News release
1 December 2006
Muskegon, MI The Elmira Jackals came back from a 2-0 deficit but lost to the Muskegon Fury 3-2 Friday night at L.C. Walker Arena.
Muskegon grabbed an early lead when Billy Collins found Dave Noel-Bernier in front of the net for a goal at 2:27 of the first period. The Fury peppers Elmira goaltender Kris Tebbs, out-shooting the Jackals 21-7 in the first period, but Tebbs was outstanding and denied all but one in the opening stanza.
In the second period, the Jackals played with more energy and momentum, but still could not crack the armor of Muskegon goaltender Clayton Pool. Mike Watt doubled the Fury lead with a power play goal at 19:43, a mere 16.7 seconds left on the clock, assisted by Rustyn Dolyny and Philippe Plante.
In the third period, newcomer Chanse Fitzpatrick redirected a shot from Dale Lupul for a power play goal, putting the Jackals on the board at 3:18 of the third period, assisted by Lupul and Scott Drevitch. The Jackals then tied the Jackal 2-2 when Scott Wray fired in his 12th goal of the season at 4:29, assisted by Yevgeny Lazarev. But Muskegon would regain the lead when Justin Coutu one-timed a back-door pass into the net from Dave Noel-Bernier at 9:41. Elmira tried to level the score again, but despite pulling Tebbs in the final 90 seconds, the Fury hung on for a 3-2 win.
Clayton Pool earned his 13th win of the season, making 29 saves on 31 shots for Muskegon. Kris Tebbs was spectacular, stopping 39-of-42 in goal for the Jackals, but took the loss. Both teams finished the game 1-for-4 on the power play as the Jackals fell to 1-2-0 against Muskegon this season.
Elmira will travel to Chicago for a 8:30 pm face off against the Chicago Hounds Saturday night at the Sears Centre. The Jackals will return home to Elmira on Friday December 8th as they host the Fort Wayne Komets at First Arena.