SteelHounds weekly

January 7, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Youngstown SteelHounds News Release


Three out of Four Points vs. Tulsa but Out of First

The Youngstown SteelHounds were able to skate off with three of a possible four points against the Tulsa Oilers over the weekend but without that fourth point they have now lost first place in the Northeast Division. Friday night at the Chevrolet Centre the Hounds trailed Tulsa 3-2 and then scored four unanswered goals in the third period to take a 6-3 victory. Saturday night it was the complete opposite as the Hounds took a 2-0 lead into the third period but Tulsa stormed back with two goals in the third to force overtime and eventually a shootout. Warren McCutcheon recorded the game winner as Tulsa ousted Youngstown 3-1 in the shootout to take a 3-2 win. The Hounds out shot the Oilers 50-34 in that game and finished the season series with Tulsa at 2-1-1. The SteelHounds are now 20-8-2 (42 points) and are in second place in the Northeast Division.

What's On Tap: Three on the Road vs. the Division with First Place on the Line

It may be the toughest week a team may endure in the Central Hockey League this season as the Hounds will play three road games against divisional opponents with first place in the division on the line in all three games. Tuesday night it will be a winner takes first game when the Hounds visit the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs at 8:05. Bossier-Shreveport is 20-7-3 (43 points) and in first place in the Northeast Division. The Mudbugs have taken the last three from Youngstown and lead the series three games to two. Friday and Saturday night the Hounds will take on the Mississippi RiverKings in Southaven with 8:05 starts slated for both games. The Kings are 18-11-1 (37 points) and are in the position to move up in the standings. The Hounds are 4-2-0 against the Kings this season. All SteelHounds games are available on ESPN Radio 1240 and SteelHounds.com.

Just One More for Richards

Chris Richards notched an assist on Saturday night and now sits at 399 for his CHL career. With one more helper he will become only the ninth man in Central Hockey League history to record 400 assists. The 32 year old captain has 12 goals and 23 assists on the season. The 400 assists mark is not the only milestone within reach of Richards's hands. He is just seven goals away from becoming the 14th man in league history to score 200 in a career and he is just eight points away from 600 for his CHL career. His 592 points is currently 10th all time.

Congratulations "Koach Killer Kaminski"

Saturday night was a milestone night for Head Coach Kevin Kaminski and the Youngstown SteelHounds as counting last year's playoffs the Hounds have now went 100 straight games without getting shutout. That is every game that Kevin Kaminski has coached for the Youngstown SteelHounds the team has registered at least one goal on the scoreboard. The last time the SteelHounds were held scoreless in a game was on March 17, 2006 in a 3-0 loss to the Colorado Eagles.

Couple of Streaking Europeans

Two Hounds that are finding the mark at a good click are forwards Petr Pohl and Kirill Starkov. Pohl is the team's leading point getter with 37 coming from 15 goals and 22 assists. He has scored four goals and five assists in his last four games. Rookie Kirill Starkov has became red hot after having just three assists in his first nine games the 20 year old has exploded with four goals and two assists in his last four games. Both players were assigned to Youngstown by the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League. Pohl was the fifth round selection (#133 overall) in the 2004 NHL entry draft. Starkov was the sixth round draft pick (#189 overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.



Central Hockey League Stories from January 7, 2008


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