News release
22 January 2005
Elmira, NY Led by a fantastic outing from rookie goaltender Kevin Kurk, the Elmira Jackals came from behind to beat the Danbury Trashers 4-3 in a shootout Saturday night at the First Arena.
In front of 3,598 die-hard Jackals fans who braved the elements of the winters worst blizzard so far, Danbury jumped out to an early lead. Jeff Daw redirected a Mario Larocque shot from the point past Kurk at 1:33 for a 1-0 lead. But Elmira surged back with a power play goal from Greg Koehler at 3:17. It was Koehlers 26th goal of the season, assisted by Jason Sessa and Jeff Antonovich. Elmira took the lead at 6:48 when Eddy Lowe tipped a Nathan Gillies shot past Scott Stirling for his 12th goal of the year; also assisted by Jamie Thompson.
In the second period, Danbury would be opportunistic despite the fact that Elmira out-shot the visitors 17-10 in the period. Danbury leveled the score at 7:37 with a J.F. David goal. The Trashers then regained their lead at 13:45 when Blake Bellefeuille scored his 15th of the year.
Danbury would hold that lead until the final minute of regulation, but it would not be enough. With 36 seconds left on the clock and Kurk pulled on the bench for the extra attacker Jeff Antonovichs shot from the point beat Stirling and found the net to tie the game.
In the shootout Kurk put on a display, stopping a perfect 5-for-5 for the win, and Antonovich scored the only goal of the overtime session in the 4th round, beating Stirling with a nifty deke that led to a quick backhander into the net.
Kurk earned his 5th win of the season, making 27 saves on 30 shots and 5-of-5 in the shootout, while Stirling stopping a massive 42-of-45, and 3-of-4 in the shootout, but failed to come away with the win.
Elmira and Danbury will reconvene after the All-Star Break for another duel at the First Arena, Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. in New York.