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Rockhoppers Win In OT

March 20, 2009 - Eastern Professional Hockey League (EPHL)
Jersey Rockhoppers News Release


Thursday night at the Essex County Richard J. Codey Arena at South Mountain, the Jersey Rockhoppers were able to overcome an early three goal deficit to defeat the Hudson Valley Bears 7-6 and remain in the driver seat in the race for the final EPHL playoff spot. The Bears offense exploded in the first period, scoring 5 goals on their first 12 shots. Scott Estey registered a natural hat trick, scoring three straight goals in under 9 minutes of the first period. Jersey tried to climb back in, but found themselves trailing 5-2 heading into the second period.

In the second, Matt Puntureri got the Rockhoppers back on track by taking a Pat Serpico saucer pass in the slot and putting it past goalie Al Loges. The Rockhoppers were in the attack zone for much of the period, firing 20 shots on net in the second. Matt Tyree ended a long Rockhoppers offensive possession, putting home a rebound to make it a one goal game heading into the third period. Nick Niedert was able to keep the Bears scoreless in the second period in relief of Rob Lemelin.

The Bears got back into the scoring column to start the third period on John Geverd's 17th goal of the season. Trailing by two goals with 12 minutes to go, the Rockhoppers were down, but certainly not out. Kyle Bozoian raced into the offensive zone and ripped a slapshot from the right circle, cutting the Hudson Valley lead to one. Niedert remained solid in net, making ten saves in the final frame of regulation including an incredible sprawling kick save with less than five minutes to go. With just over two minutes remaining, Puntureri circled behind the Bears net and found JP Pauly in the slot to score the game-tying goal, sending the game into overtime. Puntureri struck again in the extra frame, taking the puck from Niedert and Carpentier and bending a wrister past Loges for the game-winner."When you get to this point in the season, you've got to earn every point," said Head Coach Brian Gratz. "I give credit to the Bears for the way that they played tonight.

With the win, Jersey moved their Magic Number to 1 game, meaning one more Jersey win or one Danbury loss and the Rockhoppers will take on the Aces in the EPHL Finals.

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