AHL Peoria Rivermen

Rivermen Edge Rampage With Last Minute Goal

January 16, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Peoria Rivermen News Release


San Antonio, Texas (January 16, 2009) - Justin Fletcher's goal with 30.7 seconds remaining in regulation gave the Peoria Rivermen a 2-1 win over the San Antonio Rampage on Friday night at the AT&T Center. Ben Bishop made a career-high 48 saves, including 21 in the second period, to help the Rivermen win the first game of their five-game road trip.

A power-play just 30 seconds into the first period allowed the Rampage to put pressure on Peoria early but the Rivermen countered and outshot San Antonio 15-9 in the opening frame. The only goal of the period was scored by Jonas Junland from just outside his own blue line at 12:52. Intentionally dumping the puck on goal to allow his team to get a line change, Junland's long shot skipped over the left pad of Josh Tordjman and into the net from 150 feet away. It was his ninth goal of the season.

The Rampage turned the tables on the Rivermen in the second period as they outshot Peoria 22-3 and accounted for the only goal. Just 2:34 into the frame, Jeff Hoggan's shot appeared to be stopped by Bishop but at the last moment it rolled into the crease where Chad Kolarik was there to tap it in.

The 22 shots against during the second period were the most allowed by the Rivermen this season but still entered the third period in a 1-1 tie.

Both teams had their chances in the first 19 minutes of the third period but Bishop and Tordjman held the shooters off the board. Inside the final minute, Peoria worked the puck around the perimeter and Matt Foy found Fletcher at the top of the right circle. With Steve Regier parked just outside the crease, it provided a screen for Fletcher to sneak a slap shot through Tordjman. It was Fletcher's second goal of the year and both have been game winners.

Bishop stopped all 18 shots he faced in the third period to finish with a new career-high. He topped his previous best of 42 that he made on Dec. 5 vs. Chicago.

The two teams combined to go 0-for-10 on the power play with the Rivermen stopping the Rampage on all six of their chances.

The Rivermen and Rampage will rematch on Sunday from the AT&T Center in San Antonio at 5:00 p.m. The radio broadcast will be available on Hippie 101.1 FM and online through www.rivermen.net.

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American Hockey League Stories from January 16, 2009


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