News release
23 February 2007
Brent Cullaton skates with the puck Friday night.
Elmira, NY The Rockford IceHogs shutout the Elmira Jackals 3-0 Friday night at First Arena in the first of a three game weekend series.
Coming off the first full week of practice under new Head Coach Paul Gillis, the Jackals came out strong in the opening period. But it was Rockfords Robin Big Snake who collected a rebound and scored a power play goal at 13:53, from Nathan Lutz and Jason Ralph that put the IceHogs in front 1-0. Rob Chappell and Luke Fritzshaw dropped the gloves at 14:26, exciting the 3,466 fans at First Arena, but Elmira could not capitalize on the energy boost from Chappells bout.
After a lackluster second period where Elmira was out-shot 13-10, Rockford doubled their lead when Jason Notermann poked in a rebound for another power play goal just 17 seconds into the third period; the goal came on a Jackals penalty that carried over from the end of the second period. Bryce Cockburn sealed the IceHogs victory with at goal at 16:40, assisted by Fritzshaw and Ralph.
Goaltender Frederic Cloutier earned his second shutout of the season as he stopped all 29 shots he faced and earned 1st star honors for his performance. It was the 5th time this season that the Jackals have been held scoreless during a game. Jackals starter Kris Tebbs played very well in goal, making 28 saves on 31 shots, but Elmira dropped to 23-31-1 on the season. Rockford finished the game 2-for-6 on the power play, while Elmira was 0-for-6.
The Jackals are back in action for two more home games this weekend against Rockford. Saturday nights face off is scheduled for 7:35 pm at First Arena, with Sundays game set for 4:05 pm against the IceHogs.