Weekly Arrowhead

Published on December 21, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


Johnstown, Pa. - The Johnstown Chiefs were unable to pick up a win in four contests last week leading into the Christmas Break. After a few days off, the team will look to rebound with a pair of wins this weekend.

Record: 8-14-6, 22 pts., 4th place East Division

Leaders:

Goals - Connor Shields (team): 12

Chanse Fitzpatrick (total): 14

Assists - Ryan Menei/Troy Schwab: 17

Points - Connor Shields/Mike Bartlett (team): 24

Chanse Fitzpatrick (total): 25

+/- - R.J. Anderson/Chris Zarb: +1

PIMs - David Schulz (team): 66

Chanse Fitzpatrick (total): 71

PPG - Connor Shields: 6

Wins - Kris Mayotte: 5

GAA - Kris Mayotte: 3.91

SVP - Kris Mayotte: .887

This Week:

12/26 vs. Trenton, 7:05 p.m. - Home (0-0-0), Away (0-2-0)

The Chiefs squared off against the Devils twice in the first three weeks of the season in Trenton and were unable to come away with a victory. Now nearly two months later Trenton comes to town in the same boat as the Chiefs; needing a win to turn things around. The Chiefs are 0-5-2 over their last seven while Trenton has struggled to a 1-5-1 record, with five straight losses, over its last seven games. A win by the Chiefs would pull them into a tie with Trenton for third place in the East Division. The Devils are led by rookie Brett Wilson's 20 points (5G, 15A) and in net they feature former Chief Gerald Coleman who has one win against the Chiefs this season and five overall. Saturday will mark the home debut of Chanse Fitzpatrick who was acquired last week in a trade that sent Jarrett Konkle to Elmira. Fitzpatrick had an assist and the game-tying goal with four seconds left in his Chiefs debut against Elmira last Sunday. On Saturday the Chiefs will have a Youth Hockey Appreciation night were Johnstown Jets and Warriors youth hockey players can get free admittance by wearing their jerseys to the game. Also, their hard working hockey parents can get tickets for $8 with their kids.

12/27 at Toledo, 5:30 p.m. - Home (0-1-0), Away (0-1-0)

The Walleye were not very gracious hosts the first time the Chiefs visited the new Lucas County Arena last Saturday. After Toledo scored three first period goals, the Chiefs battled back to draw within one heading into the third period. A Walleye score less than a minute into the final frame, however, took the wind out of the Chiefs' sails and helped give the Walleye their second straight win over the Chiefs. The Chiefs will be looking to slow down Maxime Tanguay who posted six points (2G, 4A) against the Chiefs last week. Dan Collins (1G, 1A) and Moises Gutierrez (2A) found success against Toledo last week and lead the Chiefs against the Walleye with two points each. Sunday's game will be the second of three for the Chiefs in Toledo this season.

Day by Day:

Mon. 12/21: Off - Christmas Holiday

Tues. 12/22: Off - Christmas Holiday

Wed. 12/23: Off - Christmas Holiday

Thurs. 12/24: Off - Christmas Holiday

Fri. 12/25: Off - Christmas Holiday

Sat. 12/26: Chiefs vs. Trenton Devils, 7:05 p.m. - Youth Hockey Appreciation Night

Sun. 12/27: Chiefs at Toledo Walleye, 5:30 p.m.

Broadcast Schedule:

Sat. 12/26: Chiefs vs. Trenton Devils, 7:05 p.m. - radio and internet

Sun. 12/27: Chiefs at Toledo Walleye, 5:30 p.m. - internet only

All Chiefs radio broadcasts can be heard on 1490 AM WNTJ and AM 990 WNTW, and live streaming audio of every Chiefs game is available courtesy of B2 Networks at www.johnstownchiefs.com or www.echl.com. The Chiefs' Pregame Show presented by UPMC kicks off coverage of each game 15 minutes prior to faceoff.

Last Week: (0-3-1)

12/16 vs. Reading: L 3-7

The Chiefs could not extend their 10-game home winning streak against Reading and lost at home to the Royals for the first time since January 27, 2008. Ben Gordon had the performance of the night for Reading with five points (3G, 2A) and three other Royals had multi-point games. Sean Berkstresser and R.J. Anderson were the bright spot for the Chiefs. Berkstresser posted his second two-goal game of the season and set a new career high with nine goals, while Anderson put up a pair of assists to continue to lead Chiefs defensemen in scoring.

12/18 vs. Toledo: L 2-5

In the first ever meeting between the Chiefs and Walleye, Toledo took advantage of a shortened Chiefs bench and used its manpower advantage to score four third period goals. Despite dressing only 14 skaters, the Chiefs outshot Toled 16-11 in the opening period. Jordan Pierce kept the Chiefs off of the board, though, and after Domenic Osmans power play goal at 15:57 of the second period, the Walleye controlled the game. Jim McKenzie and David Schulz each tallied in the third period to draw the Chiefs within one at 2-1 and 3-2, but Maxime Tanguay's three-point night (2G, 1A) helped lead the way for Toledo.

12/19 at Toledo: L 2-5

A short bench and a five and a half hour bus ride after playing the night before left the Chiefs unable to get off to a fast start against Toledo last Saturday. The Walleye posted three first period goals and never trailed in the game. Johnstown battled back vailiantly in the second period with goals from Chris Zarb and Dan Collins to draw within one. Collins' score came with just 20 seconds left in the period and looked to have given the Chiefs the momentum. Toledo's Bryan Ewing scored 54 seconds into the third, though, and effectively spoiled the Chiefs' rally.

12/20 at Elmira: SOL 3-4

After a pair of dramatic comebacks by the Jackals in their last two games in Johnstown, it was the Chiefs' time to turn the tables las Sunday. Elmira led 2-1 entering the third period, setting the table for the most edge-of-your seat finish the Chiefs have had this season. A Chris Zarb power play goal tied the game 12:53 into the third period, and overtime was looming large as the minutes ticket off the clock. But a late Elmira power play allowed Olivier Prouxl to score what appeared to be the go-ahead goal with 2:03 left to play. Refusing to quit, though, the Chiefs scored, with the goalie pulled for the extra attacker, on its last rush up the ice with just four seconds left to play. Ironically it was former Jackal Chanse Fitzpatrick sending the game to overtime in his Chiefs debut. Neither team could score in overtime and in the shootout Elmira wound up outscoring the Chiefs 3-2 and picking up the extra point.

CHIEFS CHOPS:

Scoring Streaks:

Goals:

C. Zarb; 2 gms (2G); 12/19-12/20

Assists:

M. Knight; 2 gms (2A); 11/7-11/11

R. Menei; 2 gms (2A); 12/11-12/12

M. Bartlett; 2 gms (2A); 12/19-12/20

Points:

M. Knight; 2 gms (2A); 11/7-11/11

R. Menei; 2 gms (2A); 12/11-12/12

C. Zarb; 2 gms (2G, 1A); 12/19-12/20

M. Bartlett; 2 gms (1G, 2A); 12/19-12/20

Quick Hits:

Chanse Fitzpatrick's goal in Dec. 20 broke a four-game goalless drought - his longest of the season.

David Schulz (Dec. 20 to Rochester) was the Chiefs' second AHL callup this season.

Moises Gutierrez has five points (1G, 4A) in his last six games.

Chiefs are 4-7-1 this season in the second game of back-to-back games on consecutive days.

Johnstown was 4-0-1 at home against Trenton last season.

Mark Your Calendar:

12/26: Chiefs vs. Trenton Devils at 7:05 p.m. ET - Youth Hockey Appreciation Night & Collection night for Cuddles for Kids

All area youth hockey players who wear their jersey to the game can get in free of charge and their parents can purchase a ticket along with them for $8. The Chiefs are also asking that fans attending the game bring stuffed animals with them to donate to the Cuddles for Kids charity. Cuddles collects stuffed animals and delivers them to children at Memorial Medical Center.

12/31: Chiefs vs. Elmira Jackals at 6:05 p.m. ET - New Year's Eve Celebration

Come join the Chiefs for their annual New Year's Eve Game as they try to take down the rival Jackals. Keep in mind the early start time so you can kick off your New Year's celebrations with us!

1/2: Chiefs vs. Cincinnat at 7:05 p.m. ET - 20/10 Ticket Special

The night of the Chiefs' first game in the 2010 calendar year, the Chiefs are proud to offer a special rate of 20 group tickets for just $10. Get a group of your friends, family, or co-workers together and enjoy great savings on your Chiefs tickets!

1/6: Chiefs vs. Kalamazoo at 7:05 p.m. ET - Wendy's Wednesday Family Four Pack and AmeriServ Customer Appreciation night

Enjoy our special offer of four tickets, hot dogs, drinks, and popcorns for $44 with our Wendy's Wednesday Family Four Pack. If you do your banking with AmeriServ, be sure to check your mail for a special gift from AmeriServ and the Chiefs.

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