News release
19 December 2004
Elmira, NY The Elmira Jackals broke an 8-game winless streak by beating the Flint Generals 3-2 in a shootout Sunday night at the First Arena.
The Jackals took the lead late in first period when Jeff Antonovich released Jason Sessa on a breakaway and Sessa did not miss, beating goaltender Marco Emond at 16:27 for his 19th goal of the season.
The Jackals held the lead through the second period, but could not add to their goal total in the middle frame despite out-shooting Flint 13-4.
In the third period Flint evened the score with a power play goal at 4:50 from J.P. Morin, assited by John DiPace. Elmira struck back and regained the lead at 6:49 when Eddy Lowe scored his second short handed goal of the season. Lowe blocked a Rob Valicevic shot near the Elmira blue line, then chased Valicevic down at the Flint blue line, stole the puck and steamed in unabated on Emond for the go-ahead goal. However, the Generals tied the game again at 11:28 when rookie Mike Kinnie scored, assited by Leo Thomas and Mike Tobin to send this game into a shootout.
For the third straight game, Elmira went to an extra session, but after losing two consecutive shootouts to Danbury, tonight would turn out differently. Jason Sessa scored in round one to give Elmira the lead, John DiPace tied it in round four, but defenseman George Pujacs slipped his 5th round attempt through Emonds 5-hole for the game winner.
Rookie Kevin Kurk earned his second win of his professional career by stopping 37-of-39 shots and 4-of-5 in his first pro shootout. Emond made 28 saves on 30 Jackals shots, 3-of-5 in the shootout.
The Jackals return to the ice next Wednesday for a match up with the Richmond Riverdogs at 7:00 pm on December 22nd at the First Arena.