News release
20 October 2006
Frank Littlejohn Battles Against Port Huron Friday Night (photo courtesy of Mike Gurnsey)
Elmira, NY Frank Littlejohn scored a power play goal and Shawn Degagne produced a stellar performance in goal as the Elmira Jackals beat the Port Huron Flags 4-1 Friday night at the First Arena.
Quickly becoming a fan favorite in Elmira, Frank Littlejohn scored his second goal of the season and the Jackals first power play goal of the year just 3:26 into the opening period, assisted by Chris Mann and Jan Skvarka. The assist was Skvarkas first professional point and it gave the Jackals a 1-0 lead. Elmira dominated the opening period, similar to their first period effort last Sunday against Kalamazoo, out-shooting the Flags 21-8, with only rookie goaltender Noah Ruden between Elmira and a big scoreline.
In the second period newcomer David Morelli continued to momentum with the Jackals first even-strength goal of the season, assisted by Dale Lupul and Scott Wray at 5:01. The goal was Morellis first professional goal, scored in his pro debut. Port Huron had two long five-on-three power plays in the second period, but Elmira goaltender Shawn Degagne and the penalty killers denied the Flags offensive chances.
In the third period Yevgeny Lazarev opened his goal-scoring account at 4:33 with a power play goal, the Jackals second of the night, assisted by Lupul and Wray. Degagne was fantastic in goal and looked to be on his way to a shutout, when Elmira was called for two penalties late in the game, giving the Flags another two-man advantage. Port Huron pulled their goalie for a six-on-three advantage and it paid off, as Trevor Edwards scored at 16:47, assisted by Greg Bullock and Jeff Cameron. But the night belonged to the Jackals. Brian Teixeira, the teams other rookie forward signed on Thursday, scored in his Jackals debut, snapping a wrist-shot from the blue line into an empty net at 18:59 to close out Elmiras 4-1 victory.
Shawn Degagne earned his first win in a Jackals uniform, stopping 30-of-31 shots for the victory, while Noah Ruden took the loss, making 35 saves on 38 shots. Elmira finished 2-for-8 on the power play, while Port Huron was 1-for-9. The Jackals out-shot the Flags 39-to-31.
The Jackals and Flags will race to Michigan where they will battle again Saturday night at 7:30 pm at McMorran Place Arena in Port Huron. Sunday the two teams will finish their 3-game weekend series with a 3:30 pm face off. The Jackals will return home on Friday, October 27 as they host the Flint Generals for a 7:35 pm face off at First Arena.