Stars' streak snapped at five
December 31, 2006 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Iowa Chops News Release
DES MOINES, IA - The Iowa Stars and the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights closed-out 2006 with a Sunday evening game at Wells Fargo Arena. The Stars had their five-game winning-streak snapped with a 5-1 loss to the Knights.
The Knights picked-up the first goal of the game 7:40 into the first period. Omaha's David Van der Gulik capitalized on an Iowa turnover at their own blueline, skated in on Tobias Stephan and fired a wrist-shot past the Iowa netminder. Just under 10 minutes later, Kris Chucko spotted the Knights a 2-0 lead with his seventh goal of the season. The power-play goal came as a result of a goalmouth scrum that had the Iowa netminder down-and-out. Omaha extended their lead to 3-0 when Andrei Taratukhin forced a turnover in the neutral zone, crossed the blueline and fired wrist-shot past Stephan. Omaha out-shot the Stars 12 to six in the period.
Andrei Taratukhin registered his second goal of the game midway through the second period. Taratukhin and Carsen Germyn entered the Iowa zone on a two-on-one when Germyn fed a pass back to Taratukhin. The rookie forward tipped home the pass at 12:50 of the second period, giving the visiting team a 4-0 lead. Omaha's fourth goal of the game came against Dan Ellis. Ellis replaced Stephan at the onset of the second stanza.
The Iowa Stars finally tickled the twine and ruined Curtis McElhinney's bid for his fourth shutout of the season with 5:21 left in the game. Iowa's Vojtech Polak helped keep the Stars from registered their first shutout loss of the season when he potted his ninth goal of the season. Rookie Andrei Taratukhin sealed the victory with his third goal of the game shortly thereafter.
Shots: IOWA: 22; OMAHA: 21; Attendance: 4,993
Game Sheet - http://stats.theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1002689
IOWA STARS INFO: The Stars hit the road for games in Hamilton, Ontario on Wednesday and Friday and in Toronto on Saturday. Iowa returns to Wells Fargo Arena on Friday, January 12th for a 7:00 PM face-off with the Houston Aeros. Friday's game is KCWI Date Night and will have a 7:00 PM face-off. One lucky couple will win round trip airfare to Las Vegas courtesy of Allegiant Air and couples can purchase two tickets, two hot dogs and two cokes for just $23! The following evening, the Toronto Marlies make their only trip to Des Moines. The first 1,500 fans through the turnstiles will receive a FREE Iowa Stars stocking cap! Doors open for all home games one hour before face-off. Bring a group or hold your child's birthday at a Stars game! All ticketing information can be obtained by calling 515-23-STARS or by visiting IowaStarsHockey.com.
American Hockey League Stories from December 31, 2006
- Stars' streak snapped at five - Iowa Chops
- Griffins Shut Out Another North Division Power - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Bears close out '06 in style - Hershey Bears
- Rivermen Edge Hamilton 3-2 at Home on New Year's Eve - Peoria Rivermen
- Monarchs Toast New Year's With Win Over Falcons - Manchester Monarchs
- Bulldogs Edged by Rivermen - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Wild signs D John Scott - Houston Aeros
- River Rats Topple Sound Tigers - Bridgeport Islanders
- Stafford returns, Amerks at Grand Rapids - Rochester Americans
- Wedderburn Returns to Wolves - Chicago Wolves
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