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Vernarsky Scores Twice In Come-From-Behind Game Two Victory

April 24, 2010 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Icehawks News Release


PORT HURON, MI - The Port Huron Icehawks came from behind to earn a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Fort Wayne Komets in game two of their semi-final matchup Saturday night at McMorran Arena. Captain Kris Vernarsky scored both regulation goals for Port Huron before the shortest overtime period of the Icehawks' season ended with Mickael Bedard's unassisted goal at 0:13 of the extra frame.

For the second time in this series, Fort Wayne's Matt Syroczynski scored the game's first goal, this time on the power play at 4:27 of the first period. Colin Chaulk earned his second assist of the series on the play. The Icehawks would tie it up on a Kris Vernarsky goal at 10:54 of the first, just seconds after Chaulk left the penalty box. Nick Lindberg notched his second assist of the playoffs on the play. Justin Hodgman would score three minutes later off assists by Syroczynski and Guy Dupuis to give the Komets a 2-1. Port Huron outshot Fort Wayne 13-12 in the opening period.

Vernarsky showed why he wears the "C" when he tied the game at 2:45 of the second on his second goal of the night, assisted by Brandon Naurato and Matt Auffrey. Goalies Larry Sterling and Nick Boucher took turns making spectacular saves for the rest of the period to keep the game knotted at two. The Icehawks outshot the Komets 14-11 in the period.

A scoreless third period saw more great goaltending on both sides. Fort Wayne outshot Port Huron for the first time of the night, 12-10.

The first overtime period of the 2010 Turner Cup Playoffs lasted just 13 seconds, as 2009-10 IHL Rookie of the Year Mickael Bedard beat Boucher on an unassisted goal to give the Icehawks the win, tying the series at one game apiece.

Both goalies turned in stellar efforts, with Sterling earning the victory, stopping 33 of 35 shots, and Boucher taking the overtime loss, allowing three goals on 38 shots against.

Only one penalty was called in the last 30 minutes of the game after ten minor penalties in the first half. The Icehawks were shutout in three power play opportunities, and Fort Wayne converted on one of four.

In game two of the other semi-final matchup between the Muskegon Lumberjacks and the Flint Generals, the ‘Jacks earned a 6-4 victory to maintain home-ice advantage and go up 2-0 in the series.

The Icehawks and Komets hit the road for tomorrow's game three in Fort Wayne tomorrow night. Game four is set for Wednesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. at McMorran Arena.

Single game tickets for all Icehawks home games are on sale now at McMorran Arena Box Office, any Ticket Master location or by phone. For more information, visit www.porthuronicehawks.com or call 810-966-3800.

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