News Release
Contact: Pete Krupsky FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: (734) 453-8400 Friday, December 7, 2007
TERRY’S OVERTIME GOAL WINS IT FOR PLYMOUTH, 4-3, OVER WINDSOR
PLYMOUTH – Chris Terry’s goal at 1:46 of overtime snapped a 3-3 tie and the Plymouth Whalers defeated the Windsor Spitfires, 4-3, in an Ontario Hockey League game played Friday night at Compuware Arena.
Plymouth is now 17-8-1-2, good for 37 points and third place in the OHL’s West Division. In spite of the overtime loss, Windsor (now 20-6-2-3) moves into sole possession of first place in the OHL West as Sault Ste. Marie lost, 4-0, in London on Friday night.
On the game-winning goal, Terry carried the puck from the right wing in the Windsor zone, cut across the grain to the left and snapped a shot past former Plymouth goaltender Michal Neuvirth for his 19th goal of the season and second game-winner of the year.
Earlier, Andrew Fournier (team-leading 21st), Kaine Geldart (11) and Brett Valliquette (5) scored for the Whalers and third star AJ Jenks contributed three assists. Greg Nemisz scored twice (17-18) and added an assist for Windsor, while Josh Bailey (11) scored once for Windsor.
The game featured no more than a one-goal differential the entire 61:46. Plymouth carried a 2-1 lead into the third period, but Nemisz deflected Ryan Ellis’ point shot past Plymouth goaltender Jeremy Smith at 4:00 of the third period to tie the game. The Whalers came back to retake the lead 41 seconds later when Valliquette took Jenks’ pass from the left corner and beat Neuvirth with a one-timer from in front of the Windsor goal.
Windsor continued to press for the equalizer in the third period, outshooting Plymouth, 16-2, in the third period. Spitfires head coach Bob Boughner pulled Neuvirth for an extra attacker with about 1:30 left in regulation and it paid off when Nemisz came off the bench and snapped a shot through traffic from the left wing past Smith with 1:20 left in regulation.
That set the stage for Terry’s game-winner. Windsor outshot Plymouth, 39-18. Smith stopped 36-of-39 shots for Plymouth as the game’s first star.
Plymouth is back in action on Saturday night at the Compuware Arena against Barrie at 7:05 p.m. Saturday night is the Whalers’ Annual Teddy Bear Toss night. Fans are encouraged to bring a new stuffed animal to the game and throw it on the ice when the Whalers score their first goal of the evening. The animals with be picked up and – with the help of Plymouth United Way – will find a new home for the holidays. The Whalers’ Booster Club will be selling Teddy Bears on Saturday for $2.
Tickets can be purchased for all Plymouth games by calling the Compuware Arena at (734) 453-8400 or by going to Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com.
About the Plymouth Whalers
The Plymouth Whalers are the only Metro Detroit team in the Ontario Hockey League, a developmental league for National Hockey League players. The Whalers all range in age from 15-21 years-old and are consistently one of the top teams in the OHL. In 2006-07, the Whalers won the OHL Championship. www.plymouthwhalers.com.
About Compuware Arena
Compuware Arena is home to the 2007 Ontario Hockey League Champion Plymouth Whalers, the Major Indoor Soccer League’s Detroit Ignition, the Compuware Arena Drive-In Theatres, the MHSAA Boys State Hockey Championships and eight AAA Compuware Hockey youth teams. Compuware Arena serves more than one million patrons each year, and is located in Plymouth, Michigan. www.compuwarearena.com
END