News release
22 December 2004
Elmira, NY The Elmira Jackals scored the first two goals of the game, but the Richmond Riverdogs responded with four unanswered goals Wednesday night for a 4-2 win at the First Arena.
Jason Sessa and the Jackals came flying out of the opening face off and struck twice before the fans had made their first run to the concessions stands. Sessa scored his 19th of the season at 5:07 from Derek Campbell and Jeff Antonovich to make it 1-0 Jackals. The Long Island, NY native then upped his season account to 20 with a rebound goal at 8:08 from Antonovich and Jamie Thompson and Elmiras lead was two. Richmond halted the Jackals momentum with a goal at 10:06 from Kyle Sheen, and then got a late equalizer at 18:50 from David Brosseau to go into the first break tied 2-2.
The Jackals regrouped and dominated the second frame, out-shooting Richmond 14-3 in the second 20-minutes, but several goal posts and Ryan McIntosh saves kept this game even after two periods.
The third period saw a renewed effort by Richmond, sparked by killing off a double minor to start the final session. Richmond took the lead soon thereafter as they went ahead 3-2 at 4:06 courtesy of a Jonathan Gagnon goal off a rebound. The Riverdogs added an empty net goal at 18:50 to close off the scoring and a 4-2 win.
Richmond goalie Ryan McIntosh earned his 7th win of the season by stopping 26-of-28, including 24 straight saves after the two Sessa goals. Greg Hewitt made 24 saves on 28 Richmond shots.
The Jackals and Riverdogs will continue their feud as they head south for a Thursday night clash at the Richmond Coliseum at 7:30 pm on December 23rd. Elmira is back home on Sunda December 26th at the First Arena to take on the Danbury Trashers at 5:00 pm.