News release
11 February 2005
Richmond, VA The Elmira Jackals led three different times Friday night but were denied victory by the Richmond Riverdogs 6-3.
The Jackals jumped out to an early lead at the Richmond Coliseum thanks to their newest addition. Playing in his first game with Elmira since being traded from Adirondack, defenseman Jason Jaworski set up the opening goal as the rebound from his slap shot came right to Eddy Lowe, who slotted the puck into the net for a 1-0 lead at 8:41 of the first period; Jaworski and Dean Jackson had the assists. Richmond struck back at 13:07 as David Hymovitz evened the score at one with a power play goal.
Elmira regained the lead just 36 seconds into the second period as Nathan Gillies scored his 11th goal of the season from Lowe and Jamie Thompson for a 2-1 Jackals lead. The Riverdogs responded at 2:04 courtesy of Brett Crosss first goal for Richmond to tie the game at two. Thompson gave the Jackals the lead again 3-2 at 9:50 with a beautiful finish; Lowe had the assist, his third point of the night. But Richmond again had the rebuttal, Cross scored his second goal of the period at 16:17 to send the game into the final 20 minutes tied at three.
Brian Herbert gave Richmond their first lead of the night at 7:41 of the final period, scoring the eventual game-winner of an uncontested rebound. The Riverdogs were unrelenting, out-shooting Elmira 14-6 in the final session, and Hymovitz put the game out of reach at 16:13 with his second goal of the night for a 5-3 lead. David Brosseau scored a power play goal with 12 seconds remaining in the game to close the scoring.
Brent Belecki earned the win, stopping 17-of-20 in the game. Rookie Kevin Kurk shined in goal for the Jackals, logging a very impressive effort despite allowing 6 goals, stopping a massive 40-of-46 shots on the night.
The Jackals will look for revenge Saturday night at 7:35 pm as they play round two with the Riverdogs at the Richmond Coliseum. Elmira is back at the First Arena Friday February 18th for a 7:30 pm face off with the Adirondack Frostbite. Next weekend with be the first meeting between Elmira and Adirondack since the Koehler-Jaworski trade.