News release
1 January 2006
Richmond, VA The Elmira Jackals came back from a two-goal deficit to beat the Richmond Riverdogs 3-2 Sunday afternoon at the Richmond Coliseum.
The Jackals started off 2006 with a gutsy win over the Riverdogs. In the first period, Richmond appeared to come out flat, but Elmira failed to take advantage of a tired Richmond team playing their 4th game in 5 days. Both teams were playing their second game in less than 24 hours, but Richmond got a boost when the Jackals defense had an early letdown. Rafal Martynowski scored on a one-timer at 4:45 during an Elmira lapse in their own end, giving Richmond a big momentum shift. The Jackals out-shot the Dogs 14-11 in the first period, but goaltender Mike DAlessandro was in top form early in the game. Right before the end of the period, Richmond forward Bobby Kukulka was given a 5-minute major for slew-footing and a Match Penalty for a deliberate attempt to injure Jackals defenseman Mathieu Wathier.
But Elmira was unable to cash in on the 5-minute power play, clanging the post twice, but failing to score. Richmond then doubled their lead at 12:12 when R.C. Lyke one-timed the puck past goalie Ryan McIntosh for a power play goal and the scoreboard read 2-0. But Elmira, who has found themselves on the short end of the bounces this season finally got some luck when Jason Sessas shot took a deflection off a Richmond skate and into the net at 16:46 to cut the Riverdogs lead in half. It was Sessas 6th goal since rejoining the Elmira this year.
Jackals leading goal scorer Jarrett Konkle tied the game at 8:08 of the third period with a power play goal, his 19th of the season, assisted by Chris Chaput and Trevor Burgess. The Riverdogs fatigue was evident and Elmira rushed in for the kill. Kevin Cooper gave Elmira their first lead at 10:29 when his wrap-around shot snuck through DAlessandro, assisted by Sessa and Carl Drakensjo. The Jackals out-shot Richmond in each period and 33-20 overall in the game for their 8th win of the year.
Ryan McIntosh earned his 4th win of the season while blocking 18-of-20 shots, pushing Elmira beyond the 20-point plateau. Mike DAlessandro was very good for Richmond, making 30 saves on 33 shots in the losing effort.
The Jackals are back in action on Friday, January 6th as they head back to Glens Falls for another game against the Adirondack Frostbite at 7:35 pm. Elmira is back home for their 4th meeting in 5 games against Adirondack on Saturday, January 7th for a 7:05 pm face off. Sunday the Jackals host Richmond at 4 pm at the First Arena.