Second frame meltdown punctuates 7-3 Amarillo loss
December 28, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
Amarillo, TX 12/27/08 - In a rematch of Friday's 7-4 Amarillo win, the Gorillas returned home Saturday night, dropping the second end of their home-and-home series against the Odessa Jackalopes, 7-3.
The game began with an early Sebastien Thinel power play marker for Odessa, leading the Jackalopes to an early 1-0 lead. Amarillo would answer under two minutes later, as Austin Sutter ripped a wrist shot from the high slot and past Odessa starter Alexandre Vincent to even the game at one.
The tie would not last long, as Odessa was awarded a 5-on-3 power play only moments later due to a Neil Smith holding penalty. Russ Moyer scored on the power play, putting the Jackalopes on top 2-1. The Gorillas would have to wait until the final two minutes of the period to draw even, when defenseman Nick Theriault blasted a shot past Vincent to even up the tally heading into the second period.
Things began to turn south for the Gorillas in the second, as Dominic Leveille and veteran Kory Karlander each scored in the first half of the period to push Odessa out to a 4-2 lead. The situation would get no better for Amarillo goaltender Mike Gorman, as Brian Swiniarski and Moyer added powerplay goals to extend the Jackalopes lead heading into the final period.
Both teams switched netminders to begin the third, with A.J. Bucchino entering for Amarillo in relief of Gorman and former Gorilla Dan McWhinney taking the ice to spell Vincent for Odessa. Despite an early third-period marker by Mike Handza for the Gorillas, Odessa killed two crucial Amarillo power plays and got a goal of their own from Jean Bourbeau to solidify the Jackalope victory, 7-3.
Late-third-period fireworks would ensue for Gorillas fans, though, as the team became frustrated at a late penalty call against Amarillo's Alex Greig. Following a Luke Lynes minor for abuse of officals at 18:11, Gorillas head coach Tom Coolen was ejected from the game by referee Tom Steinel, causing a stir among the over two-thousand fans in attendance at the Amarillo Civic Center.
Gorman (7-10-0) was credited with the loss for the Gorillas (9-18-0), who remain behind New Mexico in the Central Hockey League's Southwest Division Standings. Amarillo will look towards a possible redemption match against Odessa next Wednesday in the Gorillas' annual New Year's Eve game. The team will wear special New Year's Eve jerseys to be auctioned off following the game. For tickets, visit www.panhandletickets.com or call the Gorillas ticketing office at (806) 242-PUCK.
Enjoy all the benefits of being an Amarillo Gorillas season ticket holder, including pregame meetings with Coach Coolen and one-of-a-kind access to special events! Gorillas season tickets for 2008-09 are still available by calling (806) 242-PUCK (7825) or by visiting the Gorillas office at 901 Buchanan in Amarillo.
Central Hockey League Stories from December 28, 2008
- Scorpions Win Defensive Battle Over Odessa - New Mexico Scorpions
- Scorpions Sneak Past Jacks with 3-1 Win - Odessa Jackalopes
- Bucks Fall To Rage In OT 3-2 - Laredo Bucks
- Bucks Close Out Road Trip Today - Laredo Bucks
- Sundogs Complete Weekend Sweep of Expansion Rush - Arizona Sundogs
- Second frame meltdown punctuates 7-3 Amarillo loss - Amarillo Gorillas
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