Vincent Holds Back Rage

February 9, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rocky Mountain Rage News Release


Broomfield, Colo. - In their final meeting in the regular season, the Rocky Mountain Rage hockey team fell to the Odessa Jackalopes 4-2 tonight at the Broomfield Event Center, but outshot Odessa 48-33. The two teams last played each other in the first game of the Rage season when the Rage won 3-2. The Jackalopes were led by All-Star goaltender Alexandre Vincent and forward Olivier Proulx.

The Rage extended their losing streak to three games tonight, the longest for the team this season. Regardless, the Rage remains in first place in the Northwest Division with a 29-11-4 record (62 points). The Jackalopes advanced to 24-14-7 (55 points) for second place in the Southwest Division.

The Rage had the early momentum outshooting the Jackalopes 6-1 in the first five minutes. At 5:35, just seven seconds into an early Odessa powerplay Odessa's Alex Dunn fired a shot that hit the right post, hit the back of Rage goaltender Terry Dunbar and trickled over the goal line as Dunbar reached back in an attempt to stop the puck.

Just over three minutes later, Brian Swiniarski skated down the left wing and fired the shot in net from just inside the blueline for a two-goal advantage for the Jackalopes.

A shot by David Morelli from the right side of the goal line thought to be a goal was waived off by officials with 9:45 remaining in the first period. The Rage remained scoreless.

During a double minor penalty on Rob Chappell, Jackalopes forward Olivier Proulx wristed the puck over the right shoulder of Rage goaltender Terry Dunbar at 15:40 to give Odessa a three-goal lead going into intermission. The Rage finished the period outshooting Odessa 15-11, but none could get past Vincent, the league's third best goaltender with a .928 saves percentage coming into tonight's game.

The Rage picked up momentum in the second period. Daymen Rycroft earned two back-to-back scoring chances around the 10 minute mark and immediately following, winger Chip Dunleavy pulled the Rage within two goals by scoring from just inside the blueline at 10:17.

With 7:18 remaining in the second period, fellow Odessa All-Star Dominic Leveille was awarded a penalty shot. Leveille, who ranks among the top 10 in scoring in the league could not get the puck past Dunbar.

In the third period, Dunleavy was assessed a double minor penalty at 1:22. The Rage was able to kill off the man advantage for Odessa, but just as Dunleavy stepped one foot out of the penalty box, Odessa's Proulx scored by poking the puck in net on the glove side of Dunbar on a rebound. It marked Proulx's second goal of the game and seventh of the season.

Rocky Mountain's Scott Wray cut Odessa's lead to two goals when he scored by a slap shot late in the third period, but it was not enough for the Rage.

Rocky Mountain returns to action Tuesday night (Feb. 12) at the Broomfield Event Center to host their in-state rival Colorado Eagles. Single-game tickets for all home Rage games are on sale now and range in price from $16-$40 per seat (parking included), and may be purchased through Ticketmaster. Season tickets, mini-packs, and group plans are also available for the 2007-08 season by calling 303-439-RAGE. For more information, visit www.RockyMountainRage.com.

Fans not in attendance can listen in to The New ESPN Radio 1600 or tune in to CHL Network at www.RockyMountainRage.com for LIVE video.



Central Hockey League Stories from February 9, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central