Christian's shootout goal gives SteelHounds 2-1 win over Ice Bats

The Youngstown standout had the only goal in the shootout.
By GREG GULAS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN -- Jeff Christian's goal in the shootout session, the only goal scored by either team after regulation, helped lift the Youngstown SteelHounds to a 2-1 victory over the Austin Ice Bats in Central Hockey League action Thursday night at the Chevrolet Centre.
With an assist on his team's only goal in the third period, he also ran his point streak total to 11 consecutive games, tops on the team and in the CHL this season.
After concluding their recent eight-game road trip with a 4-3-1 mark, Youngstown coach Kevin Kaminski was a little concerned because he didn't exactly know what to expect from his team in their first appearance at home in 26 days.
"This win was definitely an early Christmas present because quite frankly, I think our guys had their minds somewhere else and not on the game at hand," he said.
"It was a good way to start both the home stand and series with the Ice Bats, but there was no talk or jump like we usually have. We lacked energy as well.
"Anytime you have a good thing going you work twice as hard to keep it that way. When it goes the other way on you, then it becomes 10 times harder to get it back. Give Austin credit tonight though. They skated well and didn't give up a whole lot.
Scoreless through two periods
With the game scoreless after the first 40 minutes of play, John Wheaton's goal (with assists from both Christian and Jeff Alcombrack) at 8:06 of the final period gave the SteelHounds a 1-0 advantage, only to have that lead dissipate just 1:53 later when the Ice Bats' Julian Smith snuck the puck past Youngstown goalie David Currie to forge a 1-all tie.
Currie, who has given up just five goals in the past 185 minutes plus a shootout session, has been sparkling in goal for the SteelHounds over the past three games.
Sought out help
That didn't stop him this past week, however, from enlisting the help of a friend, noted goalie coach Shane Clifford, former goaltending coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, to help correct a few minor flaws in his game of which he was feeling just a little uncomfortable.
"I worked with Shane this past Tuesday and Wednesday and we had two excellent practices. He's been a great friend to me and is considered one of the best, technically sound goaltending coaches around," Currie said.
"While working with me he made one big suggestion. That was to stay out of the net a little more. It sure worked for me tonight.
"A win is a win whether it looks pretty or ugly. While we didn't play the type of game of which we are capable, the guys still executed and did the little things that help you win a game. We'll take this win."
The Ice Bats held a 32-26 shots on goal advantage with Austin goalie Miguel Beaudry rejecting all but two of the SteelHounds' 26 attempts.
Stopped all shootout attempts
Currie rejected all five of the Ice Bats' shots in the shootout while Christian, the third played used by Kaminski, was one of just four payers needed by the SteelHounds after overtime.
Youngstown is 13-6-5 and in second place in the Northeast Division behind idle Memphis, picking up two points with the win.
They also ran their home record to 6-1-2 while the Ice Bats fell to 10-9-5 overall and 6-4-2 on the road.
The same two teams will meet again tonight in game two of their three-game series at the Chevrolet Centre.
Game time is 7:05 p.m.