News release
19 January 2005
Richmond, VA Led by a David Hymovitz Hat-Trick, the Richmond Riverdogs past the Elmira Jackals in the East Division standings with a 4-2 win Wednesday night at the Richmond Coliseum.
The Riverdogs never trailed in this game and went in from at 8:17 when Hymovitz found himself all alone in the slot courtesy of a Jackals turnover and Richmonds leading scorer buried his shot up underneath the crossbar for a 1-0 lead. Elmira quickly equalized on their first man-advantage of the evening as Jason Sessa gobbled up a rebound and slotted the puck past goalie Nathan Grobins for his fourteenth power play goal of the season at 10:15; assisted by Trevor Burgess and Jeff Antonovich. Hymovitz scored his second goal of the period in almost the same spot, lifting a wrist shot up over the glove side of Hewitt at 16:49 for a 2-1 lead after twenty minutes.
The second period has statistically been Elmiras weakest period for shot on goal and tonight was no different; the Jackals were out-shot 13-9 in the middle session. David Brosseau put home a power play goal at 14:09 to give Richmond a two-goal lead, but the Twin Tiers team came rolling back with an answer, Eddy Lowe redirected a Trevor Burgess shot at 15:59; Nathan Gillies also assisted on the goal. Elmira had a golden opportunity to draw level again when Richmond took a four-minute high-sticking double minor late in the period, but despite the carryover, the Jackals failed to capitalize.
In the third frame, traditionally Elmiras strongest period, the Jackals dominated the Riverdogs in everything but the goal department. Elmira out-shot Richmond 9-4 in the third, but failed to breakdown Grobins, who held the Jackals scoreless for the last 24 minutes of the game. With the net empty and the Chemung County warriors pressing, Hymovitz got his hat-trick but hooking down George Pujacs, miraculously avoiding a penalty, and softly laying the puck into the abandoned crease.
Grobins earned his 4th win in 5 starts for Richmond, making 28 saves on 30 shots, while Hewitt was again the hard luck loser, playing well, stopping 26-of-29, but failing to come away with the win.
The loss marked the end of Elmiras 6-straight road games and the Jackals will now return to the First Arena Friday January 21st for a showdown with the Kalamazoo Wings, who are currently running on the crest of an 11-game winning streak. Saturday Elmira will host the Danbury Trashers, both face-offs are scheduled for 7:30 p.m.