Phantoms Scare off Penguins, 5-2
October 12, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins News Release
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. - The Lehigh Valley Phantoms enjoyed the spoils in their first game as an Allentown-based squad, using three power play goals to post a 5-2 win over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in both teams' season opener.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton fans were treated to an emotional evening, even before the game started, as Tiffany Dickson, wife of slain Pennsylvania State Trooper Cpl. Bryon Dickson II, along with her two children, dropped the ceremonial first pucks of the season. Both team benches emptied to great the youngsters, as the clubs showed their support for the families of the troopers affected by the September 12 Blooming Grove tragedy. The Penguins also wore special PA State Police jerseys during their pregame skate, and the team replaced all of the dashers at the rink with PSP Strong logos and badge decals.
Lehigh Valley jumped out to a 3-0 lead before the game was half way over. Chris VandeVelde made a bit of history, becoming the first Lehigh Valley skater to record a goal when he poked in his own rebound during a man advantage with 1:10 left in the first frame.
Brandon Alderson and Mark Alt tallied even strength goals just 1:21 apart in the second period to stretch the lead to three goals.
Bryan Rust beat Rob Zepp as time expired in the period to give the Pens some hope, but Nick Cousins and VandeVelde recorded back-to-back power play tallies just 61 seconds apart to make it a 5-1 game with less than two minutes to play in regulation.
Conor Sheary's consolation goal was too little, too late for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, whose record fell to 7-9-0-0 all-time in season openers, and 8-8-0-0 in home openers.
The Penguins wrap up their opening weekend with a 4:05pm contest against the Manchester Monarchs on Sunday afternoon. Good seats are available at the arena box office, by callling 800-745-3000, or by visiting TicketMaster.com.
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