Scorpions dispatch of Gorillas in day game, 7-2
February 17, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
Rio Rancho, NM 2/17/09 - The Amarillo Gorillas struggled through the first 40 minutes, en route to suffering a 7-2 loss at the hands of the New Mexico Scorpions Tuesday afternoon.
With the stands packed at the Santa Ana Star Center for their annual Kid's Day Game, the Scorpions hopped out in front early with a shorthanded goal from Chris Robertson. Robertson took a 2-on-1 feed from Ross McCain and tossed the puck behind Amarillo goaltender A.J. Bucchino to place his team out to an early 1-0 advantage. Moments later, McCain himself scored after crashing the net, sending the student-laden crowd into a frenzy.
New Mexico would net two more goals in the first period-both while on the powerplay-en route to a 4-0 first intermission lead. Seth Leonard scored at 13:53 and Craig MacDonald at 17:47 to extend the Scorpions' advantage. Meanwhile, New Mexico goaltender Kyle McNulty would hold the Gorillas scoreless in the first by stopping 12 Amarillo shots.
The second period would see the hosts continue their scoring frenzy, as Mike MacDonald scored his second goal of the season just 20 seconds into the frame. Jordan Foote would follow up with the Scorpions' sixth goal of the game, beating Bucchino on a breakaway at 2:32 of the second.
Gordon Bell scored the first Gorillas goal of the game at 7:10 of the second period, following up his own shot to hammer a rebound behind McNulty. Amarillo would fail to maintain momentum, however, as Torren Delforte scored on an odd-man rush to cement a 7-1 New Mexico lead going into the second intermission.
The Gorillas made good on a 5-on-3 man advantage to begin the third period, as a John Snowden powerplay tally drew the visitors within five. McNulty would make the lead stand up for the Scorpions, though, stopping a total of 30 Amarillo shots to earn the victory.
Amarillo (14-30-3) fell to just 1-6-0 against New Mexico this season, and 0-3-0 in day games over the last two seasons. Bucchino (4-8-2) absorbed the loss in net for the Gorillas, stopping 24 shots and holding the Scorpions scoreless in the third period.
Friday, the Gorillas will skate in Odessa, taking on the rival Jackalopes. Opening face-off is scheduled for 7:05 PM, as Amarillo will try to bounce back from their first regulation loss in five games. Coverage of the game will be on 1010 AM "The Canyon" in Amarillo, and worldwide via a free online video feed on the CHL Network.
The AMARILLO GORILLAS are celebrating their seventh season in "The Jungle" by offering special ticket prices to groups and parties! Call the Gorillas ticketing office at (806) 242-PUCK (7825) for more information, or drop by the Gorillas' new office at 901 S. Buchanan in downtown Amarillo.
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