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Scorpions tied for first with rival Amarillo

February 19, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
New Mexico Scorpions News Release


THIS WEEK:

WED Feb. 21 Rio Grande Valley @ SCORPIONS

7:35 p.m. Santa Ana Star Center

The Scorpions will host the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees for the first time inside the Santa Ana Star Center . The teams met back in November in Texas , with the Bees beating the Scorpions 5-1. New Mexico will look to sting the Bees as both teams fight for playoff position in the Southern Conference.

Season Series:

Rio Grande Valley leads 1-0-0

All Time Series: Scorpions lead 2-1-0

SAT Feb. 24 SCORPIONS @ Odessa

6:00 p.m. Ector County Coliseum

New Mexico will travel to face Odessa in a rare one game weekend. The Scorpions will be well rested and ready to take down the rival Jackalopes. Odessa beat the Scorpions in New Mexico the last time the two teams met, and the Scorpions hope to get some revenge when they arrive in West Texas.

Season Series:

Scorpions lead 3-1-0

All Time Series:

Scorpions lead 39-25-3

LAST WEEK:

WED Feb. 14 Odessa @ SCORPIONS

(4-3 loss)

7:35 p.m. Santa Ana Star Center

The Scorpions got out of the gates early, but eventually fell to Odessa 4-3. The Jackalopes used a two-man advantage with less than a minute to go in the game to power to the victory.

The Scorpions have been used to big third periods to win games recently, but on Wednesday night, it was the Jackalopes that scored two third period goals.

Blaine Bablitz tied the game up early in the final frame with his eighth goal of the season. The Scorpions came back with solid offensive pressure but could not score on goalie Mike Gorman.

Paul Ewasko banged home a rebound power play goal with 35-seconds remaining for the game winner. The win gave the Jackalopes their first over the Scorpions this season.

The Scorpions came out on fire and looked to have control early. Only 42 seconds into the game, Jamie Herrington tucked a goal in-between Gorman's legs. Things continued to be tough for Gorman when Craig Macdonald put the Scorpions up two goals. Macdonald's shot was perfect as he lifted the shot just under the crossbar for his 21st goal of the season.

Odessa called a timeout after the quick goals to discuss how the game started. It seemed to work as the Jackalopes cut the lead in half when Jay Latulippe scored a breakaway goal at 11:06.

Similar to the first period, an early goal was scored. This time Odessa scored early and tied the game up as Emery Olauson beat goalie Scott Reid to the rebound for the tying score.

The Scorpions rebounded to take the lead again. Ryan McLeod sped towards the net on the power play with a shot. Gorman made the initial save but Konrad Reeder was there to put the rebound home and gave the Scorps a 3-2 edge.

FRI Feb. 16 SCORPIONS @ Austin

(5-4 loss)

6:30 p.m. Chaparral Ice Arena

Friday night's visit to Austin an offensive affair, with the Scorpions falling to Austin 5-4. It was the first time the Scorpions have lost back-to-back games since early January.

Things started quickly inside the Chaparral Ice Arena with Austin jumping out to an lead. Ray Smegal scored his second goal of the year just 1:29 into the contest.

The Scorpions fought back to tie the game with a hard working goal. Mike Prpich carried the puck deep into the zone and fought off multiple body checks. He found an open Craig Macdonald who took a wrist shot, but it was stopped by goaltender Miguel Beaudry. Prpich came back to the front of the net and knocked the rebound home tying the game.

Almost immediately after the puck was dropped Austin returned to the power play. Just as the power play expired, J.F. Picard threw a shot through traffic and into the Scorpions' net, giving his team a 2-1 lead.

Offense was the name of the game in the second period. The teams combined for five goals, three coming on the power play.

The Scorpions started the middle period scoring outburst when Josh Garbutt lit the lamp for the fourth time this season. Once again, after play resumed, the Ice Bats were given another power play.

Terry Virtue made New Mexico pay with his seventh goal of the year at the 3:57 mark. The game settled down in the middle part of the period, but it didn't take long to pick back up. Virtue scored his second power play goal of the night giving Austin their first two-goal lead of the game at the 13:03 mark.

New Mexico wasted no time getting back in the game. On the very next shift, Prpich picked up his second goal of the night, cutting the lead to one. The Scorpions were not satisfied being down a goal and Konrad Reeder tipped in a power play goal tying the score again.

The third period was a whole lot quieter than the first two. One lone power play goal would be the difference as John Ronan scored 5:48 into the period for the game winner.

SAT Feb. 17 SCORPIONS @ Amarillo

(3-2 OT loss)

6:00 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center

In a battle for first place, the Scorpions came out on the wrong side with a 3-2 overtime loss to Amarillo Saturday night. The extra session loss dropped the Scorpions two points behind the first place Gorillas.

Kevin Wilson proved to be the hero. Wilson's overtime goal at the 1:55 mark sent the Amarillo Civic Center crowd into a frenzy.

For the second straight night, the Scorpions were forced to come from behind in the first period. Austin Sutter's power play goal gave Amarillo the early lead.

The second period went the Scorpions way with dominating play. New Mexico spent most of the second period in the offensive zone turning a one-goal deficit into a two-goal lead.

Ryan McLeod tied the game when he put a rebound goal home. Vladimir Hartinger started the play with a shot that went wide, but the rebound hit the end boards and ended up perfectly on McLeod's stick.

The Scorpions used another rebound goal to take their first lead of the game. Craig Macdonald knocked the puck out of the air and into the back of the net. Mike Prpich picked up the assist, his fourth point in the last two games.

The Gorillas re-tied the game in a whistle filled third period. Needing a goal, Amarillo got it when Bill Vandermeer tied the game with his 30th goal of the season.

SUN Feb. 18 Lubbock @ SCORPIONS

(5-3 WIN)

5:05 p.m. Santa Ana Star Center

The Scorpions stopped their losing streak and vaulted back into first place with a 5-2 win over Lubbock.

Score early and score often is what the Scorpions did in the first period. Lance Herauf took a perfect pass from Vladimir Hartinger and scored just 23-seconds into the contest.

The Scorpions continued to light the lamp late in the period. Jamie Herrington dropped a pass to Ryan McLeod who ripped a one-timer into the net sparking the Santa Ana Star Center crowd. A late power play chance continued the scoring. Craig Macdonald slipped past the Lubbock defenders and scored his team leading 23rd goal of the season, giving the Scorpions a three-goal lead after the first period.

Offense gave way to defense in the second period. Lubbock would be the only team to register a goal. Patrick Levesque tipped in a Troy Neumeier shot cutting the lead to two.

Lubbock battled in the third period giving the Scorpions all they could handle. Simon Watson cut the lead to one with his 22nd goal of the season at the 4:11 mark.

Herauf gave the Scorpions back some breathing room at the 8:45 mark. Mike Falk took the initial shot that was saved by goalie J.F. Perras. Herauf charged towards the net, missed the puck with his stick but was able to bank the shot off his pants and into the net.

The Cotton Kings once again cut the lead in half. Corey Rutt used a wrist shot late in the period quieting the Santa Ana Star Center crowd.

New Mexico goaltender David Cacciola would stand tall in the final minute. The Cotton Kings threw a barrage of shots towards the net looking for the tie, but Cacciola closed the door. Josh Garbutt added an empty net goal to seal the two-goal victory. The win gave the Scorpions victories in all five games against Lubbock this season.

SCORPIONS PROMOTIONS

- LAST CHANCE FOR REPLICA UNM LOBO JERSEYS-Fans have one more chance to get their hands on the Lobo jerseys the Scorpions wore this season. If you want to order your replica jersey, contact Brad Creagan at Graphic Connection by calling (505) 821-2777 or email him at merchandise@scorpionshockey.com. The deadline to order the jersey is Tuesday, February 20 at 5 p.m. Mountain Time.

- Mar. 2-"SALUTE TO THE BADGES NIGHT"-The Scorpions will honor all law enforcement and fire officials in this annual event. Special pricing of only $11, for all those serving in law enforcement and firefighting and their families. The Scorpions will wear special jerseys and auction them after the game. All proceeds will benefit Haven House and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico. Intermissions will feature, sumo wrestling, tug-of-war and tricycle racing. Following the Scorpions game, there will be a heated hockey game pitting the police against the firefighters.

- Mar. 10-"Junior Jersey Night"-The young Scorpions fans will not want to miss this special giveaway. The first 1,500 kids 12 and under will receive a replica Scorpions jersey courtesy of Peoples Mortgage.

- Mar. 10-"Pet Awareness Night"-The Scorpions will host a unique night when they host the Wichita Thunder. If you want to adopt a pet, the Santa Ana Star Center is the place to be. Local shelters will be on hand to help you go home with a new cuddly creature. In addition, if you want to bring your pet to the game contact Tim Marting at the Scorpions office or email tmarting@scorpionshockey.com for more details.

- Mar. 13-"SCORPIONS COACH'S SHOW"-Join Head Coach Ray Edwards and Broadcaster Adam Minnick at the All-Star Bar & Grill inside the Santa Ana Star Casino. The monthly show takes place from 6-7 p.m. Those not able to make it in person can hear it on 610 The Sports Animal. Fans are encouraged to call or email the show

- Mar. 16-"Puck and Hat Night"-The first 1,500 fans through the doors get a Scorpions puck and the first 500 adults will get a Scorpions hat, courtesy of New Mexico National Guard.

- THIS WEEK'S BROADCAST SCHEDULE-Both games can be heard on 610 The Sports Animal. For Scorpions fans outside the listening area, you can hear all Scorpions games online by visiting http://www.scorpionshockey.com/schedule/broadcast/. Don't forget that CHLTV is the perfect place to watch Scorpions games online. Visit www.livesportsnetwork.com/chltv for more details.

- Fans inside the Santa Ana Star Center can now hear the games live on 89.5 FM.

SCORPIONS IN THE COMMUNITY

- Keep your eyes open, as the Scorpions will be around town visiting with many different people during February. Check out http://www.scorpionshockey.com/schedule/communitypromos/ for further information.

- The Scorpions will visit children and their families at the UNM Children's Hospital on Tuesday, February 20 at 6 p.m.

- James Monroe Middle School will honor their students who have made a difference in the community. The Scorpions will be there to help honor these fine students during an assembly on Thursday, February 22.

TEAM NOTES

- New Mexico is ranked sixth in the latest CHL Coach's Poll.

- Ten of the next 12 games are against the Southwest Division.

- The Scorpions have gone 16-6-3 against Southwest Division opponents.

- New Mexico has scored 68 goals in the third period, most of any CHL team.

STANDOUTS

- DAVID CACCIOLA is second among CHL goalies with a 2.46 goals against average.

- RYAN MCLEOD leads all rookies with 49 points.

- MIKE FALK is third among league rookies with 21 goals.

- LANCE HERAUF and RYAN MCLEOD lead CHL rookies with 30 assists.

- AARON MACINNIS leads al defensemen with a +25 plus/minus rating.



Central Hockey League Stories from February 19, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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