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March 22, 2004

GARDINER, TURNER, HODSON ALL PAVE WAY FOR GENERALS 4-1 WIN



GREENSBORO - A return to home ice after a weekend split with the Florida Everblades gave the Greensboro Generals a totally new optimism. On the one hand the game against the Charlotte Checkers marked the return of Pete Gardiner injury, it gave the Generals an opportunity to clinch the Carolina Cup for consecutive seasons, and finally a chance to make a move in the divisional standings. In the end, after a 4-1 victory over the Checkers in front of 3,528 on-hand at the Greensboro Coliseum, proved that all three of those factors would play a major role in the team’s success heading down the stretch.

The Generals (37-27-1) kick-started their offense exactly one minute into the game, when Captain Mark Turner scored from the right face-off circle, on an assist from Mike Bayrack and Pete Gardiner. Gardiner’s return to the ice marks the first time in four weeks, following a broken bone in his leg. Just over six minutes later Greensboro would again capitalize on an offensive possession, this time coming as Joel Irwin put a shot on goal in front of the net, coming on an assist from Matt Elich and Geno Parrish, marking Parrish’s 52nd assist of the season, a team lead. The Generals closed out first period scoring at the 13:41 point of the game when Mark Turner netted his second goal of the game, on a rebound that ricocheted off the glove of Checkers netminder David St. Germain putting the shot on net for his 27th goal of the campaign. The Generals took a 3-0 lead into the second period.

In the second, following a first period that resulted in 17 shots on goal, Charlotte scored the lone goal of the period, when Richard Keyes put a shot top shelf on Generals goaltender Jamie Hodson, for the only Charlotte power-play conversion in six attempts. As for Greensboro, the Generals managed 11 shots on goal to Charlotte’s nine, with the score in favor of the home team at 3-1.

A third period full of great saves for Jamie Hodson, Greensboro would add a fourth and final goal when on a power-play created by Jeff State’s hooking penalty, Mike Bayrack scored his team leading 34th goal of the season, making the final 4-1 in favor of the Generals.

The Generals return to the Greensboro Coliseum again tomorrow night, Tuesday, March 23rd when Greensboro will host the Greenville Grrrowl, as the Generals host Guns & Hoses night. Fans and local businesses are encouraged to participate in a $3 group rate for those parties of 10-persons or more. Also available will be the opportunity for purchase of a Family 4-pack of tickets (including four soft drinks, four hot dogs, and four tickets) all for $25.


Jon Cole
Media Relations Director
Greensboro Generals
(336) 373-7402 (office)