post-Game Party where you can enjoy great specials and win prizes as well as meet Whaler players Steven Whitely, Joe Gaynor, Daniel Ryder and Steve Ward.

After playing in Toronto on Sunday and in Sarnia on Thurs. Feb. 1, Plymouth is back home Fri. Feb. 2 against Erie and Sat. Feb. 3 against London.

BOWL WITH THE WHALERS on FEB. 5

Join the Whalers' Booster Club for the fifth annual Bowl With the Whalers Event, set for Monday, Feb. 5 at Westland Bowl. Cost is $15 for Premium Members and Kids Club Members, $20 for General Members and Kids Club Chaperones, and$25 for Non-Members. Cost includes bowling, shoe rental, pizza and pop. For more information, visit the Whalers' Booster Club Table behind Section 115. Visit http://www.whalersboosters.com/content/bowling.htm for details. Deadline to register is February 3rd.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from January 25, 2007


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