CHIEFS MAKE HISTORY WITH 6–3 OPENING NIGHT VICTORY

Chiefs Make History with 6–3 Opening Night Victory

ROME, N.Y. — The Copper City Chiefs gave a crowd of 1,286 a night to remember Saturday, October 24, earning the first victory in franchise history with a 6–3 win over the Bathurst St Lions at John F. Kennedy Civic Arena.

Jake Hall led Copper City with a four-point performance, collecting a goal and three assists, while JT Entelisano scored twice and added an assist. In net, Bryan Landsberger turned aside 32 of 35 shots to secure the historic victory.

Bathurst struck first with a power-play goal from Josh Miller, but the Chiefs answered with a milestone of their own. Max Bartell scored the first goal in franchise history, assisted by Ray Falso and Nick Newman, to tie the game at 1–1.

Frank Mondi then put Copper City ahead with a first-period goal, with Joey Goracy and Gino DeBlasiis picking up the assists. The Chiefs carried a 2–1 advantage into the first intermission.

The Lions pulled even early in the second period on a power-play goal by Alex Hyde. Entelisano restored the Chiefs’ lead with a power-play tally of his own, finishing with 5:54 remaining in the period off assists from Cole Moore and Hall.

Copper City entered the third period leading 3–2, but Bathurst answered again. Jesse Aitken scored early in the final frame to bring the teams level for the third time.

From there, the Chiefs took control.

Hall delivered the eventual game-winning goal with 9:25 remaining, assisted by Entelisano and Falso. Entelisano added his second power-play goal of the night with 3:50 left, with Hall and Moore earning the assists, to extend the lead to 5–3.

Goracy capped the scoring with 46 seconds remaining, converting off Hall’s third assist to complete the 6–3 victory.

Despite being outshot 35–27, Copper City scored three times in the final period and received a strong performance from Landsberger to close out the win. Falso and Moore each finished with two assists, while Goracy contributed a goal and an assist.

Entelisano was named the game’s first star, followed by Hall as the second star and Mondi as the third.

The Chiefs return home Friday, November 13, to face the Thousand Island Raiders. Fans can take advantage of the $40 Family 4 Pack, featuring four tickets, four popcorns and one coupon for 10% off at the Chiefs merchandise store, with ticket fees included. The rescheduled KRISTECH Rally Towel giveaway will also take place that night.

Visit the Chiefs website to secure your tickets and help keep the momentum rolling at JFK Arena.