News release
20 March 2009
Elmira, NY- If youre a fan of huge goaltender saves tonights American North battle between Elmira and Johnstown was for you. A classic goaltender battle between Elmiras Michael Teslak and Johnstowns Ian Keserich featured 72 saves between the two. Johnstown edged the Jackals in front of 3,408 fans 3-2 in a shoot out. The two teams will play again at First Arena tomorrow night at 7:35 p.m.
The Jackals opened the scoring with Steve Yetmans 25th goal of the season at the 5:26 mark of the first period. Shorthanded, Paul McIlveen sent a perfect pass to Yetman who beat Keserich back door on a break a way. The Chiefs would answer with a Trevor Hendrikx tally 1:16 later. The Chiefs would grab the 2-1 lead when Ryan Garlock tipped a slap shot that beat Teslak at the 18:54 mark. Elmira held a 12-10 shot advantage in the first period.
Both goalkeepers made big saves in the second period to keep the score 2-1. Teslak and Keserich each turned away 14 shots while each club each killed off two opposing power plays. In the final minute of the second period Elmira turned down a five on three Johnstown power play.
The third period would again feature huge saves and big hits. The score remained 2-1 until Chris Korchinski was awarded a penalty shot. Johnstown defenseman Trevor Hendrikx was called for covering the puck in the crease, so Korchinski capitalized when he beat Keserich low block. The penalty shot goal was scored at the 10:08 mark. Both teams continued the pressure all the way through the end of regulation.
Entering overtime Elmira held a 37-31 shot advantage. In the extra frame each goaltender was forced to make four big saves, while each defense killed off a power play. A shootout would be needed to decide the winner. The all five Jackals were denied in the shootout while Andrew Sarauer was the only Chief to beat Teslak. Both clubs match up tomorrow night at First Arena at 7:35 p.m.
Elmira picked up one point tonight falling to a record of 34-24-1-5 while Johnstown advanced to 35-25-4-0.