CHL Mississippi RiverKings

Shorthanded RiverKings fall to Steelhounds for first time

Published on February 10, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN --- The Youngstown Steelhounds picked up their first ever win over the Memphis RiverKings in the sixth meeting between the teams on a snowy Friday night at the DeSoto Civic Center. The shorthanded RiverKings played without their injured leading scorer Don Parsons and the recently called-up defensive leader Derek Landmesser. That, along with the recent injuries to defensemen Kevin Harris and Stephen Margeson, put the RiverKings in a bind that they could not overcome.

Memphis grabbed the lead in a see-saw first period on Travis Banga's first of two on the night and his 21st of the season at 10:21. Youngstown came back with two goals 1:46 apart from Kris Mallette and Chris Shaffer to climb ahead 2-1. Banga made it a two goal first period with the equalizer just 24 seconds after Shaffer had lit the lamp.

Youngstown dominated the second period with an 18-4 shots advantage, but could only convert once and took a 3-2 lead into the third. Mario Chinelli gave the visitors a two goal cushion 5:41 into the period. Ryan Watson, who extended his career high point streak to nine games, later scored to cut the lead back to one. That goal also gave Watson a four game goal streak, also a career high. Youngstown would respond with three straight to take a 7-3 lead. Watson added a late goal with :45 seconds left to cap his four point night. Chinelli finished with two goals and an assist with Chris Shaffer also adding a pair.

Youngstown out-shot the RiverKings 44-23. Goalie Michael Dilorenzo lost for the first time this season to the Steelhounds, falling to 5-1. He had gone 2-0 while with Laredo and 3-0 since coming to Memphis. Steelhounds netminder David St. Germain, who has struggled against Memphis, picked up the win to improve to 2-8 in his career versus the RiverKings and 13-18-2 for the season. Dilorenzo's season record is now 9-6-1 overall for the season.

With neither Derek Landmesser nor Don Parsons playing in the game, this game marked the first time since the 2001-2002 season, when Landmesser was in the UHL with Muskegon, that a RiverKings game did not feature at least one of the two perennial all stars. Parsons also had a streak of 162 consecutive games-played snapped.

Before the game, the RiverKings also made several roster moves. The team put defenseman Kevin Harris on the 45-day IR and transferred defenseman Stephen Margeson from the 45-day to the season-ending IR. The team also signed defenseman Drew Terry and forward Dan Hickman. Both saw ice time Friday night with Hickman playing some forward and some defense.

The RiverKings continue the weekend at home by hosting the Odessa Jackalopes tomorrow night. The Jackalopes lead the Southwest Division and are second overall in the Southern Conference with 55 points. Game time is 7:05.

Upcoming promotions: Saturday, February 11, the first 3,000 fans receive Cellular South CheerStix

Also on Saturday, the fan that is deemed the craziest will win $2,500. So dress up, get painted up and go crazy for the RiverKings. This is contest is being presented by 94.1 The Buzz.

Be sure to take advantage of 2 for 1 deals on Tuesdays: 2 for 1 gold level tickets, 2 for 1 hot dogs, 2 for 1 soft drinks and $2 draft beer. There are 2 for 1 gold level tickets for the Thursday, February 16 game,, too.

Don't forget to head to TGI Fridays on Goodman Road after every home game for the "Official RiverKings Post-Game Party."

You can hear all regular-season RiverKings games on Sports 56 WHBQ (AM 560).

The Kevin McClelland Show will return live at O'Charley's on Tuesday, February 14 at 6 on Sports 56 WHBQ (AM 560).

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Central Hockey League Stories from February 10, 2006


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