ESTERO, FL - The Florida Everblades finished their second straight perfect week by going 3-0-0. The Everblades head into this week's action tied with the ECHL's highest point total of 36 and a record of 18-7-0 (36pts, T-1st South Div.).
THIS WEEK (All Times Eastern)
Friday & Saturday, December 22 & 23 vs. South Carolina Stingrays Both Games 7:30 p.m.
GAME NOTES: T`he Everblades return home for the first time since Dec. 2 when they host the South Carolina Stingrays for a pair of games at Germain Arena. The games will be the second and third of ten meetings on the regular season and the first of six in Florida. The Everblades lead the season series 1-0-0 after a 3-1 win last week at South Carolina. The 'Rays enter this week's action with a record of 12-11-2 (26 pts., 5th, South Div.). The Everblades hold an all-time record of 33-18-8 vs. South Carolina and are 15-10-5 all-time at home vs. the Stingrays.
LAST WEEK'S RESULTS
Friday, December 15 at Augusta 6-5 W
The Everblades won their fourth straight game thanks to a three-goal third period to collect a dramatic 6-5 come-from-behind victory over the Augusta Lynx on Friday night at James Brown Arena. The Everblades jumped out to a quick lead scoring twice in the first 10 minutes on goals by Chris Lee and Dustin Johner. The game remained a 2-0 Everblades lead until the late stages of the period when the Everblades grabbed a 3-0 lead on Reggie Berg's ninth goal of the season. Despite leading 3-1 going into the Everblades watched the Lynx exploded for four goals in the second period to take a 5-3 lead into the third period. The Everblades answered the bell in the third period with two quick goals in the first eight minutes by Johner and Brad Zancanaro, then picked up the eventual game-winner from Vince Bellissimo with four minutes remaining. Craig Kowalski picked up the win in net for the Everblades despite allowing five goals on 33 shots. The win improved his record to 8-5-0. McKee meanwhile suffered the loss allowing the six goals on 31 shots to see his record fall to 10-6-0. On the power play, the Everblades closed out night 3-for-5, while the Lynx finished the night 2-for-9. Florida Special Teams: PP: 3-for-5; PK: 7-for-9.
Saturday, December 16 at South Carolina 3-1 W
The Everblades used 31 saves by goaltender David Shantz and a pair of third period goals to earn their season-high fifth straight win with a 3-1 effort over the South Carolina Stingrays on Saturday night at the North Charleston Coliseum. Mike Angelidis tallied the lone first period goal in the contest to take give Florida a 1-0 lead into the locker room after the first 20 minutes. After a scoreless second period, the teams combined for three goals in the third period. Dustin Johner gave the Everblades a 2-0 lead midway through the third period before South Carolina tallied a power play goal to cut the lead to one. Reggie Berg sealed the win with an empty net goal with one second remaining in regulation for his 10th goal of the season. `Shantz picked up his fourth straight win with his 31 saves to raise his overall record to 9-2-0. Florida special teams: PP: 0-for-4, PK: 3-for-4.
Sunday, December 17 at Columbia 6-5 W `
The Everblades extended their season-high winning streak to six games thanks to the two-goal performances of Vince Bellissimo and Mike Angelidis and the 23 saves by goaltender Craig Kowalski as the Everblades upended the Columbia Inferno by a final score of 5-2 on Sunday night at the Carolina Coliseum. For the second straight night, Angelidis tallied the lone first period goal to grab the early lead after the first 20 minutes. The Everblades began the second period with power play time and took advantage 15 seconds into the frame when Bellissimo extended his point scoring streak to five games with his ninth goal of the season. Reggie Berg extended his point scoring streak to six games with an assist on the goal. The Inferno responded with a power play goal but Angelidis tallied the eventual game winner with 1:12 remaining in the second period. In the third period Frank MacDonald opened a 4-1 lead at 11:55, but the Inferno responded quickly scoring just 23 seconds later. The Everblades salted the game away when Bellissimo tucked the puck into the empty Columbia net with eighth seconds remaining in the game. Kowalski earned the win in net for the Everblades by stopping 23 Columbia shots to raise his record to 9-5-0. Florida special teams: PP: 2-for-9, PK: 2-for-3.
2006-07 EVERBLADES REGULAR SEASON NUMBERS
Quick Stats
Overall Record 18-7-0
Home Record 7-5-0
Road Record 11-2-0
Overtime Record 0-0
Shootout Record 1-0
Power Play 33-187 (10th)
Penalty Kill 153-185 (16th)
Leading Scorers
Brent McDonald 11-16-27
Reggie Berg 10-16-26
Vince Bellissimo 10-16-26
Dustin Johner 12-13-25
Mike Angelidis 10-8-18
Chris Lee 3-13-16
Leading Goaltenders
Craig Kowalski 2.51 GAA, 9-5-0
David Shantz 2.97 GAA, 9-2-0
Player of the Week Nominee: This week's Everblades nominee for ECHL player of the week is Reggie Berg who tallied six points (2g, 4a) in Florida's three games this past week, including three assists on Sunday night at Columbia. This week's ECHL goalie of the week nominee is David Shantz who picked up a win in his only start on Saturday at South Carolina, allowing one goal on 32 shots.
Special Teams Breakdown: Here's a look at the special teams of the Everblades and how it breaks down home and away: Power play: 33-for-187 (17.6%) which ranks the Everblades 10th in ECHL. At home the Everblades are 12-for-85 (14.1%) which ranks 17th. On the road the Everblades are 21-for-102 (21.1%) which ranks 4th. Penalty Kill: 153-for-185 (82.7%) which ranked the Everblades 16th in the ECHL. At home the 'Blades are 75-for-92 (81.5%) which is 18th in the league. On the road, Florida is 78-for-93 (83.9%) which is 13th best in the league.
Love the Road!: The Everblades just completed their longest road trip of the season, a six-game trek, and polished it off by going a perfect 6-0-0. The Everblades earned wins over Pensacola (2), Gwinnett, Augusta, South Carolina and Columbia during the two week swing. Overall this year the Everblades improved their record to 11-2-0 away from Germain Arena. The 11 wins tied Las Vegas for the most road wins in the ECHL.
On a Roll!: The Florida Everblades are currently riding a season-high six-game winning streak that has vaulted them into a first place tie in the South Division with the Texas Wildcatters. All six wins have come on the road for the 'Blades and they have outscored their opponents 31-21 during the stretch. The 36 points for the Everblades is tied with Texas for the highest point total in the ECHL and their 18 wins is currently the most out of all 25 ECHL teams.
Who's Hot: Everblades F Brent McDonald has points in five of the last six games (4g, 5a)...F Reggie Berg is currently riding a season-high six game point scoring streak (3g, 8a)...F Vince Bellissimo has tallied 12 points in the last six games (4g, 8a)...F Dustin Johner has picked up points in five of the last six games (5g, 4a)...D Ryan Van Buskirk has notched seven points in the last six games (0g, 7a)...G Craig Kowalski has won his last three starts and four of his last five...G David Shantz is currently riding a four-game winning streak and has won six of his last eight starts.
Upcoming Milestones: Here are some milestones that Everblades players are approaching in their professional careers: F Brad Parsons is five assists shy of his 100th and is 11 goals away from his 50th ...F Brent McDonald is only seven goals away from reaching the 100 mark...D Ryan Brindley is just one assist away from his 200th and is 15 points shy of collecting his 300th ...D Chris Dyment is 20 games shy of his 200th in his career.
Coach's Show: 'Blades Talk, the Everblades coaches show will be back on the air on Monday, December 18 from 7-8 p.m. Fans are encouraged to join Everblades Head Coach Gerry Fleming and the voice of the Everblades Kevin Reiter live at Stevie Tomato's Sports Page in Ft. Myers for the program. The program can also be heard live on SportsRadio 770 AM and over the internet by visiting ABC7 Online - Works for You!. This week's guest will be Everblades forward Mike Angelidis.
Everblades On The Air: The Florida Everblades are broadcast on Sportsradio 770 AM and on the web at Florida Everblades - ECHL. Join the "Voice of the Everblades" Kevin Reiter for all the play-by-play action. The Everblades pre-game show begins 20 minutes before face-off.
Ticket Information: Everblades 2006-07 group tickets, and individual game tickets are on sale now! Fans can purchase tickets at the Germain Arena box office, which is open from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone by calling TicketMaster at (239) 334-3309, or online at Official Ticketmaster site. Tickets for Concerts, Sports, Arts, Theater, Family, Events, more. For additional information, contact the Everblades office at (239) 948-7825.
LONG BEACH, Calif. - The Long Beach Ice Dogs of the ECHL, a proud affiliate of the Boston Bruins, have announced that goaltender Yukata ***ufuji has been assigned to the Long Beach Ice Dogs from the Los Angeles Kings.
***ufuji, 24, was recalled (emergency basis) by the Los Angeles Kings from the Manchester Monarchs of the American hockey League on Friday. He dressed during Saturday's Kings-Dallas game at the Staples Center and did not play.
The 6-1, 180 pound-native of Tokyo, Japan, has a 3-3-0 record, a 3.19 goals-against-average and a .898 save-percentage in 10 appearances with the Reading Royals (ECHL) this season.
Originally selected by the Kings in the 8th round in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, ***ufuji is just the second player born in Japan to ever be drafted (defenseman Hiroyuki Miura was drafted my Montreal in the 11th-round, 260th, overall in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft). ***ufuji has not appeared in an NHL game.
The Ice Dogs continue their four game home stand when they host the Phoenix RoadRunners on Friday, December 22nd at 7:30pm where fans may enjoy the $2 beer garden and $2 hot dogs. The Ice Dogs host the Stockton Thunder on Saturday, December 23rd at 7pm when the Ice Dogs will be giving away an Ice Dogs' holiday ornament. Ten lucky fans will also leave the Long Beach Arena on Saturday with a Play Station 3. AUDIO portion of all games will be available on The Official Site of the Long Beach Ice Dogs : by click on the TEAMLINE logo and VIDEO will be available at all home games for $6. Season tickets and group sales for the 2006-07 season are still on sale now. Call (562) ICE-DOGS or visit The Official Site of the Long Beach Ice Dogs : for more information.
Three Shy of 150: The Gladiators posted their 147th win in Gwinnett history in Sunday's 2-1 victory over the Charlotte Checkers. Gwinnett needs just three wins for 150 as the Gladiators. Gwinnett posted 42 wins during their inaugural 2003-04 season, had 40 wins during the 2004-05 season and recorded 50 wins last year.
On to 50! Gladiators forward Brad Schell collected his 10th goal of the season in Friday's 5-3 win over Pensacola. It was Schell's 47th goal of his ECHL career and he needs just three more goals to reach 50 in his Gladiators ECHL career. Schell would become just the third player in Gladiators history to amass 50 or more goals joining Chris Durno (52) and Jeff Campbell (60) with 50 or more goals in a Gladiators career.
At the Century Mark: Forward Scott Mifsud posted a goal and an assist for the Gladiators in Friday's 5-3 win over the Pensacola Ice Pilots for his 99th and 100th points of his ECHL and Gladiators career. The Burlington, Ontario native entered the season with 63 points and now has 37 points this season for 100 in his career. Brad Schell is the only other currently active Gladiator to record over 100 points in his Gladiators career.
One-Two-Punch: The Gladiators power play and penalty killing units have been a one-two punch as Gwinnett is ranked first overall in the ECHL in both power play and penalty killing. Gwinnett has been converting on 23.8% of their power play opportunities and have collected at least one power play goal in each of the last seven games while recording 17 multiple power play goal games. Gwinnett moved past the Cincinnati Cyclones into the top spot on the penalty kill in the ECHL as they have killed off 88.1% of all opponents power plays. Gwinnett has not allowed a power play goal in each of their last five games.
Still in the Lead! Gladiators forward Brad Schell collected a goal and three assists in Friday's 5-3 win over the Pensacola Ice Pilots and chipped in two assists for Gwinnett in Sunday's 2-1 win over Charlotte. For Schell, he now has 10 goals and 37 assists to lead the ECHL in scoring with 47 points on the season. The third year pro sits eight points ahead of the Checkers Mark Lee and nine points ahead of teammate Scott Mifsud in the top spot in the ECHL.
Ten in a Row! Brad Schell has collected at least one point for the Gladiators in each of Gwinnett's past ten games. His ten game point scoring streak is currently the longest point scoring streak on Gwinnett and his longest of the season. With a pair of assists in Sunday's 2-1 win over Charlotte, Schell has collected 4 goals and 15 assists during his current streak. Schell's longest point scoring streak of his career is 13 games when he posted at least one point in each game with the Gladiators from February 25th to March 25th of last year finishing that streak with 3 goals and 21 assists for 24 points.
Making a Difference: Scott Mifsud has been playing a key role for the Gladiators this season. The forward has recorded 11 multiple point games for Gwinnett helping the Gladiators go 9-0-2 in those games. When the Burlington, Ontario native has been kept scoreless this season, Gwinnett has posted a 2-4-1 record on the year. Mifsud currently ranks fourth overall in the ECHL in scoring with 37 points off of 10 goals and 27 assists.
Coats for Kids! the Gladiators 4th annual Coats for Kids night is Saturday, December 23rd when the Gladiators host the Columbia Inferno at 7:35 p.m. Fans can purchase UP TO 10 Premium Level Tickets in selected sections for $10 each or 5 End Zone Level Tickets in selected sections for $5 each with the donation of a new or gently used coat. This offer is only available at the Arena at Gwinnett Center Box Office Only. For more information, log on to Gwinnett Gladiators
Last Week's Games:
Friday, December 15th, Gwinnett 5, Pensacola 3 - W
Brad Schell recorded four points off a goal and three assists and posted the game winner to help Gwinnett past the Pensacola Ice Pilots. Scott Mifsud recorded his 99th and 100th points of his ECHL career in the win. Gwinnett overcame a 2-0 first period deficit to record the victory as Dan Turple made 22 save for Gwinnett. The Gladiators scored three times within the first five minutes of the second to take command of the contest. Andy Contois posted his first goal since November 24th while Matt York and Jon Awe also scored for Gwinnett in the win.
Sunday, December 17th, Gwinnett 2, Charlotte 1 - W
Jon Awe collected both goals for the Gladiators on the power play to help propel the Gladiators to the win. After falling behind 1-0, Awe collected his first goal midway through the first period and scored what proved to be the game winner early in the second period. Dan Turple gave up the first shot of the game but made 22 straight saves through the final 59 minutes to lead Gwinnett to the 2-1 win. Brad Schell posted two assists while Scott Mifsud and Mike Vigilante each had an assist for Gwinnett. The Gladiators held the Checkers off the board on the power play in the win.
This Week's Games:
Friday, December 22nd, @ Augusta Lynx, 7:35 p.m. - wdun.com
Gwinnett defeated Augusta 1-0 in the last meeting between these two clubs and the Gladiators last two wins in Augusta have come by that same score. Gwinnett is now 1-1-1 against the Lynx this season with just two more trips to the James Brown Arena this season following this game.
Saturday, December 23rd, vs. Columbia Inferno, 7:35 p.m. - wdun.com
The Gladiators are unbeaten against the Inferno this season after a 4-0 win at home against the Inferno on October 28th and a 3-2 win at Columbia on November 17th. Gwinnett leads the all time series against the Inferno with a 15-6-2 record.
The Gwinnett Gladiators continue their fourth season as a proud member of the ECHL on Friday, December 22nd as they travel to Augusta to take on the Lynx at 7:35 p.m. Season tickets are on sale now. In addition, the Gladiators offer several unique multi-game ticket packages as well as discounted group rates, suite rentals, and birthday parties. For more information call 770-497-5100 or log on to gwinnettgladiators.com.
The Gladiators are the AA affiliate of the Atlanta Thrashers and play all home games on the Your Best Rate Financial Home Ice at the spectacular 11,355-seat Arena at Gwinnett Center, located just off I-85 on Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth, where parking is always free.
Record for season: 10-14-0-1, 21 points - Seventh place in Northern Division
Player Notes: Defenseman Paul Bissonnette had a goal and an assist on Saturday night and has scored 11 points (5g-6a) in his last10 games. Two players made their Nailers debut over the weekend Mark Malone signed with Wheeling on Friday and played in his first professional game that night. Richard Colwill was traded from Toledo and played against Dayton on Saturday.
Team Notes: The Nailers had scored a power-play goal in eight consecutive games before going 0 for 3 on the man advantage Saturday. Their power-play percentage is 17.9% (27 goals in 151 opportunities).
NAILERS WEEK IN REVIEW
December 11-December 18
Wednesday, December 13 Wheeling 5 @ Reading 3
The Wheeling Nailers took their third straight games from the Reading Royals with a 5-3 win on Wednesday night in Reading. In the first period it was Joe Guenther with a pair of goals that had the teams tied at two after one. Ryan Smyth recorded assists on both goals to increase his assist streak to eight games. Guenther opened the scoring 5:46 into the game converting the rebound of Smyth's turnaround shot. Just under seven minutes later, John Snowden's wrist shot avoided a traffic jam in front and snuck under the crossbar to even the game at one. Reading converted on their first power-play opportunity at the 15:45 mark of the opening period with Ned Lukacevic's first goal of the season. Guenther's second goal of the period came with just 13.8 seconds remaining on the clock. It was the fourth multi-goal game of the season for Guenther and the third time he scored twice in the same period. He now has 13 on the year. Reading and
Wheeling traded power-play goals in the second period as Chris Bala got his ninth for the Royals and Jordan Cameron recorded his 13th. Cameron upped his goal streak to three games with assists from Collins and Cody Blanshan on a 5-on-3 advantage. It was Blanshan's first point as a Nailer since being traded from Idaho two weeks ago. Foster tipped in the game winner just 2:41 into the third period as Moren unleashed a wrist shot from along the boards. Foster knocked the puck from waist level up and over the shoulder of Jeff Pietrasiak. With just over 10 minutes remaining in the game, Moren added his name to the goal column putting a pass from Smyth into the back of the net. Moren brought the puck into the Reading zone and dropped it for Collins. Collins fed it across to Smyth who found Moren just outside the crease. Andy Franck earned his 10th win of the year by stopping 36 of the 39 shots sent his way. He turned away 17 in the second and another 13 in the third. The Nailers managed just 7 shots in each of the last two periods after registering 13 in the first. Wheeling has now taken the last three games from Reading and have now won three of four this year.
Friday, December 15 Wheeling 3 @ Reading 6
Not even wearing their red alternate jersey's could get the Nailers a second consecutive win against the Reading Royals tonight at WesBanco Arena. The offense never found a groove, and it was evident that they missed leading scorer Sean Collins, who was called up to Philadelphia of the AHL before tonight's contest. The visitors opened the scoring when former Nailer Arpad Mihaly got back at his old team in his old building. He scored his fifteenth goal of the year 7:50 into the first to give Reading a 1-0 lead. It took Mihaly just six seconds into a Ryan Moren penalty to beat Andy Franck for a power-play goal. Paul Bissonnette continued his hot streak as he scored his fifth goal of the season to tie the score at one. Bissonnette beat goalie Jeff Pietrasiak with a long shot from the point with 7:26 remaining in the opening frame. Vin Hellemeyer and Jon Foster assisted on the Nailers goal. With just over five minutes remaining in the first, the Royals took a 2-1 lead. Ned Lukacevic carried the puck into the offensive zone and made a drop pass for a trailing Roman Tesyluk who one-timed a slap shot past Andy Franck. The teams entered the locker room for the first intermission with the visitors leading the Nailers 2-1. Recently acquired Nailer and former Royal, Vin Hellemeyer, tied the game at two just two minutes into the second period. Hellemeyer tipped a Paul Bissonnette shot past Pietrasiak for his first goal of the year. Jon Foster was credited with the other assist. Taylor Christie gave the Royals a 3-2 lead with 13:22 remaining in the second. Christie's soft shot got past Franck, who looked to have been interfered with, but the referee ruled that the Royals player had been pushed into the Nailers net-minder. Greg Hogeboom added a shorthanded goal with five minutes remaining in the second to give the Royals their first two goal lead of the night. The second period ended with the Royals holding a two goal advantage with the score 4-2. The Royals took a three goal lead with 13:36 left in the game. Greg Hogeboom lifted the stick of Ryan Moren, creating a Nailers defensive zone turnover. Hogeboom then found Roman Teslyuk streaking down the right wing. Teslyuk beat Franck over his glove for his second goal of the game. Joe Zappala effectively sealed the Nailers' fate when he added the Royals' sixth goal. Jon Foster got his second goal in as many games, but it did nothing more than make the score look respectable. In the end, it was the Royals six, the Nailers 3.
Saturday, December 16 Wheeling 2 vs. Dayton 3
It didn't take the Nailers long to get on the board tonight against the Bombers. In fact, it took just two minutes and 11 seconds for Justin Depretis to beat one of the league's best goalies in Adam Berkhoel to give the Nailers a 1-0 lead. Jon Foster and Vin Hellemeyer had assists on the goal. But they wouldn't find the back of the net again for another 41minutes. The Bombers tied the game at one when Yannick Tifu just forced a shot past Andy Franck 5:56 into the first period. It appeared as though a Nailers defenseman had cleared the puck off the goal line, but the referee ruled that the entire puck had crossed. The Bombers took a 2-1 lead just 26 seconds later when Matt Herneisen, who entered the zone late, received a pass from behind the net and one-timed a shot past Franck. The period ended with Dayton leading 2-1. The two teams played a scoreless second frame, but a good bit of action came when Paul Bissonnette squared off with Dayton's 6-foot-9 Lane Manson. Bissonnette more than held his own against the ECHL's biggest player, landing several shots to Manson's zero. The Nailers tied the game at two 4:37 into the final period. Joe Guenther slammed the puck home for his fourteenth goal of the season after Vin Hellemeyer circled behind the net and fed him a cross ice pass through the goal crease. Cody Blanshan earned the second assist. With overtime looming and just 39 seconds left in the game, Bombers' defenseman Ryan Reid put the proverbial dagger through the Nailers' heart when he scored the game winning goal, putting the puck past a sprawled Andy Franck.
PREVIEW OF UPCOMING NAILERS GAMES
November 18 - December 25
Saturday, December 23 Wheeling @ Cincinnati 7:30p.m.
Wheeling will return for the fifth time to US Bank Arena in Cincinnati to take on the Cyclones Friday night. The Nailers are 2-2 in their first four contests with the Cyclones.
On The Air: Catch all 72 Wheeling Nailers regular-season games on the Mix 97.3 or over the internet at Wheeling Nailers Hockey. "The Voice of the Nailers" Brendan Burke will get things started 15 minutes prior to game time and bring you straight through the final buzzer.
Lynx to distribute teddy bears at Doctor's Hospital
Augusta, GA - Augusta Lynx players Dave McKee, Shane Hynes, Jamie Johnson, Dirk Southern, and Mike Erickson will join Louie the Lynx at Doctor's Hospital at 2 pm today to distribute toys collected during the annual Teddy Bear Toss last Saturday.
Louie and the players will visit the pediatric and burn units at the hospital, spreading holiday cheer and stuffed animals to the children at Doctor's Hospital. Thanks to the generosity of Lynx fans at Friday's game, the Lynx will be able to distribute over 300 toys this Christmas.
"The Lynx would like to thank the generosity and support of our fans for making this possible," said Lynx director of community relations Cari Weaver. "Our organization is always looking to give back to the community, and thanks to Julie Plummer and Doctor's Hospital we're able to do that today."
In addition to the annual Teddy Bear Toss and working with local charities and hospitals, the Lynx have also teamed with Toys for Tots and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Augusta to help the less fortunate in the CSRA. Thank you to everyone who has made this season of caring a major success!
Bakersfield Condors (14-7-2) at Las Vegas Wranglers (14-3-7) 11:59 p.m. PT
* Wranglers are 2-0-1 in Midnight Holiday Roundup games.
* Bakersfield has tied season high with three consecutive wins and is 6-1-1 in its last eight games.
* Las Vegas has won last seven meetings with Condors, including last four games at home.
* Condors' Sean Venedam has two game-winning goals and 15 points (8g-7a) in his last nine games.
* Steve Crampton leads the Wranglers against Bakersfield with four goals and five points in two games.
Premier 'AA' Hockey League Fast Facts
* Affiliations with 25 of the 30 teams in the National Hockey League marking 10th consecutive season that the league has had affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL.
* 310 former ECHL players have played in NHL.
* 165 have made NHL debut in the last five seasons, including goaltenders Barry Brust, Martin Houle, Joey MacDonald, Mike Smith and Mike Wall, center Drew Larman and right wing Jesse Schultz this season, and a record 47 in 2005-06.
* ECHL has been represented on last six Stanley Cup champions.
* Two NHL head coaches (Peter Laviolette & Jim Playfair) and 9 assistant coaches have ECHL experience.
* Affiliations with 24 of the 27 teams in the American Hockey League.
* ECHL has been represented on last 17 Calder Cup champions.
* For each of the past four seasons, ECHL has had more players called up to AHL than all other professional leagues combined. From 2002-06 the ECHL had 1,646 call ups, involving almost 1,000 players, including 416 call ups involving 263 players last season.
* Idaho Steelheads and City of Boise will host the 15th Annual ECHL All-Star Game presented by Rbk Hockey on Jan. 17 and the 10th Annual ECHL All-Star Skills Competition presented by Rbk Hockey on Jan. 16 at Qwest Arena.
* ECHL and its member teams contributed more than $2.3 million for charity and relief funds in 2005-06.
Florida jumped out to a 3-0 lead 16:29 into the first period but Augusta came back with five straight goals, including a hat trick from Shane Hynes, for a 5-3 lead after two periods of play. In the third period Florida responded with three unanswered goals for the 6-5 final. Vince Bellissimo scored the game-winning goal and added two assists to pace the Florida offense.
Saturday, Dec. 16
Augusta 3 vs. Charlotte 5
Augusta scored twice on markers from Sean Blanchard and Mike Erickson to stake the Lynx to a 2-0 lead Saturday night, but Charlotte scored five of the game's final six goals to surge back for a 5-3 victory. Ryan Lang scored the other goal in the game for Augusta, his fifth in three games against the Checkers this season.
Teddy Bear Toss!
The Lynx would like to thank all fans who contributed to the Teddy Bear Toss on Saturday night, as the Lynx collected over 300 stuffed animals to hand out to local charities and hospitals. We look forward to continuing to give back to the CSRA community!
$5 Mezzanine Seats Dec. 22 and 27
The Augusta Lynx are giving fans a special break this holiday season with $5 mezzanine seats on Dec. 22 and 27! To purchase the seats at this special rate, please call the Lynx office at (706) 724-4ICE Monday - Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Check out the Lynx as they face Gwinnett on the 22nd and Pensacola the following Wednesday. See you at the games!
Stocking Stuffer Packs
Here's another special holiday offer for Lynx fans and season ticket holders! If you have Lynx season tickets, you can purchase a Stocking Stuffer Pack with four lower bowl tickets plus a souvenir puck for just $20. Non-season ticket holders can buy four mezzanine seats plus a souvenir puck for $20. Pick yours up at the Lynx merchandise table at the game on December 22 against the Gwinnett Gladiators!
Lynx Radio Hour
Captain's Corner returns with Ryan Lang on the Lynx Radio hour along with head coach Bob Ferguson and Voice of the Lynx Tom Callahan tonight. The show airs live at Indigo Joe's, 3730 Wheeler Rd. in Augusta from 7-8 pm. Don't forget you receive a free non-alcoholic beverage with your Black and Blue Burger! Come bring the family out to Indigo Joe's.
Player of the Week Nomination
Shane Hynes is this week's Lynx ECHL Player of the Week nominee for the second straight week, scoring his first pro hat trick Friday against Florida and adding an assist against Charlotte on Saturday. The ECHL will announce the winners on Tuesday.
ALBC On The Road!
The Augusta Lynx Booster Club is heading to Charlotte to back the Lynx as they battle the Checkers on Saturday, December 30. The trip is $50 and includes travel to and from the contest and ticket to the game. The bus will leave from the Augusta Ice Sports Center parking lot at 2 pm on game day, returning after the contest.
For more information or to sign up, please contact Ron Russell at mal2@al-bc.org or mail checks to: Augusta Lynx Booster Club, PO Box 2324, Evans, GA, 30809. Attention: Bus Trips.
Ticket Information
Single seats may be purchased through the Lynx office at 551 Greene Street by calling (706) 724-4ICE or via all TicketMaster locations and on line at Official Ticketmaster site. Tickets for Concerts, Sports, Arts, Theater, Family, Events, more. Tickets are $18, $15, and $11, with discounts available for students, seniors, and military personnel. Fans may also still purchase full and partial season ticket plans by calling the office and speaking to a Lynx ticket representative.
The Chiefs visited North Division rival Cincinnati on Thursday and Friday and hosted the Cyclones on Saturday. The Chiefs dropped a 3-2 decision in a shootout to the Cyclones at U.S. Bank Arena on Thursday.
On Friday, Johnstown lost 7-2 at Cincinnati, with Radek Smolenak and Maxime Boisclair each contributing a goal.
The Chiefs reutrned home on Saturday to face Cincinnati for the third time in as many days, pulling out a 3-2 win in overtime, with Adam Henrich scoring the game-winning goal.
Great Performances:
Maxime Boisclair extended his point-scoring streak to thirteen games, notching an assist in Thursday's shootout loss and a goal in Friday's loss at Cincinnati. Saturday's game marked the end of Boiclair's streak, as he was held pointless for the first time since Toledo visited Johnstown on November 11.
Morgan Cey made 43-of-45 saves on Thursday night, earning a shootout loss at Cincinnati. Cey's record for the weekend was 1-0-1, as he made 25 saves in relief of Gerald Coleman on Saturday.
Last Week's Games:
Dec. 14 @ Cincinnati (2-3 SOL)
Eric Przepiorka scored his first goal as a Chief and P.J. Atherton contributed a power-play marker, but the Chiefs lost in the shootout session in their first visit to U.S. Bank Arena. Morgan Cey stopped 43-of-45 shots in regulation and overtime and three-of-five shooters in the shootout.
Dec. 15 @ Cincinnati (2-7 L)
Radek Smolenak and Maxime Boisclair each scored for Johnstown, but Cincinnati scored two goals in each of the first two periods, and three in the third period to beat the Chiefs 7-2.
Dec. 16 Vs. Cincinnati (3-2 OTW)
Radek Smolenak scored his eighth goals of the season and second in as many nights, and Doug Andress scored a power-play goal as the Chiefs took the Cyclones to overtime for the second time in three games. Geoff Waugh hit Adam Henrich with a breakaway pass in overtime and Henrich made a move to his backhand to beat Cincinnati goaltender Chad Collins as Johnstown won in overtime for the first time this season.
Chiefs Notes: Adam Henrich's goal in the extra session on Saturday evening gave the Chiefs their first win in overtime this season... Maxime Boisclair's point-scoring streak came to an end on Saturday at 13 games. During that span, Boisclair had scored 20 points (7g, 13a)... Morgan Cey went 1-0-1 on the weekend... Eric Przepiorka's goal on Thursday was his first as a Johnstown Chief...
Last Week's Transactions:
12/11- Randy Rowe loaned to Springfield (AHL).
12/11- Jean Desrochers reassigned to Johnstown from Springfield (AHL).
12/13 - Gus Katsuras placed on 3-day Injured Reserve.
12/13 - John Toffey activated off of 3-day Injured Reserve.
12/17 - Zbynek Hrdel placed on 7-day Injured Reserve.
12/17 - Ian MacLean activated off of 7-day Injured Reserve.
HOT 92.1 Morning Show
Catch your two of your favorite Johnstown Chiefs this Friday morning from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on the "Reed and Wright in the Morning Show" on Hot 92 and Hot 100! Tune in each week as the Chiefs skate through the studio with hosts Amy Wright and Johnathan Reed each week on 92.1 FM.
Chiefs Holiday Store
For all your Chiefs merchandise needs this holiday season, don't forget to stop by the Chiefs Holiday Store on the second floor of the Galleria by the Ground Round! The Chiefs Holiday Store has the entire catalog of Chiefs merchandise from hats, pucks, and mini-sticks to jerseys, t-shirts, sweatshirts, ticket vouchers, and combination packages! You can find the perfect gift for everyone on your list at the Chiefs Holiday Store!
Chiefs Community Corner
The Chiefs continue to collect food items for Food For Families, a charity that benefits local families in need. At the next home game on December 31, the first 300 fans donating a canned food item to Food For Families will receive a Chiefs Hockey puck. Food For Families thanks Chiefs fans for their generosity during the holiday season!
Chiefs Leaders
Goals: Maxime Boisclair (11)
Assists: Boisclair, Randy Rowe (19)
Points: Boisclair (30)
Penalty Minutes: Brandon Elliott (55)
Plus/Minus Rating: Adam Henrich (+6)
Game-Winning Goals: David Spina, Rowe (2)
Power Play Goals: Three Players (4)
Power Play Assists: Doug Andress (12)
Power Play Points: Andress (17)
Shorthand Goals: Brandon Elliott (1)
Shorthand Assists: Geoff Waugh, Grant Jacobsen (1)
Shorthand Points: Three Players (1)
Shootout Goals: Gus Katsuras (2)
Shootout Attempts: Boisclair, Radek Smolenak (3)
Shootout Percentage: Two Players (1.000)
Wins: Gerald Coleman (6)
OT: Morgan Cey (3)
Minutes Played: Coleman (739)
Saves: Coleman (402)
Save Percentage: Jonathan Boutin (.919)
Goals-Against Average: Boutin (3.07)
Shootout Goals Allowed: Cey (2)
Shootout Attempts Faced: Cey (10)
Power Play (percentage): 36-for-191 (18.8%)
Penalty Kill (percentage): 134-for-160 (83.8%)
This Week's Schedule
MONDAY - Dec. 18 - OFF
TUESDAY - Dec. 19 - OFF
WEDNESDAY - Dec. 20 - Practice - 3:30 P.M. - War Memorial
THURSDAY - Dec. 21 - Practice - 10:00 A.M. - War Memorial
FRIDAY - Dec. 22 - Practice - 10:00 A.M. - War Memorial
SATURDAY - Dec. 23 - @ TOL - 7:35 P.M. - Toledo Sports Arena
SUNDAY - Dec. 24 - OFF
CHIEFS RECORD AND STANDINGS
11-11-3, 25 pts., T-3rd (North Division)
Conference Rank: T-8th (American)
8-5-2 Home
3-6-1 Road
Falcons take five of six points, inch closer to first place
Your Fresno Falcons earned 1 point in an overtime loss to the Evil Bakersfield Condors on Friday, earned 2 points with a win against Las Vegas Saturday night, and earned 2 points Sunday with the win against Victoria putting the Falcons only 6 points out of first place behind Stockton. The Falcons battle Stockton this Friday and December 29th at the Save Mart Center and on December 27th and 30th in Stockton. The defending 2006 Pacific Division Champion Falcons will look to make up ground on first place Stockton these next two weeks.
Last Friday night Falcons fans raised more than $ 13,000 in gross revenue at the holiday jersey auction to benefit the American Red Cross Save A Family Campaign. The Falcons will announce a substantial donation to the Red Cross later this week. Falcons fans also generously donated food for the Community Food Bank. The total weight of the donations will be verified this week as well. The Falcons thank the fans for supporting the Jersey Auction and the Food Drive.
Freddie, the Fresno Falcons mascot returned to home ice following a makeover. Freddie made his reappearance during the first intermission of Sunday's game against Victoria entering the ice in a brand new Toyota Tundra from Bingham Toyota. It was great to see Freddie again! Welcome back Freddie! You look great!
ATTENTION ALL KIDS! JOIN THE FALCONS FOR A HOLIDAY CAROLING PARTY ON THE ICE DURING THE FIRST INTERMISSION THIS FRIDAY AGAINST STOCKTON! JOIN LOCAL SINGER AND STARBUCK's EMPLOYEE OLIVIA MAY, ALONG WITH SANTA CLAUS AND THE FALCONS PROMOTIONS TEAM FOR THIS HOLIDAY CELEBRATION FRIDAY NIGHT! The Fresno Falcons salute Starbuck's District 539 "Ribbons for Kids" Drive Benefiting Children's Hospital of Central California. There will be several Starbuck's gift baskets being raffled off throughout the game courtesy of Starbuck's District 539. ALL KIDS TICKETS AND STUDENT TICKETS FOR THIS FRIDAY'S GAME AGAINST STOCKTON ARE HALF PRICE! Tickets are on sale at the Save Mart Center and Ticketmaster. For more information call 485-PUCK!
Don't forget fans! Falcons tickets and Gift Cards make for GREAT STOCKING STUFFERS!
TWO GAMES AT U.S. BANK ARENA THIS WEEK: The Cincinnati Cyclones (12-10-1-1) play two games at U.S. Bank Arena this week (three in all) before enjoying a brief respit for the holidays. The Cyclones play Thursday (Dec. 21) at 7:30pm against Toledo. The clubs head to Toledo for Friday night's (Dec. 22) contest at 7pm. The week ends with a Saturday (Dec. 23) contest with the Wheeling Nailers at 7:30pm.
IF FRIDAY NIGHTS ARE FOR FIGHTIN', WHY IS TOLEDO HERE THURSDAY?: Elton John's song about Friday nights being for fighting leaves the question--why is Toledo coming in this Thursday night? Toledo has been whistled for 32 fighting penalties this season, second-most in the league--while the Cyclones have collected 29 of the infractions, third-most in the ECHL. The teams seem to bring out the worst in one another, having fought eleven times in four games this season. Toledo averages 24.5 penalty minutes per game, the Cyclones 24.4 minutes per game. In the four games the teams have met in thus far, 295 penalty minutes have been dished out (73.8 minutes per game--a 50.8 percent increase over the season average).
PROMOTIONS: Thursday night (Dec. 21) is another 'Thirsty Thursday', with all Pabst Blue Ribbon 12 ounce cans sold for one dollar. Saturday night (Dec. 23) is the 'Teddy Bear Toss', where fans bring new or slightly used stuffed animals to the game. Following the Cyclones first goal--fans throw the animals on the ice. Stuffed animals will be collected by members of the Cincinnati Police, Fire and EMT Dept.'s. The toys will then be used on rescue runs to comfort children.
APPEARANCES: The Cyclones have a full day tomorrow (Dec. 19). At 7:30am, Erik Johnson will join Randy and Dean at 7:45am at Warm 98FM. Following a practice from 10am-11:30am, Johnson and Head Coach Chuck Weber will serve as a guest servers at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fundraiser at The Waterfront (14 Pete Rose Pier, Covington, KY). At 2pm, approximately half the team will deliver holiday season presents to the children (see next note) at Shriners Burns Institute. At 6pm, the other half of the team will spend time with the families and children of the Cardiac Care Unit of UC Hospital.
GIVING DURING THE SEASON: The Cyclones took a vote back in November and decided that rather than give one another gifts during the holiday season--they wanted to do something different. The team chose to save funds and purchase gifts for children in need in the area. The playing group selected the
ECHL news 12/18
ECHL news 12/18
