Amarillo gets Edged by the Fresno Monsters

A back-and-fourth game that saw the Bulls lead the Fresno Monsters 3-1 midway through the game turned into 4-3 loss for the Bulls against the Monsters in the team's 2nd Game at the Blaine Showcase. Things were looking great as the Bulls were clicking well as goals by Smoot in the 1st period as well Johnson & Freeman in the 2nd period had the Monsters on the ropes, but the tide began to turn near the end of the 2nd with a power-play goal by Bjorklund with 35 seconds left made it 3-2.

The third was going well for the Bulls as they were able to stay out of the box and get some shots that were looking to put the game away. But the Monsters were potent as they scored on 2 goals on just 3 shots late in the 3rd to give the Monsters their first victory in the North American Hockey League.

Next up for the Bulls who are currently 1-1 at the Showcase is a late one as they will get the Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons at 8:00 PM tonight.

Press Release from the Amarillo Bulls Website

Amarillo Bulls 3 Fresno Monsters 4 (1-0, 2-2, 0-2)

From Blaine, Minnesota: The Amarillo Bulls surrendered two goals in the final five minutes of the game, and dropped a 4-3 decision to the Fresno Monsters in the 2nd game of the North American Hockey League Showcase on Thursday Night in Blaine, Minnesota.

The Bulls dropped to 1-1 and will look for their second win on Friday Night when they face the Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons at 8:00 PM.

Amarillo had a 3-2 advantage lead entering the third period of play and couldn't score on a 5-on-3 that could have extended the advantage. Fresno scored back-to-back goals just over 4 minutes and 30 seconds apart to take the lead. The Bulls pulled their goaltender in the final minute but failed to get the equalizer.

In the opening period, the Bulls notched the first goal when Smoot followed up a loose rebound and put it in the back of the net at the 7:07 mark. Joe Kozlak and Mitch Rogge added assists on the play.

The Fresno Monsters had their best opportunity to score on a breakaway but their forward was denied by goaltender Greg Lewis.

After the Monsters tied the game early in the 2nd period, the Bulls took over, scoring two goals in just 29 seconds apart.

First, newcomer Terrance Johnson, who was added to the roster late last night, scored on assists from Steven Oberzanick and Chris Cass. Cody Freemen made it a 3-1 contest when he scored unassisted. Fresno added a goal on the power play to make it 3-2.

The Fresno Monsters out-shot the Amarillo Bulls 26-23, including 15-5 in the 2nd period. The Bulls had the shot advantage in both the first and third periods. Amarillo was 0/8 on the powerplay while the Monsters were 1/4.

The Amarillo Bulls take on the Pt. Huron Fighting Falcons on Friday Night at 8:00 PM in their third game of the Showcase. Fans can tune into the action at ESPN 1440 AM beginning with the pre game show at 7:45 PM. The game is also available on Pay-Per-View courtesy of Fast Hockey, but a high speed Internet connection is required to view the contest.

In just over a week the Amarillo Bulls will play their home opener against the Texas Tornado at 7:00 PM at the Bull Pen at the Amarillo Civic Center. Season Tickets, Flex Packages and single game tickets are currently available and for further info. call 806-242-1122 or visit the Amarillo Bulls Website