Eurolanche

Monsters end preseason 1-1

The Lake Erie Monsters lost the second of back to back preseason games to the Grand Rapids Griffins by a score of 4-2. While the Monsters never had the lead in the game it was never over till the last minutes.

Griffins D-man Chad Billins scored the first of the game for the Griffins at the 7:57 mark of the second period on the power play. The rest of the second frame remained scoreless. The Monsters got on the board and tied the game up in the third. The goal was scored at the 2:25 mark by Tyson Barrie off a rebound from Bill Thomas shot, Patrick Bordeleau was credit with the second assist.

The Griffins then retook the lead on a goal by Trevor Parkes. They then extend the lead further to 3-1 after a video reviewed ruled that Willie Coetzee goal was good. Paul Carey made the game close for the monsters by scoring his second of the preseason and pulling them within one. The Griffins then sealed the game moments later with an empty net goal by Brendan Smith, finishing the game with a final score of 4-2.

The Monster goaltenders for the night were Calvin Pickard and Kent Patterson. Pickard got the start for the game making 20 saves on 21 shots. Patterson faired a bit worse only making 15 saves on 17 shots. Both goalies once again thou played quite admirably for the Monsters. So far all four goalies have had a very strong training camp. This could make the decision as to who stays and who goes very hard on the front office.

The Monsters open the season October 12th at home against the Oklahoma City Barons.

Jessica Cusano made pictures of the Monsters pre-season camp exclusively for the Eurolanche.com:

The Lake Erie Monsters came out roaring in the first, scoring three goals which would prove to be all they needed. Brad Malone opened the scoring at the 1:05 mark of the first period. Malone fired home a backhander passed Griffin’s goalie Tom McCollum.

The Monsters extended the lead at the 4:18 marker of the first. Paul Carey netted his first of the preseason and first ever as a monster. Carey’s goal was assisted by Geoff Walker and Michael Sgarbossa. Then at the 11:52 mark of the first the Monsters struck again this time off the stick of Barry Goers to extend the lead to 3-0.

The Griffins did managed to get one back in the second. Landor Ferraro managed to get a sharp angle shot by Monsters goalie Sami Aittokallio. Both Monster goalies played well, with Aittokallio making 19 saves on 20 shots. Late in the second period Kieran Millan was given his chance to shine. He did not disappoint stopping all 11 shots he faced in the game. Millan would hold the way in the third as both team did not score. The final score 3-1 in favour of the Lake Erie Monsters.

The Monsters and Griffins will play again on Sunday to finish of the two game preseason series at 7PM eastern standard time. The Monsters will then open the season October 12^th at home against the Oklahoma City Barons.

Jessica Cusano made pictures of the Monsters pre-season camp exclusively for the Eurolanche.com: