SteelHounds Weekly Hockey Report

Published on October 30, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Youngstown SteelHounds News Release


The SteelHounds won their fourth consecutive game to start the season when they defeated the Rocky Mountain Rage on Friday and Saturday nights at the Chevrolet Centre. The 4-0 start by the SteelHounds is the best in the CHL and gives Youngstown seven straight wins dating back to last season. The four-game winning streak this year sets a franchise record for the most consecutive wins and games with a point streak. The Hounds currently sit three points in front of Memphis in the Northeast Division and four points in front of Bossier-Shreveport.

What's on Tap:

Youngstown hits the road for five straight games beginning with a two-game set in New Mexico versus the Scorpions. The Hounds battle the Scorps on Wednesday and Friday and travel to Amarillo to face the Gorillas on Saturday. New Mexico is winless in three games, while the Gorillas are 2-1-1 and have a point in each of their two home games thus far (1-0-1).

Team Sport; The Numbers Don't Lie

The Hounds have showed what team play in all about over their four game winning streak and currently sit near the top in just about every league category. Special teams have been a big part of the team's success as they have gone 9 for 37 (24.3%) ranking them third in the league, this despite missing on their last eight chances. Last year, Youngstown did not score their ninth PP goal until the seventh game of the season. This year the team got there in their third game. Offensively, the Hounds are tied for second averaging 4.50 goals per game and are second in shots for at 35.50 per game and third in shots against with 25.75 allowed per contest. The SteelHounds also rank as the most penalized team in the league with 52.50 PIMs per contest including a league-high 12 fighting majors.

O-H-I-O; Time to Dot the 'I'

The SteelHounds will join in the college football craze in the state of Ohio on Saturday, November 18th when they wear special Buckeye Jerseys (similar to those worn by the OSU Men's Hockey Team) in their contest against the Tulsa Oilers. The jerseys will be auctioned off following the game with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit the Jeff Christian Charitable Foundation.

Rookie Firsts

Several Hounds recorded professional firsts this past weekend in the team's two victories over the Rocky Mountain Rage. Goaltender Brad Roberts got his first professional start on Friday and turned that into his first professional victory with 17 saves. Defenseman John Neal scored his first professional goal in Saturday's 4-2 victory over the Rage and forward Mark Johnson notched his first pro point assisting on Neal's goal.

Three Musketeers

The scoring leaders in the CHL are peppered with SteelHound representation as Jeff Christian, Chris Richards and Paul Esdale are all tied for second in the league with nine points. Richards ranks third in goals with five and Esdale is tops among blueliners with his three goals. Josh Reed and Brian Boike are each tied for tops in the league with three fighting major penalties and Kelly Sickavish is third with 37 PIM's (he had 40 all of last season). In the goaltending department, Brad Roberts is tied for the league lead with his two victories.

Group Fun!!!

Bring your group out for a fun night with the SteelHounds. Discounted group rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Groups receive great benefits such as; P.A. recognition and a SteelHounds prize pack. Call (330) 747-PUCK to book your group today!!

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Central Hockey League Stories from October 30, 2006


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