Graham's Hat Trick Sparks Augusta RiverHawks First Victory

By: Augusta RiverHawks Media Relations | WJBF-TV
Published: October 29, 2010

Augusta, GA --

The Augusta RiverHawks enjoyed the franchises first ever victory as Neil Graham completed a hat trick with just over a minute left in overtime for the 4-3 win over the visiting Fayetteville FireAntz.

Graham, who came into the game already the RiverHawks leading goal scorer, fired a shot over FireAntz goaltender Guy St. Vincents shoulder and just under the cross-bar to seal the victory. The James Brown Arena crowd erupted in joy, clearly hungry to grab their first taste of victory.

The scoring started early in the second period when Graham picked up his first of the night off a play with Chris Ferazzoli. Ferazzoli had two assists on the night and was named the games second star.

Six minutes later the FireAntz evened the game when star forward Rob Sich converted a semi-breakaway by slipping the puck through RiverHawks goaltender Jon Olthuis pads.

Before the end of the second period the FireAntz took a 2-1 lead as Chris Leveille blocked a shot at his own blue line and streaked in a breakaway on Olthuis and scored.

The play swung again in the third period, as rookie forward Branden Kosolofsky deflected a slap shot from Brett Dickinson that found its way past St. Vincent. A couple of minutes later Graham picked up a loose puck in the FireAntz slot and fired it in to give the RiverHawks the one-goal advantage.

The FireAntz were not done yet as they once again pulled even to send the game to overtime. Leveille scored his second of game on a nice deflection about 15 feet in front of Olthuis.

A relatively conservative overtime period gave way to Grahams first career hat trick goal from just above the faceoff circles in the Fayetteville zone. His big night now has Graham sitting alone atop the SPHL scoring standings with six goals and seven points in just four games.

RiverHawks goaltender Jon Olthuis picks up the first win of his professional career, as he stopped 22 FireAntz shots including a number of breakaway opportunities from the FireAntz top offensive threats.

The RiverHawks play again Saturday, October 30th against the Knoxville Ice Bears. Fans can enjoy a free Haunted House with a game ticket and take part in the Halloween costume contest. The first 2,500 fans will receive Silly Bands. Also, college football fans will enjoy the Georgia-Florida game on a huge screen at the James Brown Arena, free with a hockey ticket starting at 3:30pm. All RiverHawks home games start at 7:30pm. Information on tickets for the 2010-11 season are available by clicking here, or by calling 706-993-4267.

http://www.augustariverhawks.com