Tarantulas Drop Lead, Lose to RiverKings
December 2, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL) - Topeka Tarantulas News Release
The Topeka Tarantulas learned the hard way Wednesday night that you can't blink against the Memphis RiverKings, or you'll end up with the puck in your net. After going up 3-1 in the second period, the Tarantulas ended with a 4-3 loss to the 'Kings.
It didn't take long for Topeka to learn they needed to tighten up their game against Memphis, as rookie points leader Phil Aucoin scored 12 seconds into the contest on the first shot of the game, giving them a quick lead. The Spiders would come back to even the game when new acquisition Jonathan Dubois put in a rebound at 10:07, just as a penalty to Memphis defenseman Scott English was expiring.
The Tarantulas picked up Dubois at around 5:00, just two hours before the puck drop, and put him on a line with Lukas Dora and defenseman Tyler Hanchuck, who has been playing forward for the last few games to make up for the growing number of injuries on the Tarantulas roster.
"With Dora's speed, we created a lot of good opportunities. It's something we can build on," said Dubois. "I just wish we would have won. I can't wait until the next game, and the next, so we can get better every game."
The Eight-leggers built up their lead adding two more goals in the second, including their tenth power play goal of the year at 10:58. Within the next 47 seconds, however, the RiverKings had evened the score, and 58 seconds into the third period, added the clincher.
"I asked for 60 minutes of good hockey tonight. I think I got about 58 or 59," said Head Coach Joe Coombs. "Other than a mental lapse for a minute and a couple bad turnovers, I think we didn't play that bad."
The tired and beat-up Tarantulas squad will resume its grueling schedule Friday and Saturday nights against Tulsa in Landon Arena. WWE superstar Mick Foley will be appearing Friday night and will be available for autographs. Saturday night, the first 1500 fans will receive a free puck. Both games start at 7:35 p.m.
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Central Hockey League Stories from December 2, 2004
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- Tarantulas Drop Lead, Lose to RiverKings - Topeka Tarantulas
- RiverKings win in Topeka - Mississippi RiverKings
- Tarantulas sign Dubois - Topeka Tarantulas
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