Stuart MacRae extened the Gladiators lead to 2-0 with his 7th goal of the season just 8 seconds later. Picking up a rebound off the end dasherboards, MacRae flicked the puck past Nie for Gwinnett's second power play goal of the game. Jeff Mason and Matt Anderson had the helpers on the power play goal for the Gladiators at 13:19 of the first period..
Johnstown got on the board at 17:41 of the first period on a goal by Rob Drummond. Picking up the puck behind the Gwinnett net, Drummond circled into the slot and ripped a snap shot past Gladiators netminder Dan Turple, who was out of position, for the Johnstown goal. Randy Rowe and Joey Olson posted the assists on the goal for the Chiefs.
With the only goal in the second period, Johnstown equalized the contest 4:10 into the second period. Mike Sgroi beat Turple from the slot for the marker for the Cheifs to tie the contest at two. Brian Deeth and Andrew Imbeault hooked up to pick up the assists on the goal for the Chiefs.
Johnston exploded for three quick goals early in the third period to take control of the contest. Immbeault beat Turple just 56 seconds into the third period to give the Chiefs a 3-2 lead on the Gladiators. Sgroi and Jean Desrochers had the assists on the goal for the Chiefs.
Sgroi gave Johnstown a 4-2 lead on Gwinnett at 3:06 of the third period. Powering down the right wing, Sgroi backhanded the puck over the shoulder of Turple for the marker. Desroachers and Imbeault hooked up to pick up the assists on the Johnstown marker.
Johnstown then pushed their lead to three goals at 5-3 on Olson's first marker of the contest. Slipping into the slot, Olson ripped a slap shot past Turple for the goal at 3:39 of the third period. Drummond and Rowe had the assists on the goal.
Lou Dickenson, in his first game back after being assigned from AHL Manitoba, cut the Johnstown lead back to two goals as he posted his 20th goal of the season for Gwinnett. Dickenson rushed down the left wing and rolled the puck past Nie for the marker at 8:14 of the third period. Bryson Busniuk and Ryan Mahrle posted the assists on the Gwinnett goal.
Johnstown put the contest away with Olson's second goal of the contest. Olson beat Turple with just three minutes left in the third period. Durummond and Rowe hooked up to set up Olson on the goal for the Chiefs.
Turple, making his first start since February 1st, made 28 saves in the losing effort for Gwinnett. The Gladiators finished 2-for-5 on the power play while keeping the Chiefs off the board on three power play chances in the loss.
The Gladiators continue their fifth anniversary season on Friay, February 15th as they travel to Elmira to take on the Jackals at 7:35 p.m. Catch all the play-by-play action in Friday's game online via AccessNorthGa.com.
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary as the Premier 'AA' Hockey League in 2007-08, the ECHL began in 1988-89 with five teams in three states and has grown to be a coast-to-coast league that has 25 teams in 17 states and British Columbia in 2007-08. The 25 teams includes the Mississippi (Biloxi) Sea Wolves, who return after missing two seasons in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and the expansion Elmira (N.Y.) Jackals. The ECHL will play 900 games beginning Oct. 18 and concluding Apr. 5.
The Gwinnett Gladiators continue their fifth season as a proud member of the ECHL - season ticket packages are on sale now. In addition, the Gladiators offer several unique multi-game ticket packages as well as discounted group rates, suite rentals, and birthday parties. For more information call 770-497-5100 or log on to gwinnettgladiators.com.
The Gladiators are the AA affiliate of the Atlanta Thrashers and play all home games at the spectacular 11,355-seat Arena at Gwinnett Center, located just off I-85 on Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth, where parking is always free.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/2/206940