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Rockhoppers Win In 7 Round Shootout

March 7, 2009 - Eastern Professional Hockey League (EPHL)
Jersey Rockhoppers News Release


Saturday night at the Essex County Richard J. Codey Arena at South Mountain, goaltenders Nick Niedert and Eddie Neville renewed their rivalry, showing why they are two of the top goaltenders in the EPHL. Both faced 51 shots in regulation and overtime, and then traded saves in a 7 round shootout, ending in a 4-3 win for the Rockhoppers. Jersey came into tonight's game with a slim 3 point lead over 3rd place Danbury with 8 games to play, but Brooklyn got on the board first, rebounding from Friday night's shutout loss at Danbury on Kyle McCullough's 26th goal of the season. The game remained 1-0 into the second period, until Jason McCrimmon put in his 2nd goal of the season to tie the game at 1-1. Justin Todd gave the Rockhoppers a 2-1 lead later in the second on a pass from Joe Welgos.

The Aces answered back early in the third period when Mike Christensen put a wrister past Nick Niedert to tie the game at 2-2. Just under a minute later, a CJ Tozzo slashing penalty incited, pushing and shoving from both teams, ending with four players going to the box with fighting penalties. The Rockhoppers capitalized on the power play opportunity as Tom Boudreau scored his league-leading 32nd goal of the year. Later in the third, Christensen put in his second of the night for Brooklyn, on the power play tying the game at 3-3 with just over 10 minutes remaining in regulation. The Aces were able to kill off a late Mike Thomson penalty to send the game into overtime. In the extra frame, each team managed several shots on net, but Niedert and Neville turned them away. Niedert and Neville then went head-to-head in the EPHL's longest shootout of the season.

Brooklyn drew first blood as Mike Christensen was able to deke Niedert and score on the Aces' first attempt. Tom Boudreau answered on the Rockhoppers' next attempt putting one behind Eddie Neville. Each goalie would then make 5 saves before Matt Tyree was able to put one in the net and give the Rockhoppers the victory.

The Rockhoppers are at home again on Sunday night March 8th at 5:30pm against the Danbury Mad Hatters. For more information or to order tickets, visit www.JerseyRockhoppers.com or call 973-713-7547.



Eastern Professional Hockey League Stories from March 7, 2009


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