News release
15 January 2006
Goalie Nick Boucher Earns His First Shutout of the Season
Elmira, NY The Elmira Jackals earned their second shutout of the season, with a 1-0 win over the Flint Generals Sunday afternoon at the First Arena.
After a scoreless first period, where the Jackals out-shot Flint 10-9, Elmira jumped out in front early in the second. Kevin Cooper, who had a fantastic weekend, found the back of the net, his 17th goal of the season, assisted by Jason Sessa at 1:41 into the second period. The goal was Coopers second of the weekend, adding to a goal and an assist in Friday nights win and one assist on Saturday. The aggressiveness in the game increased as there were seven more minor penalties throughout the second, including four separate unsportsmanlike conduct penalties given at the 10:02 mark. With just seconds left in the period, rookie Craig MacDonald almost helped Elmira to a 2-goal lead on a great shorthanded effort. MacDonald beat Flints goalie Saal in a foot race to the puck and chipped it just over the goal as time expired. The Generals out-shot the Jackals in the second period 15-7, but goaltender Nick Boucher kept them out of the net with some dazzling saves.
The Jackals had to start with a man down for twenty seconds at the start of the third because Konkles penalty for hooking at 18:20 of the second carried over. Early in the third period, after killing off the penalty to Konkle, Elmira was awarded a four-minute power play when Flints Jason Selleke was called for an attempted spear. Despite several good scoring chances, the Jackals were unable to capitalize on the advantage. Seconds later Elmira was back on another four-minute power play as J.P. Morin received a double-minor for high-sticking. The Generals kept the Jackals, who again had multiple scoring chances, out of the net. With two minutes left in the game, defensemen John Donnelly and Chris Mann were both in the penalty box, giving Flint a big chance to get a late equalizer. Despite being down two men, Boucher and the Jackals were able to keep the Generals from scoring, hanging on for a gusty 1-0 win. The victory was the teams second shutout of the weekend and the season.
Boucher was spectacular in goal for the Jackals, turning away all 30 shots he faced in the game for his first shutout of the season and 5th win of the year. Jason Saal took the loss, stopping 25-of-26 shots in the process.
The Jackals will return to action next Friday, January 20th as they host the Danbury Trashers at the First Arena for a 7:05 pm face off. Saturday, January 21st the Jackals will host the Missouri River Otters for the first time in three years.