RiverHawks Edged by Havoc in Home Opener

Published on October 22, 2010 under SPHL (SPHL)
Augusta RiverHawks News Release


The Augusta RiverHawks nearly pulled off a victory in their franchise's first ever home game Friday night, but were edged by the Huntsville Havoc 5-3 at the James Brown Arena.

Down three goals in the third period the RiverHawks turned up the pressure scoring two goals in just over a minute to pull to within one and electrify the James Brown Arena crowd. However, Havoc Assistant Captain Ray Ortiz broke the RiverHawks fans' hearts with an empty net goal to finalize the victory.

"As a team we are figuring out what it takes to be effective in this building," said RiverHawks Head Coach Brad Ralph on playing their first game at the James Brown Arena. "We competed hard, but made some mental errors that cost us early. We will continue to work at it and continue to get better."

The RiverHawks came out of the gates on fire, butvdespite the early pressure the Havoc were the first ones on board. Kyle Laughlin was the beneficiary of a turnover deep in the RiverHawks end, taking a pass from Matt Piegza and hammering it past RiverHawks' goaltender Jon Olthuis.

Less than a minute later the Havoc were able to make it a two-goal game, again capitalizing on a turnover behind the RiverHawks net. Havoc Captain Mike MacDonald picked up the loose puck and dished it Ray Ortiz who found the back of the net.

The scored remained that way for nearly nine minutes of second period play before the RiverHawks were able to treat the home fans to their first home ice goal. Jason Price fired a hard snap shot from just inside the blue line that found its way over Havoc goaltender Dan McWhinney's shoulder and into the net.

The RiverHawks carried the momentum until they took a tripping penalty with less than two minutes remaining in the period. It took just seven seconds of power play time for Glenn Deteulo to regain the two-goal advantage for the Havoc. He found a tantalizing rebound just in front of the RiverHawks crease and slipped it in.

The RiverHawks' two third period goals came from the sticks of Neil Graham and Price, who scored his second of the night.

The RiverHawks' play again Saturday, October 23rd at the James Brown Arena as they take on the Knoxville Ice Bears. The first 2,500 fans will receive Rally Towels courtesy of Cintas and the winner of Chuck A Puck will win a washer and dryer from Kelley Furniture. The game starts at 7:30pm. Information on tickets for the 2010-11 season are available by visiting www.augustariverhawks.com or by calling 706-993-4267.

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