Sports stats

CHL Mississippi RiverKings

New Face Held Scores Hat Trick

October 13, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN --- Forward Ryan Held scored three goals on three shots as the Memphis RiverKings defeated the Wichita Thunder 4-2 in both teams' preseason openers at the DeSoto Civic Center Friday night. Rookie goalies Ben Conway and Eric Marvin combined to make 34 saves on 36 Wichita shots as the RiverKings improved to 3-4-0 all-time versus Wichita in preseason games. All four of the RiverKings goals were scored by new faces, with the other score coming from Tristan Senior. The two teams play again Saturday night at 7:05 at the DCC.

The other story of the game was that RiverKings head coach Kevin McClelland watched the game from the second deck as veterans Derek Landmesser and Louis Dumont directed the team behind the bench.

"It was a great experience being behind the bench," Landmesser said. "The players made it easy for us. We were a little rusty in the first period, but after that our guys did a great job."

Derek Allan put the Thunder on top at 11:55 of the first. Senior came back with his first of the preseason two minutes later. Held's first tally happened with just a second left in the period and gave the RiverKings a 2-1 advantage at the break.

Both teams exchanged goals in the second. Travis Clayton tied it for Wichita at 9:29 only to have Held give Memphis the lead right back four minutes later. His third of the night occurred at 7:10 of the third to make it a 4-2 final.

Held is making his North American pro debut after playing his rookie season last year in Holland.

"It was great to start that way," Held. "It's still early and it's just an exhibition game, but it was a good way start."

The returning Phil Aucoin assisted on all three of Held's scores for a three point night.

The game also featured a 20 minute delay in the third period for a broken glass section between the RiverKings penalty box and the scorer's box. RiverKings defenseman Jason Tessier required six stitches after being thrown through the glass causing it to shatter.

Wichita went two for 16 on the power play, while the RiverKings went scoreless with the man advantage on 11 chances.

Thunder goalie Sebastien LaPlante played the entire game and took the loss allowing four goals on 38 shots.



Central Hockey League Stories from October 13, 2006


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.

Other Recent Mississippi RiverKings Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central