Trying to squeeze out the last vestiges of the 2008-2009 hockey season, Jill and I headed to Elmira to watch the Jackals play in game 3 of the ECHL's North Division final.
We stopped at Horigan's Tavern on Davis Street for dinner before heading over to the rink area. It was a very nice atmosphere, with a varied menu and good food! We got to the rink pretty early (before the gates opened) so we scored an awesome parking spot right across the street! Looking to waste some time, we went to a sports bar on Water Street around the corner from the arena.
A small crowd greeted the Jackals for this game, as we were able to get tickets to the game on gameday - four rows behind the goal on the aisle. Elmira looked terrible in the game, and it was hard to believe that they even made the playoffs. This could have proven to be our last game of the 08/09 season (but with us anything is possible I guess!). Home after the game.
Elmira, NY- Game three of the North Division Finals was taken by the Cincinnati Cyclones 4-2 tonight in front of 2,009 at First Arena. The Jackals were led by Mike Sgroi’s goal and assist but couldn’t find an answer for Cyclones goalie Ryan Nie who turned away 24 shots in the contest. The Cyclones lead the series 3-0 with game number four taking place this Friday, May 1st at 7:35 p.m. at First Arena. Get your tickets now at 734-PUCK.
Trailing two games to none, the Elmira Jackals came out on fire to start the opening period of game three. Backed by hot goaltending the Jackals took the early lead at 8:01 when Chris Korchinski won a face off in the offensive zone to Mike Sgroi. Sgroi then moved the puck behind the net to Korchinski who used a wrap around to beat Cincinnati goalie Ryan Nie on the glove side. The Jackals closed out the first period with the 1-0 lead and a 10-9 shot advantage.
The Cyclones rallied in between the first and second period and came out on a mission in the middle frame. 8:46 in Brian O’Hanley skated into the Elmira end short handed on a three on one break. O’Hanley would net his first goal of the post season when he beat Teslak blocker side. Cincinnati then took the lead at the 12:10 mark when Kyle Rank netted his first of the post season. Dustin Sproat assisted on the two on one goal. The Cyclones picked up a power play tally at 18:37 to end the second period. Jimmy Kilpatrick sent a perfect pass to Matt Syroczynski who blasted a one timer five hole past Teslak for the 3-1 edge.
The Cyclones continued to their dominance in the third period. Short handed at the 13:10 mark, Barrett Ehgoetz would score on a break away to give defending Kelly Cup Champions a three goal lead. Late in the third period Mike Sgroi would pull the game back within two as he riffled a shot from the half boards, high glove past Nie. Steve Yetman and Kevin Quick assisted at 16:05. The Jackals pressured in the final four minutes but couldn’t crack Nie. With 12 seconds remaining in the game, the fans at First Arena came to their feet as a five on five scrum broke out in the Cincinnati crease. No fighting majors were assessed but Derek Couture and Mike Sgroi were awarded misconducts.
With the loss tonight the Jackals fall to 0-3 in the series with game number four on home ice this Friday, May 1st at 7:35 p.m. If necessary, game five will be on Saturday, May 2nd at 7:35 p.m. Get your Blue Manufacturing Thundersticks each night.
TICKETS: Tickets for the second round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs are on sale NOW at the First Arena Box Office. GET YOUR TICKETS EARLY! Tickets for all events at First Arena can be purchased at the First Arena Box Office, by calling (607) 734-PUCK or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.
JACKALS HOCKEY….. IN IT TO WIN IT!!
Elmira, New York
Wednesday, April 30, 2009
Total Mileage: 125 Miles
Total Miles Travelled:
202,691 Miles!
Page Last Updated: January 25, 2010