Vipers fall to RiverDogs in first preseason game

October 15, 2005 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Roanoke Valley Vipers News Release


ROANOKE, VA - Steve Crusco scored twice for the Vipers in the team's first ever preseason game Friday night at SkateNation Plus in Richmond, but it was not enough to overcome the RiverDogs in a match that was ultimately decided in the third period.

Richmond opened up scoring with a minute and 10 seconds remaining on the clock in the first period on a power play goal from Warren Cooper, and followed with another goal just over a minute into the second period. Vipers rookie Steve Crusco answered at 12:01 into the second to put the Vipers on the board.

Richmond took the ice scoring four consecutive goals during the first seven minutes of the third period. The Vipers battled back and struck for three of their own before the match ended. Joining in Roanoke's third period scoring tirade were Crusco, Jan Jas, and 20-year-old rookie Dave Shillington. All four of the Vipers goals were scored with the RiverDogs at full strength.

In addition to the 10 goals on the scoreboard at the end of the night, the two teams combined for 211 penalty minutes and seven game misconducts, likely a display of what is to come in the season series between the two teams. The Vipers will face the RiverDogs a total of 18 times in 2005-06 during the regular season.

The Roanoke Valley's new team will take on Richmond for a second exhibition game on Saturday night at SkateNation Plus in Richmond. The puck drops at 7:35p.m. as the Vipers look to even it up with their division rivals. Tickets can be purchased through the RiverDogs office by calling (804) 225-PUCK (7825).



International Hockey League 2 Stories from October 15, 2005


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