CHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings expand division lead with win over Steelhounds

December 1, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN --- The Memphis RiverKings scored four unanswered goals to erase a 2-0 first period deficit and defeat the Youngstown Steelhounds 4-3 at the DeSoto Civic Center Friday night. The win gives the RiverKings a four point lead over the Steelhounds for first in the Central Hockey League's Northeast Division. The two teams will play again Sunday evening at 5:05 at the DCC. The RiverKings have tomorrow night off while the Steelhounds travel to Bossier-Shreveport for a Saturday night tilt with the Mudbugs before returning to the DCC on Sunday.

Youngstown used goals by Chris Shaffer and Tab Lardner 34 seconds apart to give the Steelhounds a 2-0 advantage with 7:15 remaining in the first period. The RiverKings started their comeback with Jason Sessa's power play goal at 17:25 of the period. Sessa's eighth , and team high sixth power play, goal of the season came when Jason Tessier sent him a lead pass from the RiverKings blue line. Sessa skated in on the right wing and beat Youngstown goalie David Currie far side.

In the second period, rookie winger Tyler McGregor tied the game with his second of the campaign at 6:15. Ryan Held took a pass from McGregor behind the net and then gave it right back to him for a point blank shot. Currie made the save, only to have the rebound land back on McGregor's stick. He then backhanded the puck over Currie for his second goal of the season and a 2-2 tie that would carry over into the third period.

Darrell Stoddard gave the RiverKings their first lead on the power play at 6:17 of the third. The play started with a Derek Landmesser slap shot from above the slot that Currie saved but could not control. Stoddard poked the rebound in for his fifth of the season and a 3-2 RiverKings lead.

Before the bulb behind the net had a chance to cool, the RiverKings were on the attack again after the ensuing face off. Derek Campbell carried the puck deep on the left wing with Held driving down the slot. Campbell, who has established himself in the physical part of the game of late, snuck the puck between Currie's right pad and the pipe for his fourth of the season.

The Steelhounds narrowed the gap back to one with a late goal on the power play and with the goalie pulled. The six on four goal occurred with 30 seconds left making the final 4-3.

Youngstown finished with a 31-21 shots advantage. Memphis' power play converted on two of six chances while Youngstown went one of four. November Sher-Wood Goalie of the Month Larry Sterling stopped 28 of 31 shots to climb to 10-2-2 on the season and pick up his first career win over the Steelhounds.

The RiverKings have won three straight to move their record to 11-3-2 while Youngstown has gone 0-2-1 in its last three and are now 8-5-4.

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RiverKings tickets make great Christmas gifts. Flex Plan packages start at only $88 for 8 Red Level Coupons that can be used for any home game. Ticket Gift Certificates are also available.

Call 662-342-1755 for more information.

Don't miss the next Kevin McClelland Show on Tuesday, December 5 LIVE from Beef O' Brady's in Southaven from 6-7 on Sports 56 WHBQ.

RiverKings Single-Game Tickets for all 2006-2007 home games are on sale now at the DeSoto Civic Center box office and at all TicketMaster locations.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS: Friday, December 1 --- 730 ESPN/RiverKings Knit Hats to first 1,500 fans; Sunday, December 3 --- Post Game Skate With Players; Saturday, December 9 --- Cellular South Travis Banga Mini Bobbleheads to the first 1,500 fans; Teddy Bear Toss; Friday, December 15 --- Mercury Printing Team Poster to first 1,500 fans; Saturday, December 16 --- CW-30 Mr Potato Head to first 1,500 fans; Tuesday, December 19 --- WMC TV Channel 5 CheerStix to first 1,500 fans

After every RiverKings home game, the party heads to the new Buffalo Wild Wings on Airways in Southaven, the official Post Game Hang-Out of the RiverKings.



Central Hockey League Stories from December 1, 2006


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