Chargers take sweep in exhibition series

Mike Anderson, UAH Sports Information

	Denny Reagan

Coming off a convincing five-goal shutout the previous night, the Alabama-Huntsville Chargers scratched and clawed to take a 3-2 victory over the University of Windsor Lancers in exhibition action.

The Chargers got the scoring started on the power play, when Jeff Winchester took a pass from Grant Selinger, snuck into the high slot and buried a shot past Reese Kalleitner just seven seconds into the man-advantage for the early 1-0 lead.

The Boys in Blue got a chance to test the penalty killing mettle at the end of the first period, as a five-on-three power play was initiated when Brett McConnachie (Ajax, ON) was whistled for a roughing penalty, while Jeremy Schreiber was sent to the box for a charging major after leveling Mike Commisso with a huge open-ice check.

Joe Mollard evened the score early in the second period on the power play, as he took a pass from Chad Snihur snapped off a quick shot in the slot passed Charger netminder Marc Narduzzi (Vancouver, BC) to make it a 1-1 game. Narduzzi made way for freshman goaltender Jordan Erickson (Port McNeill, BC) mid-way through the second period, as the Charger coaching staff gave both young men a chance to prove themselves in exhibition play. The 1-1 score stood firm through the second intermission.

Early in the third, the Chargers distanced themselves, as Brett McConnachie found the net just ten seconds into a Charger power play from David Nimmo and Todd Bentley to take the one goal lead. Denny Reagan added what proved to be the game-winning goal just 13 seconds later off the ensuing faceoff. Kevin Galerno (Ayr, ON) directed the draw to Josh Murray (Terrace, BC) who fed Reagan for the marker. Scott Mintenko added a power play goal at the 9:18 mark, but Erickson stood fast, facing only two shots on goal in the final period, and the Chargers took the win by a score of 3-2.

Marc Narduzzi stopped eight of nine shots faced in the starting role, while Jordan Erickson's four saves earned him the win. Reese Kalletiner stopped 34 of 37 chances for Windsor and earned the third star.

Brett McConnachie's power play tally earned him the second star, while Denny Reagan took first star honors after notching the game-winner.

The Chargers begin regular season play Friday, Oct. 21 as they travel to face the Black Bears of the University of Maine. Face-off is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CDT. UAH's regular season home opener is Nov. 11 against College Hockey America foe Niagara University, with a 7:05 p.m. face-off. For more information or tickets, contact Gary Ward at (256) 824-6584.

UAH-Windsor Box Score