News release
14 April 2009
Elmira, NY- The North Division Semifinal series between the Trenton Devils and Elmira Jackals shifts to First Arena this Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. After the longest game in the history of the ECHL boosted the Jackals to a 1-0 series lead last Friday evening, the Devils edged Elmira for a 6-5 win the following night to even the series at 1-1. If the first two games are any indication of how the remainder of the series will play out, you dont want to miss games three through five.
GAME 3- Jackals vs. Devils Wednesday, April 15th 7:05 p.m. First Arena
GAME 1- The opening game of the series is one that will be embedded in the hockey history books for quit awhile. Through four hours and 55 minutes, 126 minutes and 10 seconds of play was needed for Josh Aspenlind to net the game winner, 6:10 into the fourth overtime. The Jackals held a 3-1 advantage in the contest, then had the 4-2 lead taken away on a disallowed goal midway through the second. Trenton battled back to hold a 4-3 advantage and again the Jackals would have a goal disallowed, this time the game tying tally with 1:07 to play. Elmira wasted no time in scoring the equalizer, six seconds after the disallowed goal Chris Korchinski sent the game into overtime when he tipped in a Chaz Johnson slap shot. Through the four overtimes Michael Teslak came away with the win turning away 71 of 75 shots while Gerald Coleman was tagged with a 65 save loss.
GAME 2- The Devils tied the series at 1-1 in a high scoring affair on Saturday the 11th. The Jackals owned a 2-1 lead early in the first period but Trenton fought their way back into the contest. A Matt Radoslovich goal with 10:43 to play in the third period put the Devils up for good at 6-3. The Jackals battled back with late third period goals from Benoit Doucet and Chris Korchinski but Devil keeper Gerald Coleman would hand on for the 28 save win. Jackals net minder Riku Helenius stopped 32 of 38 in his Jackals debut.
LEADERS- Through the two games, Paul McIlveen has been the series top performer with five assists. The three goals for Chris Korchinski has him tied for second with Trentons Tony Zancanaro. Pierre-Luc Faubert has netted two goals and added an assist in the series while Devils forward Trevor Kell has done the same. The plus minus leaders are: Trentons Zancanaro +5, Elmiras Wes Cunningham +3.
GOALTENDERS- This series is home to a highly touted goaltender match up. Michael Teslak registered a 0.947 save percentage and a 1.90 goals against average in the marathon match turning aside 71 of 74 shots. Riku Helenius turned in a 0.842 save percentage on Saturday with a 6.03 goals against mark. Trentons Gerald Coleman has seen action in both contests turning aside 93 of 103 shots, good enough for a 0.903 save percentage and a 3.22 goals against average.
SPECIAL TEAMS- Both clubs have gone two for nine on the power play, 22 %. Meaning the penalty kill sits at 77.8% for both clubs.
AHL HELP- The Elmira Jackals will welcome back defenseman Brandon Roach and Forward Mike Sgroi for game three. Roach played in 20 games for the Quad City Flames of the American Hockey League netting one goal and adding seven assists. Mike Sgroi Returns from Norfolk where he netted a goal and had a fight in 3 games for the Admirals.
PROMOTIONS- The first 1,500 fans in attendance tomorrow evening will receive free THUNDER STICKS! Thursday nights 7:05 p.m. contest will also have free Thunder Sticks before a t-shirt give a way on Saturday. Face off for Saturdays game 5 tilt is set for 7:35 p.m.
BE THERE- Get your tickets now for the Jackals home ice contests at 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15th, and Thursday April 16th and the contest on Saturday, April 18th at 7:35 p.m. ticketmaster.com.
TNA- Weiss Construction and Snap Fitness of Horseheads present: TNA Wrestling at First Arena on Friday, April 17th at 7:30 p.m. Dont miss the no holds barred, non stop excitement! com or by calling 734-PUCK.
TICKETS- Get your tickets now for all Jackals hockey action and other upcoming events at First Arena by calling 734-PUCK, login onto www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the First Arena Box office.