News release
14 November 2013
WHEELING, W.Va. - The Elmira Jackals suffered their first shutout loss of the season despite a bevy of shots and scoring opportunities throughout Thursday's game at WesBanco Arena. The loss moved Elmira's record to 3-6-0 on the season.
Goaltenders Scott Greenham and Eric Hartzell put on a clinic in the first period as the teams swapped quality scoring opportunities. The Jackals came out of the gates firing on all cylinders and put four shots on goal before the game was two minutes old. Hartzell, a rookie out of Quinnipiac, didn't wilt under the pressure and stopped the Jackals' early surge. Greenham was busy at the other end of the ice and, despite only seeing one shot in the first four minutes, was equally sharp. Shots favored Elmira 15-12 for the stanza.
The Jackals' barrage continued in the second period, but Hartzell continued to put up a wall. Elmira's best chance to dent the scoreboard came early in the frame when Hartzell was tagged for delay of game. The Jackals' power play produced two shots on goal, but couldn't convert. Later on in the second, the Nailers took advantage of a fluky play to break the deadlock. Marvin Degon appeared to trip over a Nailer's stick in the neutral zone and a 2-on-1 rush resulted for Wheeling. From the right wing Chaz Johnson hit Sahir Gill who tipped a shot past Greenham for his first pro goal.
Headed to the third trailing by one, the Jackals ramped their intensity to its highest level. Their efforts produced 13 shots on goal, two power play chances, and limited Wheeling to just six shots on Greenham. The nearest chance, however, didn't count as a shot on goal. Matt Carter cut to the net-front from the left wing and unleashed a backhander that caught the crossbar and kicked over the cage. Greenham was pulled for the extra attacker for the final 90 seconds, but the gamble couldn't produce the tying goal.
Greenham shouldered his third loss of the season with a 23-save effort. Hartzell's first pro win came on the back of 37 saves. Elmira was 0-for-3 on the power play and 1-for-1 on the penalty kill.