Scorpions drop 4th consecutive game

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Liebel’s goal capped a tight, tough defensive game that featured stellar goaltending on both sides. Robert McVicar stopped 36 shots for Arizona to earn second star of the game honors behind Liebel, while New Mexico’s Mike Minard saved 23 of 25 shots to gain third-star honors.

The two teams traded power play goals within 70 seconds of the second period for the only scoring until overtime.

Mitch Stephens opened the scoring for New Mexico 3:10 into the period, with assists going to Aaron MacInnis and Dominic Osman. After New Mexico's Blair Stazer was called for slashing, David Schlemko tied the game for Arizona at the 4:19 mark.

Overall New Mexico was 1-for-7 on the power play, while Arizona was 1-for-6.

Liebel’s goal came during a 4-on-4 situation as both teams were whistled for penalties in overtime. Shawn Skiehar was given a two-minute penalty for hooking with 2:22 left in overtime, giving Arizona a brief man advantage before Oliver Latendresse was whistled for goalie interference with 1:45 left in the extra period.

Arizona earned 18 penalty minutes on nine infractions for the game compared to seven penalties for 14 minutes for New Mexico. The Scorpions outshot Arizona in each of the three regulation periods but the Sundogs had a 7-2 advantage in overtime, including the game winner.

The loss dropped New Mexico seven points behind the first place Sundogs in the Southwest Division. The Scorpions remained six points behind Odessa for second place as the Jackalopes lost to last-place Amarillo 9-5.

New Mexico is still comfortably in fourth place in the conference, 10 points ahead of idle Corpus Christi and 11 ahead of Amarillo. The top four teams in each conference make the playoffs.

The Scorpions will play back-to-back home games against Austin on Friday and Saturday as a season-high seven game homestand continues. Three television sets from Wal-Mart will be given away on Friday.

The game is also available game on 610-AM The Sports Animal and the CHL Network starting at 7 p.m.

Saturday is the annual “Salute to the Badges Night” as policemen and firefighters compete in several different events, including a hockey game at 4 p.m.

Both games, which start at 7:15 p.m., are part of an all-you-can-eat weekend special, where fans can get a corner seat ticket and tuff themselves at the concession stands for $20. For ticket information, call 881-PUCK or visit www.scorpionshockey.com.

Complete statistics are available at www.CentralHockeyLeague.com.