Rapid City ekes by Amarillo in 2-1 shootout win
February 11, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
Amarillo, TX 2/11/09 - The Amarillo Gorillas lost their first shootout game of the year Wednesday night, as the Rapid City Rush won a 2-1 decision at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center
Both teams played to a scoreless tie in the first period, with Amarillo goaltender A.J. Bucchino making 15 saves and Rapid City netminder Miguel Beaudry stopping 14 shots. Rapid City struggled on the power play in the first period, going 0-for-3 with the man advantage.
Bucchino and Beaudry were once again at the top of their respective games in the second period, with each netminder stopping point-blank chances from the opposing team. Amarillo was unable to muster a goal, despite three power play opportunities in the middle frame.
Finally, at 3:10 of the third period, Rapid City broke through with the first goal of the game after Jon Pelle put a backhander by Bucchino, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead. It would be over 14 minutes of game time later before Amarillo could get the puck past Beaudry-Austin Sutter beat Beaudry over his shoulder, tying the game at one. The final 2:31 of the third would play out scoreless, earning both teams a point in the CHL standings.
Amarillo and Rapid City would trade powerplays in the overtime period, neither team with any success. The extra five minutes of play did not yield a winner; the two goaltenders stopped a combined nine shots, forcing the game to a shootout.
Jon Ornelas would score the first shootout goal, putting the Gorillas on top after just one round. In the third round, Rapid City's Rich Hansen scored to even the shootout count at 1-1. Amarillo failed to score in the fourth and fifth round, setting the table for Pelle to score the shootout winner, cutting to his backhand and knifing the puck by a sprawled Bucchino.
Bucchino (3-7-1) absorbed the loss in net for Amarillo (13-29-2), who will host Arizona at the Amarillo Civic Center on Friday at 7:05 PM. Tickets for the game are buy one, get one free when purchased at the Gorillas' ticketing office (901 S. Buchanan). For more information, call (806) 242-PUCK (7825).
The AMARILLO GORILLAS are celebrating their seventh season in "The Jungle" by offering special ticket prices to groups and parties! Call the Gorillas ticketing office at (806) 242-PUCK (7825) for more information, or drop by the Gorillas' new office at 901 S. Buchanan in downtown Amarillo.
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Central Hockey League Stories from February 11, 2009
- Eagles Power Their Way Into Playoffs - Colorado Eagles
- Shutout Victory For Scorpions - New Mexico Scorpions
- Rapid City ekes by Amarillo in 2-1 shootout win - Amarillo Gorillas
- Sundogs Drop First Wednesday Game of Season Despite Three One-Goal Leads - Arizona Sundogs
- Scorpions Spoil Toivonen's Return, Jacks Fall 5-0 - Odessa Jackalopes
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