News release
31 January 2007
Goalie Dave Lemanowicz makes one of his 25 saves in a 3-1 win over Port Huron Wednesday
Elmira, NY Dynamic forward Frank Littlejohn scored two goals and goaltender Dave Lemanowicz was a stonewall in goal as the Elmira Jackals defeated the Port Huron Flags 3-1 Wednesday night at First Arena.
The Jackals dominated the opening period, but failed to capitalize on any of the chances. Elmiras defense frustrated Port Huron, who had two power plays in the first five minutes of play, but failed to register a shot on goal.
Frank Littlejohn broke the scoreless tie at 9:57 of the 2nd period when he banged in a pass from Erik Anderson for a 1-0 lead; the goal was Littlejohns 23rd of the season, assisted by Anderson and Yevgeny Lazarev. But Elmira could not put any more distance between themselves and the visitors, leaving the door open for a Flags equalizer. Former Elmira Jackals forward Bobby McKillop, playing in his first professional hockey game in 3 years, tipped home a Pat Sutton slap shot from the blue line at 19:35 for a power play goal; assisted by Sutton and Greg Bullock and tying the game at one as the teams headed to the locker rooms.
Elmira had some chances to retake the lead early in the third period, but they were denied by the play of Port Huron goaltender Brad Smith. The Flags came back with several quality chances of their own, only to be stymied by Jackals goaltender Dave Lemanowicz, who was in fine form all night long. Finally the Jackals pulled ahead, when Littlejohn again received a pass from Anderson and fired the puck into the roof of the Port Huron net at 17:48, his second goal of the night, for a 2-1 lead. The goal was Littlejohns team-leading 24th of the season and was assisted by Anderson and Dale Lupul.
In the closing minute, the Flags pulled their goaltender for the extra attacker, but as they pressured the Elmira net, Brent Cullaton chased after a loose puck and found himself all alone in front of the empty net. But instead of burying the puck for a goal Cullaton selflessly laid it off to teammate Scott Wray who tapped it in with just two seconds remaining, sealing a 3-1 Jackals win. The goal at 19:58 of the third period was Wrays 23rd of the season and the assist was Cullatons 33rd assist of the year.
Dave Lemanowicz was magnificent in goal for the Jackals as he stopped 25-of-26 shots in goal for the Jackals to earn his 7th win of the season. Elmira improved to 21-24-1 on the season, but they were 0-for-8 on the power play. Brad Smith took the loss in goal for Port Huron; making 29 saves on 31 shots. The Flags were 1-for-4 on the power play, but fell to 15-23-6 on the year.
The Jackals will continue their 5-game home stand on Friday February 2nd as they host the Bloomington PrairieThunder for the first time in Elmira. The Jackals will also face Bloomington on Saturday February 3rd; both games will begin at 7:35 pm.