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RiverHawks' Comeback Falls Short

October 26, 2012 - SPHL (SPHL)
Augusta RiverHawks News Release


The Augusta RiverHawks worked hard to upset the Mississippi RiverKings in both teams' first game of the season, but the RiverHawks' comeback fell short as they were edged 5-4 by the RiverKings. Former RiverHawks goaltender David Wilson made 21 saves for the RiverKings to pick up the first victory of the season.

RiverKings' star forward Darrell Stoddard got the crowd on their feet early with a goal just past the eight-minute mark of the first period, as he beat RiverHawks' rookie goaltender Alex Beaudry. Patrick Gaul and Kyle Lundale picked up assists on the goal.

The RiverHawks waited until there were less than two minutes remaining in the first period before responding, but they did so on the power play. Chad Ziegler converted a pretty play from RiverHawks' Captain Matt Auffrey and fellow rookie Pat Schafer to tie the game.

The lead did not last for long, as the RiverKings regained the lead 21 second slater. Ian Finnerty converted a play started by Nick Walsh and Daniel Barczuk to re-open the lead, stealing back the momentum the RiverHawks temporarily gained.

The RiverKings took a commanding lead in the second period, beginning with a goal just over a minute in off the stick of veteran Southern Professional Hockey League scorer Matt Whitehead. Barczuk added on to the lead just over four minutes later with a goal of his own, giving the RiverKings a three-goal lead for the first time.

The rout did not last long, however, as third-year RiverHawks forward Aaron McGill showed off some nifty hands in narrowing the gap to just two goals. He picked up the puck just north of the slot and pulled off a one-handed deke past the defender and beat Wilson with the shot to make the game 4-2.

The game remained at that score until just over five minutes into the third period, when the RiverKings appeared to put the game out of reach from Augusta. Andrew Randazzo converted a feed from Nick Walsh to give the home squad a 5-2 lead.

However the RiverHawks would not be put to rest. With just over four minutes remaining in the game, returning-forward Kyle Watson converted a McGill rebound to narrow the deficit to just two goals for the RiverHawks. Then, with Beaudry pulled in favor of the extra attacker, newcomer Matt Puntureri fired home a snap-shot to make it a one-goal game.

Despite a few flurries of action around the RiverKings' net, the RiverHawks were unable to score the equalizer, and the home team skated away with the 5-4 victory.

The RiverHawks' open at home on November 2 & 3 on the Phoenix HVCR Ice at the James Brown Arena. Both games will begin at 7:35PM. Single-game tickets are on-sale now and can be purchased in advance by calling the RiverHawks at 706 993 2645. Season tickets and Flex Packs are still available. Additional information on the Team, tickets, and schedule can be found on the RiverHawks' home on the web, www.augustariverhawks.com, or by calling 706-993-2645.



SPHL Stories from October 26, 2012


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