Offensive Outburst \'Rushes' Gorillas to 7-5 Victory
Published on December 19, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
Amarillo, TX 12/19/08 - The offensive firepower awakened for the Amarillo Gorillas Friday night, as they emerged victorious against the Rapid City Rush 7-5 at the Amarillo Civic Center.
The goals began early with a Rapid City power play goal just 4:54 into the first period, with Derek LeBlanc scoring past a screened Mike Gorman. Jason Weitzel tied it up late in the first period, netting his second shorthanded goal of the season to tie up the game at one. Rapid City bounced back on the same powerplay, with rookie Jon Pelle scoring his fourth of the season to put the Rush on top 2-1 heading into the first intermission.
Amarillo rebounded on "Ferras Face Night", scoring three consecutive second-period goals against Joe Ferras' Rush to carve out a lead. Austin Sutter scored on a centering pass from Luke Lynes, tying the game at two 3:45 into the second. Exactly six minutes later, Jonathan Ornelas took full advantage of a breakaway on Rush goaltender Lanny Ramage, scoring over Ramage's blocker to give Amarillo a one-goal lead. The advantage was accentuated near the end of the period, as John Snowden poked home a rebound past Ramage to give the Gorillas a 4-2 lead.
Rapid City responded with just 18 seconds left in the second period, with LeBlanc scoring his second of the game to pull Rapid City within one, 4-3.
Both teams skated to a scoreless first five minutes of the third period, before Sam Ftorek scored his ninth goal of the season on the powerplay from Nick Theriault, putting the Amarillo lead at 5-3. Just over a minute later, with the Gorillas still buzzing, Sutter tallied his second of the game (again from a Lynes assist) as the home squad captured their largest lead of the game-6-3.
The Rush would retaliate with goals from former Gorilla Chris Lipsett and Jamie VanderVeeken to draw their team within one, 6-5, with 3:58 left to play in the third period. Amarillo would hang on, though, with crucial late saves by Gorman and an empty-net goal by Ftorek to emerge with a 7-5 victory.
The seven goals scored by Amarillo is the largest offensive output by the Gorillas this season. Sutter earned first-star honors with his first two-goal outing of the season, while Weitzel collected a goal and two assists. Jake Morissette had his first-career three-point game (all assists), as Snowden continued his league-leading eight-game point streak with a goal and an assist.
Amarillo will be back in action Saturday night, when they take on the Mississippi RiverKings at the Amarillo Civic Center, with a scheduled start time of 7:05 PM. The team will wear their special Christmas jerseys-sponsored by Rico Aviation-to be auctioned off after the game. Call (806) 242-PUCK (7825) or visit any Panhandle Tickets outlet in the Amarillo area for tickets.
Central Hockey League Stories from December 19, 2008
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- Brahmas Defeat 'Dogs 4-2 - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Rays Top Jacks, 2-1; Streak Ends at 11 - Odessa Jackalopes
- Eagles Fly By Scorpions - New Mexico Scorpions
- Mudbugs Slip by Tulsa in a Shootut - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Eagles Win Again in New Mexico, Improve to 19-4-1 - Colorado Eagles
- Offensive Outburst âRushes' Gorillas to 7-5 Victory - Amarillo Gorillas
- Bucks Buzz Killer Bees 5-4 - Laredo Bucks
- Bees Lose to Bucks 5-4 - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- IceRays Beat Jackalopes 2-1 - Corpus Christi IceRays
- RiverKings Fall at Wichita, 2-1 - Mississippi RiverKings
- Boron Makes Early Offense Stand Up - Wichita Thunder
- Sundogs and McWhite's Play Host to, Donate Toys to Children - Arizona Sundogs
- Shots from the Point for Friday - CHL
- Jackalopes Sign Goalie Symington - Odessa Jackalopes
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