CHL Mississippi RiverKings

RiverKings Win Season Opener Against Wichita

Published on October 17, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


(Southaven, MS) -- Darrell Stoddard's two goals, including the game-winner at the 9:07 mark of the third period, gave the Mississippi RiverKings a 3-2 season-opening victory over the Wichita Thunder on Friday, October 17th at the DeSoto Civic Center.

He was aided by the 23-save effort in goal of Kevin Beech, who picked up his first victory of the season in net.

The RiverKings opened with a 2-0 lead in the first period of play. Mike Tuomi netted the first goal of the season off a pass from Mike Pierce at four minutes of the first period for a 1-0 advantage.

Mississippi scored again at 10:49, as Darrell Stoddard's blast from the right side beat goaltender Dan McWhinney for his first tally of the season, with assists from Joe Markusen and Taylor Hustead for a 2-0 lead.

Wichita answered in the second period with their first goal of the night from Chris Tarkir, unassisted at 10:54. However, the RiverKings remained on top at 2-1 at the second intermission break.

The Thunder tied the contest up at the 7:31 point of the final period, when Tarkir scored again, aided by Scott Rozendal and Greg Cassista on the power play. The goal came with Adam Smyth of the RiverKings just one second away from returning to the ice.

But, less than two minutes later, Stoddard scored his eventual game-winning goal on the power play, taking a feed from Louis Dumont and Bobby Chaumont and placing it past McWhinney at 9:07 for a 3-2 Mississippi lead and the eventual final scored.

McWhinney ended the night with 30 saves of 33 Mississippi shots on net. The RiverKings scored once in seven power play opportunities, while Wichita went 1-5 with the man advantage.

The win was Kevin Kaminski's first as new Mississippi head coach in his season-opening contest. He and the RiverKings will look for win number two Saturday night, October 18th at Texas against the Brahmas.

Mississippi meets Bossier-Shreveport Tuesday night in their next home game, starting at 7:05 PM. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and the DeSoto Civic Center office, or call 662-342-1755 for more information.

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Central Hockey League Stories from October 17, 2008


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