Jets Comeback Falls Short in Loss to Bruins

(Jamestown, NY)      Ryan Cunningham netted a pair and Dan Igielinski had three points but the Jamestown Jets fell 6-5 to the Troy Bruins for their first home loss since a 9-5 loss to the Wooster Oilers on October 24. Lorne Shotwell stopped 23-of-26 shots in relief of Rick Hennard in the losing effort.

The Troy Bruins knew they added firepower to their lineup with the return of their leading scorer and the acquisition of Gleb Luchnikov from the Adirondack Predators. They didn’t know it would pay off so quickly. Luchnikov made his presence felt in the Troy lineup with his first goal as a Bruin, less than seven minutes into his debut.

Corey Evelyn added to the Troy lead with his first Northern Junior Hockey League goal less than a minute later. Jamestown had no answer for the Bruins and Aaron Huber beat Hennard to go ahead 3-0 with less than four minutes left in the first period.

Troy added to their lead on a power play goal by Justin Locante near the midway point of the second period. Jets defenseman Locante was handed a gift when two Jets players failed to clear the puck and Locante was alone to score on Shotwell.

The four goal deficit prompted Jets head coach Dennis Canfield to take a timeout and his team responded. Just 18 seconds later, Captain Dan Igielinski fired a shot over the glove of Bruins goalie Allan Dowler to give the Jets some life. Ryan Cunningham scored his first of the game with just under three minutes left in the period to pull the Jets within two.

Troy regained their three goal lead less than a minute into the third period on a strange goal. Lorne Shotwell thought he had the post covered and the puck slid under the side of the goal but after a lengthy delay they ruled the puck had crossed the goal line.

Ryan Cunningham answered with a power play goal just three minutes later to once again give the Jets and their fans a sign of hope. Cunningham had an opportunity to pull the Jets within one with a penalty shot for being hauled down from behind on a breakaway. Cunningham faked a move and shot but Dowler got his pad on it and it slid wide of the goal.

Jamestown did pull within one when Nate Hughes scored on a 3-on-0 break in the final five minutes. Luchnikov gave the Bruins back their two goal lead with his second of the game with only two minutes left. Jon Gratton added a late goal but the Jets comeback fell short.

The Jets will head on the road to take on Team Ulysee next week on Friday and Saturday. The Jets dropped a pair of games at Team Ulysse in November and will be looking to chage their fortune. They will return home to take on the Findaly Grrrowl on New Year’s Eve at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena. Check www.jamestownjets.com for details on the New Year’s events.