Published: January 29, 2009 11:45 pm      

Newcomers 'played well' for Chiefs

The clock in the Johnstown Chiefs’ locker room was approaching 7 p.m. on Thursday night.

Chiefs coach Ian Herbers had no news to report on the player personnel front.

No one called up. No one sent down. No new injuries.

“This will be the first time since early December that we’ll have the same lineup in back-to-back games,” said Herbers, whose Chiefs will host Mississippi tonight. “We’re excited and looking forward to that.”

The two newest Chiefs arrived in time for Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Mississippi at Cambria County War Memorial Arena. But the trip wasn’t typical.

“Our new guys came in and played well, especially after traveling three days across the country to get here in time for the game,” Herbers said of defenseman Ryan Card and forward Toby LaFrance. “Now they’ll have some time to get adjusted and get to know the team and what’s expected of them.”

LaFrance, acquired from the Stockton (Calif.) Thunder, had three shots, an even rating and seven penalty minutes, including a fight against former Chief Justin Coutu.

“LaFrance was able to move the puck and make some plays,” Herbers said. “He was strong on the puck. He finished some checks. He was involved in a fight. Those are things we’re looking for in guys who want to come here and compete.”

Card, obtained in a trade with the Ontario (Calif.) Reign, had a plus-1 rating with one shot. His presence helped shore up a depleted defensive corps.

“Card ate up a bunch of minutes for us,” Herbers said. “He played a good, sound simple game, and that’s all we’re looking for. We just want him to get to pucks quickly, make the right decisions and move the puck to our forwards. The quicker we can move the puck, the quicker we can transition.”

Petr Pohl extended his point scoring streak to six games with two goals and an assist. Todd Griffith, who joined Pohl’s line with Blair Yaworski, had a goal and an assist.

Kris Mayotte made 23 saves in his 16th win. Former Chief goalie Ryan Munce had a solid outing for the Sea Wolves, stopping 28 shots, including all 14 in the second period when the Chiefs frequently pressured him.

Johnstown ended a two-game losing streak and bumped its January record to 3-7.

“We have to make some adjustments and be ready to play a stronger game (tonight),” Herbers said.