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CHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings Even Series With Blazers

March 26, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


(Southaven, MS) --- The Mississippi RiverKings scored twice in the first period and twice more in the second period, then held off the Oklahoma City Blazers in the final frame for a 5-3 victory in game two of the Central Hockey League Northern Conference semi-final series on Thursday night, March 26th at the DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven.

The win evened the best-of-seven series between the Northeast Division rivals at a game apiece, going into game three of the set on Wednesday night, April 1st at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City. Mississippi opened the scoring in the first period with goals from Darrell Stoddard and Jeff Alcombrack for a 2-0 first intermission lead.

Matt Summers' goal in the second period made the score 3-0, RiverKings, before Oklahoma City scored their first goal from Eric Przepiorka for a 3-1 Mississippi margin at 6:18 of the middle session.

Adam Smyth then answered the Przepiorka goal with his own back hander for a 4-1 RiverKings lead 7:29, but Bill Vandermeer and Josh Patterson scored goals to bring the Blazers within one at 4-3 going into the third period.

RiverKings forward Garrett Larson produced the final goal of the game on a shot from the slot nearly ten minutes into the third frame, making the final score 5-3 for the RiverKings.

Goaltender Kevin Beech won his first game of the playoffs with a 25-save effort. Blazer net minder Andy Franck replaced Doug Groenestege after the RiverKings' second goal and suffered the loss, finishing with 18 saves and three goals allowed.

Mississippi outshot the RiverKings by a 32-28 margin and was 2-of-6 on the power play. Oklahoma City was 1-for-3 on the man advantage.

With the win, the RiverKings are assured of a game five at home, which will be on Saturday, April 4th, starting at 7:05 PM at the DeSoto Civic Center. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and the DCC ticket office. More ticket information is available through the RiverKings' offices at 662-342-175.

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Central Hockey League Stories from March 26, 2009


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