News release
4 April 2007
Frank Littlejohn celebrates his record-breaking goal against Port Huron Wednesday night.
Elmira, NY Frank Littlejohn broke the franchise single season goal scoring record and helped the Elmira Jackals earn a come-from-behind victory over the Port Huron Flags 4-3 in a 10-round shootout Wednesday night at First Arena.
Although the Jackals playoff hopes were dashed last weekend, Elmira came out flying against the team they had been chasing, Port Huron. Defenseman Nick Harloff collected a rebound off a Scott Drevitch shot at 2:33 of the first period, faked out goaltender Dustin Traylen and scored his 6th goal of the season, assisted by Drevitch and Glenn Detulleo, giving Elmira a 1-0 lead. The Jackals even had a 5-on-3 power play for 60 seconds, but couldnt add to their lead.
The Flags struck back with two quick goals in the second period. Mark Cadotte fired in a rebound a 7:16, tying the game with a power play goal assisted by Ben Gustavson and Scott Wray. Cadotte again found the net at 9:54 when he was sent free on a breakaway by Garrett Cameron. Cadotte lifted a perfect backhand shot off the under side of the cross bar for his second goal of the game, putting Port Huron on top 2-1. But the Jackals level the score at 10:46 as right wing Frank Littlejohn scored a big goal, assisted by David Morelli and Joe Markusen. The goal made history as it was Littlejohns 38th goal of the season, breaking Elmiras single season franchise record, previously held by former Elmira College star Jarrett Konkle.
In the third period Ben Gustavson gave the Flags a 3-2 lead at 8:39, firing in a loose puck after a prolonged scramble behind the net. But the Jackals had a few tricks left in the final minute of play. With Elmiras net already empty for the extra attacker, Port Hurons Shayne Tomlinson was whistled for tripping at 19:20, giving the Jackals a 6-on-4 power play with the empty net. It took just 8 seconds for the Jackals to cash in as they scored the equalizer at 19:28 courtesy of Frank Littlejohn redirecting a Nick Harloff shot past Traylen, forcing a shootout.
In the overtime session, the drama would stretch out longer as the normal five rounds would not produce a winner. Ben Gustavson scored first for Port Huron in the second round, but it was answered by Mike Oliveiras goal in the 3rd round. After five rounds with the score still tied 1-1, the shootout went to sudden death and then some. Ryan Markham almost won it for Port Huron, when he scored in the 7th round, but in the clutch Glenn Detulleo snapped a wrist shot through the legs of Traylen to keep the Jackals alive. Following two more scoreless rounds, goaltender Zach Sikich denied Flags forward Robert Snowball, setting up defenseman Scott Drevitch to win the game in the 10th round. Drevitch made a beautiful fake on Traylen and slotted the puck in the open net to send the 3,439 fans at First Arena home happy.
Zach Sikich earned his second straight win in goal for the Jackals, as he made 32 saves on 35 shots in regulation and stopped 8-of-10 in the shootout. Dustin Traylen took the shootout loss for the Flags, blocking 23-26 in regulation and 7-of-10 in the shootout. The Jackals improved to 29-44-1 on the season and 10-1 this year in shootouts. Port Huron fell to 28-36-10 and to 7-10 in shootouts this season. Elmira was 1-for-11 on the power play, while the Flags finished 1-for-8.
The Jackals will play their final home game of the 2006-2007 season on Friday April 6th with a 7:35 pm face off against the Port Huron Flags at First Arena. The game is also Jackals Fan Appreciation Day. Elmira final game of the season will be in Port Huron on Saturday April 7th at McMorran Place Arena.