News release
21 October 2005
Rockford, IL The Elmira Jackals lost an early lead, came back three times from a one-goal deficit, only to give up a late goal in the third period to drop a heartbreaker to the Rockford Icehogs 6-5 at the Rockford Metrocentre.
The Jackals wasted no time during their UHL 2005-06 regular season opener before getting on the scoreboard. Elmira College standout Jarrett Konkle knocked home a pass from Carl Drakensjo 61 seconds into the first period, scoring the teams first goal of the season and giving Elmira the lead. One minute later it was 2-0 Jackals courtesy of newcomer Chris Chaput scoring from right in front of goaltender Ronnie Vogel at 2:09. Chaputs goal was created by a sensational behind-the-back pass from defenseman Mike Dombkiewicz from the middle of the offensive blue-line down into the low slot. Rockford got on the board at 9:25 on a Preston Mizzi goal off the post to make it 2-1 after one
In the second period the Jackals were crippled by penalties, Elmira suffered 3-consecutive 5-on-3 penalty-kill situations to start the middle frame. Rockford capitalized twice in the first 41 seconds of the second period. The first power play goal came from Jason Notermann at 0:19 to tie the game at two and then Olivier Proulx gave Rockford their first lead of the night with a power play goal at 0:41. But the Jackals were not shaken by the multitude of penalties assessed against them. Elmira leveled the score at three at 13:39 when Jason Jaworskis blast from the left face-off circle slipped between Vogels legs, assisted by Craig Macdonald and Tanner Shultz.
In the third period the back-and-forth scoring continued. Rockford pulled in front at 2:36 on a goal by Yannik Tifu, but Elmira responded two minutes later to tie the game at four. Konkle bombed home his second goal of the game with a vicious one-timer from the slot at 4:46 assisted by Macdonald and Drakensjo. Chaz Johnson made it 5-4 at 8:52, yet for a third time, Elmira responded on Drakensjos third point of the night, his first goal of the season, unassisted at 11:32. With the game balanced and headed towards a shootout, Rockford stole a late winner with 1:55 remaining in the game. Greg Barber scored an unassisted goal to nab the two points for the Icehogs in their home opener.
Vogel made 18 saves on 23 shots to earn the victory. Nick Boucher stopped 41-of-47 in a stellar Elmira Jackals debut. Rockford out-shot the Jackals 47 to 23 in the game. The Icehogs were 2-for-11 on the power play, while Elmira went 0-for-7 on the man advantage.