News release
12 November 2005
Elmira, NY Spurred by rookie Craig MacDonalds first two goals of the season, the Elmira Jackals came from behind to beat the Richmond Riverdogs 3-2 Saturday night at the First Arena.
MacDonald scored his first goal of the season in the first period, just 2:25 into the game. Captain Trevor Burgess passed the puck from his own end up to MacDonald at the red line. The rookie forward took the pass, then zipped down the left wing, into the offensive zone and snapped a wrist shot up over the blocker of goalie Mike DAlessandro for a 1-0 Jackals lead.
Richmond quieted the crowd in the early in the second period. Mike Oliveira tied the game with a goal at 3:05 from Bill Vandermeer and Bobby Kulkulka. Then the building really went silent at 11:55 when J.J. Wrobel banged in a power play goal from Oliveira and Dan Vandermeer for a 2-1 Richmond lead.
But the Jackals had had enough of falling short of victory in their own arena. Halfway through the third period, Sam Paolini buried a backhander for a power play goal at 11:16 which tied the game and awoke the joyous Elmira fans. Chris Chaput and Burgess assisted on the goal. 11 seconds later, MacDonald sent the crowd into a frenzy as he scored his second of the night at 11:27, assisted by Tom Clayton and Carl Drakensjo. That was enough as Elmira held on for their third win of the season, their second on home ice.
Goaltender Ryan McIntosh earned his second win of the year while making 25 saves on 27 shots for Elmira. Richmond goalie Mike DAlessandro took the loss while stopping 43-of-45. The Jackals out-shot the Riverdogs 46-to-27 in the game and finished 1-for-8 on the power play. Richmond was 1-for-4 on the power play.
The Jackals now hop on their team bus and head south for a Sunday match up back in Virginia for their battle with Roanoke Valley this week. Elmiras next home came comes the day after Thanksgiving, Friday November 25th against Roanoke at the First Arena.