[truebluefan]

Aces run out of time in 3-2 loss at Victoria

VICTORIA, BC - Jeff Goldie scored twice, including the game-winner, as Victoria dealt Alaska its first loss in regulation on Canadian soil, 3-2, before 4,874 Friday at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.

Alaska seemingly sleepwalked its way through the first five minutes of Friday's game, allowing a goal by Mike Stutzel from the left circle just 26 seconds into the contest and Goldie's shorthanded tally at 4:31. A minute later, Florian Iberer, in the lineup for the first time in two weeks, put the Aces on the board by rifling a one-timer from Vladimir Novak past Victoria goalie Julien Ellis, trimming the deficit to 2-1 after the opening 20 minutes.

Olivier Filion tied the game at 7:59 of the second period following a perfect entry pass from Kevin Croxton, situated directly behind the net. But Goldie struck again, this time on the power play, lifting a rebound over a prostrate Derek Gustafson 1:15 before the break, giving the Salmon Kings a 3-2 edge with 20 minutes to play.

Alaska fired 15 shots in the third period against Ellis, but the rookie goaltender held sway, fighting off three Aces power plays and finishing with 35 saves to protect the lead and win for the first time in four starts against the visitors. Alaska (17-9-1) saw its unbeaten streak end at seven games, while Victoria snapped a six-game losing skid despite being out-shot in every period and 37-18 for the game. The two teams meet tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m. AST and again on New Year's Day at Noon AST.

The Aces, who now are 11-1-2 against the Salmon Kings in Canada, open a six-game homestand with three against Utah next week, beginning Wednesday, January 3, at 7:15 p.m. Alaska has never lost in seven prior meetings with the Grizzlies at Sullivan Arena. Tickets for next week's games are now available at alaskaaces.com: Home or by calling 258-ACES.

 

[truebluefan]

Chad Collins Reassigned by Cincinnati

The Fayetteville FireAntz of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) announced today that goaltender Chad Collins has been reassigned from the Cincinnati Cyclones of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). He will fill the roster spot vacated by Dennis Canfield, who was recalled by the Dayton Bombers, also of the ECHL.

Collins, who was 0-1-1 while with Cincinnati, returned to Fayetteville yesterday and joined the club for tonight's game in Jacksonville. He is expected to start in goal for the club tonight.

The FireAntz return home for one weekend game this Saturday night, December 30th, as they take on the Jacksonville Barracudas. It's your last chance to catch the team at home in 2006. Great seats still remain and there are outstanding group rates available from the FireAntz office at (910) 321-0123.

 

[truebluefan]

Late rally pushes S-Kings past Aces, 3-2

VICTORIA, BC - The Victoria Salmon Kings scored twice in the game's final five minutes, including Milan Gajic's equalizer with 22.3 seconds left, and out-lasted Alaska 3-2 in a shootout before 4,435 Monday afternoon at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.

Perhaps as a result the early afternoon start (1:00 p.m. local time), the first two periods saw a paucity of scoring chances, with each team managing just six shots in the opening 20 minutes. The Aces successfully converted an early power play chance as their ECHL All-Star Game representatives, Kevin Croxton and Julian Talbot, hooked up for Talbot's 11th goal of the year at 2:54 of the opening frame. The teams slogged their way through a scoreless second period, with Alaska allowing Victoria just four shots on net against goaltender Isaac Reichmuth.

Joe Talbot scored what appeared to be an insurance goal at the time, with 7:22 remaining in regulation, marking his first of the season and a seemingly secure 2-0 advantage. But Matt Kelly gave the Salmon Kings life by pouncing on a rebound with 4:21 to play, and Victoria forced overtime when Gajic was able to muscle a loose puck in front inches over the goal line in the game's final minute with the extra attacker.

The Salmon Kings failed to capitalize on a couple of power play chances in overtime, when they fired seven of their 23 shots on goal. In the shootout, Gajic and Alaska's Olivier Filion scored before Wes Goldie registered the game-winner in the fourth round. The Aces leave town with three points of a possible six, and at 18-9-2 overall, lead the West Division by four points over second-place Idaho.

Alaska travels tomorrow and returns to action Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. against Utah in the opener of a three-game series and a six-game homestand, including three more games against Victoria the weekend of January 12-14. The Aces and Grizzlies, meanwhile, will continue their series Friday and Saturday night at 7:15 p.m. Tickets for this week's games are now available at alaskaaces.com: Home or by calling 258-ACES.

 

[truebluefan]

Lynx make serveral transactions prior to weekend action

Augusta, GA - On the heels of a major five player swap between the Anaheim Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks, the Augusta Lynx announced a bevy of player transactions before this weekend's home and home series with the Charlotte Checkers.

The trade saw Anaheim acquire goaltender Sebastien Caron and forwards Chris Durno and Matt Keith from the Blackhawks in exchange for forward Pierre Parenteau and defenseman Bruno St. Jacques.

Beginning with moves in net, Dave McKee has been recalled to the Ducks in the wake of injuries to Sebastien Giguere and Ilya Bryzgalov, and will be with the team when they face the Carolina Hurricanes tonight in Raleigh, NC. With Caron heading out of the Chicago organization, the Blackhawks have recalled Mike Brodeur to the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League. Finally, the Ducks have assigned goaltender Nathan Marsters to the Lynx for this weekend's action.

Also recalled from Augusta are forward J.B. Bittner and defenseman Nathan Saunders to Portland.

This will be McKee's second stint with the Ducks this season, where he has dressed as a backup before but has not played. With Augusta this season he is 10-8-0 with a 3.87 GAA and .887 save percentage. Brodeur is 2-0-0 with a shutout this season in Augusta, compiling a 2.00 GAA and .905 save percentage. Originally selected by Chicago in the 7th round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, this will be his second time with the Admirals after appearing in just one game in 2004-05.

Marsters returns to the Lynx for the second time this season, recording a 4-3 shootout win against Pensacola back on November 24 in his only game with the club this year. With Portland Marsters is 2-2-1 with a 3.35 GAA and .869 save percentage.

Bittner leaves the Lynx as the team's third leading scorer, notching 11 goals and 30 points in 30 games with the team thus far. Bittner is tied for third on the team with five power play goals and third with 11 power play points. Saunders has appeared in 26 games with the Lynx this year, scoring once and adding six assists.

The Lynx will head to Charlotte to battle the Checkers on Saturday night at 7:30 pm before returning home to host a BLACK AND BLUE BASH on New Year's Eve at 7:35 pm! A free after party for everyone at the game will feature live music by Edison Project and ELVIS! Plus contests, prizes for best Lynx dressed, cash bar, and a free buffet at midnight for everyone in attendance. Call (706) 724-4ICE to purchase seats, or visit any TicketMaster location and shop on line at Official Ticketmaster site. Tickets for Concerts, Sports, Arts, Theater, Family, Events, more.

 

[truebluefan]

Lynx score four short-handed goals in second to king Checkers

Augusta, GA - The Augusta Lynx set a potential ECHL record with four shorthanded goals in one period against the Charlotte Checkers en route to a 5-2 victory New Year's Eve at the James Brown Arena.

Whipping the crowd into a bigger and bigger frenzy with each marker, the Lynx would score four times while shorthanded in the second period to turn a 2-0 deficit into a 4-2 advantage.

Louis Goulet scored twice at 5:01 and 17:39 of the frame, with his second goal going for the game winner. Dirk Southern and Mike Erickson also tallied with Augusta a man down, with Goulet and Erickson scoring 51 seconds apart to end the period.

Jamie Johnson tacked on an empty net goal late in the third period for a 5-2 final.

In the first period, Charlotte scored twice within a span of 1:56 to grab a 2-0 lead. Blake Bellefeuille scored his tenth goal of the year at 5:51 to start things off, followed by a Jan Vodrazka point blast over the right shoulder of Dave McKee at 7:45. Nate Gillies picked up an assist on the goal for his fourth point in the last two games against Augusta. McKee was at his best over the final two periods, stopping all 21 shots fired in the final 40 minutes, some in spectacular fashion. He would finish with a total of 32 saves to earn his 11th win of the year.

The Lynx finished the game with 23 shots on Chris Holt, who took the loss for Charlotte. Augusta went 0-for-4 on the power play while Charlotte finished 0-for-7.

Augusta returns to action in the New Year with a game on January 4 at 7:35 pm as the Gwinnett Gladiators come to town. Tickets for all remaining Lynx home games are on sale now via the team office at 551 Greene St. by calling (706) 724-4ICE, through all TicketMaster locations, and on line at Official Ticketmaster site. Tickets for Concerts, Sports, Arts, Theater, Family, Events, more.

 

[truebluefan]

Condors Fall to Steelheads Third Period Rally, 5-3

Boise, Idaho - The Bakersfield Condors had the lead after two periods, but the Idaho Steelheads scored three in the third to beat them, 5-3, in front of 4,376 at Qwest Arena.

The Condors (16-9-2) struck first with the man- advantage. After controlling the puck at the point, Brett Lutes found Joel Irving behind the net, and he fed Kevin St. Jacques who jammed it past Steve Silverthorn for his ninth of the year and a 1-0 lead at 11:40 of the first period.

Idaho (14-11-2) tied it up 1-1 late in the period, also on the power-play, when Kory Scoran put one past Jamie Hodson at 17:38.

Bakersfield grabbed the lead again, 2-1, early in the second period. Mike Hofstrand sent Todd Griffith on a breakaway, and the All-Star made a pretty move to the backhand and put the puck high over Silverthorn's glove hand at 3:07 for his 15th of the season.

Once again, though, the Steelheads tied it up. Colin Shields fed Greg Rallo in front, and he slid it past Hodson for the equalizer at 5:44.

But before the period ended, the Condors had seized the lead again. Griffith hit Lutes high in the slot, and Lutes buried it for his 14th of the year and a 3-2 lead at 15:12.

The lead didn't last long, though, as the Steelheads came out in the third and scored the game-tying, go- ahead and insurance goals in quick succession. At 2:26, D'Arcy McConvey put one home to make it 3- 3. At 4:46, Charlie Johnson found the back of the net to put Idaho in front for the first time all night. And McConvey capped the outburst with another one at 7:19 to provide the final margin.

To access the game's full box score click here.

Notes: Bakersfield is now 8-3-0 in the month of December. The Condors have scored a power-play goal in 16 straight games, netting 27 during that span. Bakersfield is now 14-4-0 when scoring first. Kevin St. Jacques has a nine-game point streak, netting 18 points during that span (5g, 13a). Josh Liebenow had his career-high five-game point streak snapped. Todd Griffith has seven goals in the last five games.

The Condors continue to close out 2006 on the road, with two more games against the Idaho Steelheads in Boise, Dec. 29-30. The games are slated to begin at 6:10 p.m. (PST). Bakersfield returns to The Nest Saturday, Jan. 6 for a 7 p.m. contest against the Victoria Salmon Kings. The first 2,000 children, 12-and-under, will receive a Condors backpack, courtesy of Telemundo-11 and Goodwill Industries.

You can catch all Condors games live on KGEO Hot Talk AM1230 with Jake Stevens calling all the action. The Saturday, Jan. 6 game against Victoria can also be seen live on Bright House Networks (cable channel 21). Most games this season will again be available to view courtesy of B2 Networks. Just click the "Watch the Game Live" link on the Condors home page. Live streaming for all Condors games is also available via the web site, Official Website of the Bakersfield Condors of the ECHL. For more information or to reserve ticket packages, contact the Condors office at 324-PUCK (7825).

 

[truebluefan]

Lutes Ties it Late, But Condors Lose Shootout, 4-3

BOISE, Idaho - Brett Lutes scored at 17:02 of the third period to tie the game, but the Bakersfield Condors ultimately fell to the Idaho Steelheads in a shootout, 4-3, in front of 4,445 at Qwest Arena.

Idaho (15-11-2 = 32) broke on top quickly, scoring just 2:26 into the contest. On the power-play, after Danny Taylor stopped a shot by Kory Scoran, Charlie Johnson poked in the rebound to make it 1-0.

Midway through the period, the Steelheads doubled their lead, when Tuomas Mikkonen took a feed from Taggart Desmet and slid the puck past Taylor.

Bakersfield (16-9-3 = 35) responded with a strong second period. For the 17th consecutive game, they scored on the power-play, as Lutes and Kevin St. Jacques teamed up to send Todd Griffith in on a break, and the rookie All-Star beat Steve Silverthorn for his 16th of the season to cut the deficit to 2-1 just 1:03 in.

Shortly thereafter, at 4:50, David Kudelka's blast from the point went wide, but it came hard off the backboards right to Sean Venedam, and the Condors captain buried it to tie the game at 2-2.

But the Steelheads recaptured the lead on the power-play at 15:10 of the second, when Marty Flichel took a centering pass and stuffed it in the net for a 3-2 Idaho lead, and setting up Lutes' heroics.

Notes: Bakersfield is now 8-3-1 in the month of December. The Condors have scored 28 power-play goals during the 17-game streak. Bakersfield is now 0-4-2 when trailing after two periods. Kevin St. Jacques has a ten-game point streak, netting 19 points during that span (5g, 14a). Todd Griffith has eight goals in the last six games.

The Condors close out 2006 with another game against the Idaho Steelheads in Boise, Saturday, Dec. 30, at 6:10 p.m. (PST). Bakersfield returns to The Nest Saturday, Jan. 6 for a 7 p.m. contest against the Victoria Salmon Kings. The first 2,000 children, 12-and-under, will receive a Condors backpack, courtesy of Telemundo-11 and Goodwill Industries.

You can catch all Condors games live on KGEO Hot Talk AM1230 with Jake Stevens calling all the action. The Saturday, Jan. 6 game against Victoria can also be seen live on Bright House Networks (cable channel 21). Most games this season will again be available to view courtesy of B2 Networks. Just click the "Watch the Game Live" link on the Condors home page. Live streaming for all Condors games is also available via the web site, Official Website of the Bakersfield Condors of the ECHL. For more information or to reserve ticket packages, contact the Condors office at 324-PUCK (7825).

 

[truebluefan]

Condors Close Out 2006 with 5-3 Loss to Steelheads

The Bakersfield Condors rallied for two goals in the third period, but couldn't come all the way back, and lost 5-3 to the Idaho Steelheads, in front of 4,709 at Qwest Arena.

The Condors (16-9-3, 35 points) pressured from the opening face-off and were rewarded at the 7:21 mark when Scott Balan blasted one past John Daigneau for his first goal of the year.

But Idaho (15-11-2, 32 points) came back just 1:23 later, as on the power-play, Lance Galbraith sent a beautiful cross-ice feed to Darrell Hay who one-timed it past Danny Taylor to tie the game at one.

The Steelheads scored again late in the period to take the lead. Taylor stopped a breakaway by Tuomas Mikkonen, but D'Arcy McConvey tucked home the rebound to make it 2-1 Idaho.

The second period was all Steelheads. Galbraith scored twice to make it 4-1, and then McConvey added his second of the night to make it 5-1.

Bakersfield tried to rally in the third, as Josh Liebenow scored at 5:08 and then again on the power-play at 16:59, but couldn't get any closer. The goal with the man- advantage extended the team's streak to 18 games, and 29 goals in that span.

To access the game's full box score click here.

Notes: Bakersfield finished the month of December with a record of 8-4-1. The Condors went 1-3-1 in their last five. The Condors are now 0-4-2 when trailing after two periods. Kevin St. Jacques had his ten-game point streak snapped and Brett Lutes had his six- game point streak ended as well. Joel Irving's assist on Balan's goal extended his point streak to five-games.

The Condors first game in 2007 will be a road game in Las Vegas on Friday, Jan. 5 at 7:05 p.m. Bakersfield returns to The Nest Saturday, Jan. 6 for a 7 p.m. contest against the Victoria Salmon Kings. The first 2,000 children, 12-and-under, will receive a Condors backpack, courtesy of Telemundo-11 and Goodwill Industries.

You can catch all Condors games live on KGEO Hot Talk AM1230 with Jake Stevens calling all the action. The Saturday, Jan. 6 game against Victoria can also be seen live on Bright House Networks (cable channel 21). Most games this season will again be available to view courtesy of B2 Networks. Just click the "Watch the Game Live" link on the Condors home page. Live streaming for all Condors games is also available via the web site, Official Website of the Bakersfield Condors of the ECHL. For more information or to reserve ticket packages, contact the Condors office at 324-PUCK (7825).

 

[truebluefan]

Condors Power-Play Goals Streak Reaches 18 Games

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Bakersfield Condors ran their consecutive games with a power- play goal streak to 18 this past week, but struggled on the road in Idaho, going 0-2-1. The Condors lost 5-3 Thursday, 4-3 in a shootout Friday, and 5-3 Saturday. They are 16-10-3 on the season, and their 35 points has them just six points out of first place in the Pacific Division.



The Condors open 2007 with a 7:05 p.m. game in Las Vegas on Friday, January 5th, and then return to The Nest this Saturday, January 6, 2007, and it's Backpack Giveaway.

Overall Record: 16-10-3 (35 points)
Last Week: 0-2-1

THIS WEEK (ALL TIMES PACIFIC)
Friday, Jan. 5 @ Las Vegas (7:05 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 6 vs Victoria (7 p.m.)

WEEK IN REVIEW:

Thursday, Dec. 28:
CONDORS 3 @ Idaho 5 (Attendance: 4,376)
Bakersfield led 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2, but gave up three goals in the third period and lost to the Steelheads. Brett Lutes had a goal and two assists.

Friday, Dec. 29:
CONDORS 3 @ Idaho 4 SO (Attendance: 4,445)
The Condors tied it up late when Lutes scored with just 2:58 remaining, but fell in the shootout. Todd Griffith scored his eighth goal in the last five games.

Saturday, Dec. 30:
CONDORS 3 @ Idaho 5 (Attendance: 4,709)
Bakersfield spotted the Steelheads a 5-1 lead after two periods, rallied with two goals in the third, but fell short again in Boise. Scott Balan had his first goal of the season and an assist.

PLAYER NOTES:

Joel Irving has a six-game points streak, and nine points (3g, 6a) during that span
Griffith has eight goals in his last seven games
David Kudelka was activated from the 30-day IR on Thursday, Dec. 28
Kevin Truelson was placed on the 3-day IR on Thursday, Dec. 28
Shawn Thompson was activated from the 7-day IR on Friday, Dec. 29
Andrew Oke was placed on the 7-day IR on Friday, Dec. 29
Scott Borders remains on the 30-day IR
TEAM NOTES:

The Condors are 9-6-0 at home this season
The Condors are 7-4-3 on the road this season
The Condors have scored at least one power-play goal in 18 straight games and have 29 power-play goals during that span
The Condors are 14-5-0 when scoring the first goal, including 6-2-0 on the road
The Condors are 11-3-0 when they lead after the first period, including 5-0-0 on the road
The Condors are 11-4-0 when they lead after the second period, including 4-1-0 on the road
PROMOTIONAL NOTES:

The Condors return to The Nest on January 6, 2007, and it's Backpack Giveaway. The first 2,000 children, 12 & under, will receive a Condors backpack courtesy of Telemundo-11 and Goodwill Industries.

BROADCAST INFO:
You can catch all Condors games live on KGEO Hot Talk AM1230 with Jake Stevens calling all the action. Most games are also available to view courtesy of B2 Networks. Just click the "Watch the Game Live" link on the Condors home page. Live streaming for all Condors games is also available via their web site, Official Website of the Bakersfield Condors of the ECHL. For more information or to reserve ticket packages, contact the Condors office at 324-PUCK (7825).

LEAGUE LEADERS:
Bakersfield - 88,086 Total Attendance (3rd)
Bakersfield - 5,872 Average Attendance (3rd)
Bakersfield - Overall Penalty Killing 85.2% (7th)
Bakersfield - Home Penalty Killing 86.7% (T-4th)
Griffith - 16 goals (2nd among rookies)
Griffith - 27 points (4th among rookies)
Josh Liebenow/Sean Venedam - 3 Game- winning goals (T-7th)
Griffith/Andrew Ianiero/Kevin St. Jacques - 2 Shootout goals (T-3rd)
Jamie Hodson - 12 Wins (T- 5th)

Individual game tickets are now on sale and may be purchased through the Rabobank Arena Box Office, which is open from 10am - 6pm Monday through Friday and 10am - 4pm on Saturday with extended hours on game days. Tickets may also be purchased by phone through at 322-2525, online at Official Website of the Bakersfield Condors of the ECHL, or at any Ticketmaster location

Season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available at the Condors office located at 1001 Truxtun Avenue or by calling at 324-PUCK (7825).

 

[truebluefan]

Bahensky, Constant & Jessiman to Charlotte

Hartford: Hartford Wolf Pack general manager/head coach Jim Schoenfeld announced today that the Wolf Pack have loaned forward Zdenek Bahensky and defenseman Ryan Constant to the Charlotte Checkers of the ECHL. Additionally, right wing Hugh Jessiman has been reassigned to Charlotte.

Bahensky, 20, has registered three goals and three assists for six points in 25 games with Charlotte this season, along with 43 penalty minutes. An AHL rookie, the forward has played in four games for the Wolf Pack since the start of this season, with no points or penalty minutes.

In 27 games with Charlotte this season, Constant has registered two goals and 11 assists for 13 points and 30 penalty minutes. The defenseman has played in three games for the Wolf Pack this season, registering no points or penalty minutes.

Jessiman, 22, has skated in 25 games with the Pack this season, registering one goal and four assists for five points, along with 23 penalty minutes.

The Wolf Pack return to action tonight, hosting the Manchester Monarchs at home (7:00 PM faceoff). This is another Wolf Pack tenth anniversary commemorative giveaway night. The first 5,000 fans into the game will receive a commemorative Wolf Pack Flag and will also be treated to an in-game concert sponsored by Radio Disney featuring the Jonas Brothers, the Truth Squad and Nothing but Strings. The Pack will wrap up the week with a road trip to Portland tomorrow to face the Pirates (5:35 PM start).

Individual tickets for Wolf Pack games are on sale now at the Hartford Civic Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations. Tickets may also be charged by phone at (860) 525-4500, (203) 744-8100, (203) 624-0033 or (413) 733-2500 or online at Official Ticketmaster site. Tickets for Concerts, Sports, Arts, Theater, Family, Events, more. Season tickets, five, 10 and 20 game packages and group tickets are also available. Contact 860-548-2000 for more details.

 

[truebluefan]

No Years Eve celebration for Checkers

(Augusta, Georgia - Sunday, December 31) The Charlotte Checkers were cruising early in the second period of their New Year's Eve encounter with the August Lynx. The Checkers were enjoying a two-goal lead and two early-period power-play opportunities when the roof suddenly caved in.

Augusta scored four short-handed goals in the second period and then added an empty-net goal in the final period for a 5-2 victory over Charlotte Sunday night at James Brown Arena in Augusta, Georgia. The Lynx' Louis Goulet scored twice including the game winner to lead Augusta, and goalie David McKee settled down in the final two periods to earn his eleventh victory. Dirk Southern, Mike Erickson and Jamie Johnson also notched single tallies for the Lynx.

Charlotte goals came from Blake Bellefeuille and Jan Vodrazka, with Checkers goalie Chris Holt suffering the loss yielding four goals on 24 Augusta shots. The loss was Charlotte's fourth in its last five games, while the win was Augusta's third in its last four contests.

The Lynx' four short-handed goals in the second period included three goals in a 4 minute, 47 second span, two unassisted goals, and two goals on the same Charlotte power play.

"We had some problems in our own end and couldn't get the puck deep into their end on our power plays," commented Checkers forward Zdenek Bahensky. "I really don't think we played that badly overall. Another problem we had tonight was our shooting accuracy. We didn't hit the target as much as we would have liked."

The Checkers (16-13-1 for 23 points) started fast with two goals in the game's first eight minutes. Bellefeuille scored at 5:51 of the first period off an assist from Dan Murphy for a 1-0 Charlotte advantage. Two minutes later Vodrazka blasted home a Murphy rebound for a 2-0 Charlotte lead. The Checkers controlled the first period while limiting Augusta (15-17-0 for 30 points) to only four shots.

Five minutes into the second period with Charlotte on the power play, Holt went to the corner to play the puck and then cleared it up the boards. Unfortunately for the Checkers, Holt could not clear the puck past a fore checking Goulet. With Holt scrambling to get back in the net, Goulet fired the puck into the open Charlotte goal to cut the Checkers lead to 2-1. Another puck bobble by Holt and some miscommunication with his defense led to Southern's shorty at 13:43 which tied the game at 2-2. Two more Augusta goals in a 51 second span gave the Lynx a 4-2 second-period advantage.

The Lynx tightened up their defense in the third period, keeping Charlotte off the scoreboard and also netting an empty-net insurance goal. Needing two goals to tie the game, Charlotte coach Derek Wilkinson pulled Holt for a sixth attacker with a minute and a half to go in the game. Johnson found the empty net for Augusta with 1:25 left to seal the 5-2 victory.

The Checkers return to action Tuesday at Charlotte Bobcats Arena to host the Columbia Inferno at 7:00 p.m.

CHECKERS SUNDAY NIGHT SCRATCHES: Dusty Jamieson and Lee Falardeau. FOR BOXSCORE CLICK: ECHL - Premier 'AA' Hockey League

Tickets for all Checkers home games can be purchased on the official team web site at The Official Site of The Charlotte Checkers :, on the telephone by using a credit card and calling 1-800-495-2295, or by visiting the Charlotte Bobcats Arena box office.

 

[truebluefan]

Checkers finish week 1-2-0

CHARLOTTE, NC - The Charlotte Checkers went 1-2-0 last week at they lost to South Carolina and defeated Augusta at home and lost on the road to Augusta Sunday night. Bruce Graham and defenseman, Jan Vodrazka led the team in scoring with two goals each for the week. Nathan Gillies put up 3 points Saturday night against Augusta with a game-winning goal and two assists. Spirits are elevated in Charlotte with the return of Ryan Constant and Zdenek Bahensky from Hartford. The Wolf Pack also reassigned, Right Wing, Hugh Jessiman who will skate in his first Checkers game this season on Tuesday night.

CHECKERS THIS SEASON

16-13-1, 33 pts

LAST WEEK

1-2-0, 2 pts

Thursday, December 28, 2006 vs. South Carolina, L, 4-3 The Charlotte Checkers lost to the South Carolina Stingrays in a close thriller at home at St. Lawrence Homes Home Ice at Charlotte Bobcats Arena. The Checkers rallied late in the game but came up short losing to the Stingrays 4-3. Bruce Graham led the Checkers in scoring with 2 goals and 1 assist for the evening.

Saturday, December 30, 2006 vs. Augusta, W, 4-3 The Charlotte Checkers scored late in the third period to defeat the Augusta Lynx 4-3 Saturday night at St. Lawrence Homes Home Ice at Charlotte Bobcats Arena. Nathan Gillies led the Checkers in scoring with one goal and 2 assists on the evening.

Sunday, December 31, 2006 vs. Augusta, L, 5-2 The Charlotte Checkers were cruising early in the second period of their New Year's Eve encounter with the August Lynx. The Checkers were enjoying a two-goal lead and two early-period power-play opportunities when the roof suddenly caved in.

GAMES THIS WEEK Tuesday, January 2, 2007 vs. Columbia Inferno, 7:00 ET Friday, January 5, 2007 @ Florida Everblades, 7:30 ET Saturday, January 6, 2007 @ Florida Everblades, 7:30 ET

CHECKERS NEWS

- Bruce Graham is 3rd in the league with 19 goals.

- Jamieson is 7th in the league with 3 game winning goals.

- Alex Westlund is 9th in the league with a Save Percentage of .918

- Chris Holt is 13th in the league with 10 wins.

*indicates Rookie

CHECKERS LEADERS

Goals: Graham, Bruce (19)

Assists: Bellefeuille, Blake (13)

Points: Graham, Bruce (29)

Plus/Minus: Bellefeuille, Blake and Potter, Corey(0)

PIM: Nightingale, Adam (78)

Wins: Holt, Chris (10)

GAA: Westlund, Alex (2.86)

Save Pct.: Westlund, Alex (.918)

CHECKERS BROADCAST INFO

Tune into all Charlotte Checkers away games as they broadcast on TEAMLINE. Fans can click the TEAMLINE logo on the Checkers website, The Official Site of The Charlotte Checkers :, or listen on the phone at 800-846-4700, code 2820. Fans can also watch several games this season on the B2 Network. Click the B2 Network logo on the Checkers website to view a list of available games as well as watch the game live. On the web or on the phone, listen as the voice of the Checkers, Tim Donelli, brings you all of the Checkers action.

 

[truebluefan]

Cincinnati Cyclones Weekly

COMING UP: The Cincinnati Cyclones (15-12-1-1) play two home games this week (Friday and Saturday v. Reading) and one on the road (Sunday at Toledo). The Cyclones begin the week tied for first place in the North Division of the American Conference of the ECHL.

VIEW FROM THE TOP: The Cyclones are tied for first place in the North Division--moving into the top spot on Saturday, Dec. 23. It is the first time since Nov. 3 that the club was in first place (20 games ago). Since moving into the top spot--the club has not been out of first place since then.

PROMOTIONS: This weekend (Jan. 5 and 6)--the Cyclones have two of their biggest promotions of the season. That weekend, the Reading Royals are in for 7:30pm games both nights. Friday (Jan. 5)--it is Rich Franklin Night, when the UFC champion visits. Saturday (Jan. 6)--Denny Hamlin, NASCAR's Rookie of the Year, stops by. Fans will have the chance to be chosen to meet these celebrities. For fans who do not want to leave meeting the guests by chance--there is a special dinner that they can purchase tickets to and be assured of spending time with them.

ABOUT LAST WEEK: The Cyclones split a pair of games last week. On Wednesday (Dec. 27), the club dropped a 5-4 decision at Wheeling. Despite a pair of goals from Cory Urquhart and a pair of assists from Conrad Martin, the club came up short in the verdict. Thursday night (Dec. 28), Cincinnati picked up a 4-3 shootout win at Dayton. Urquhart had a goal and two assists and Jean-Michel Daoust ad a pair of assists in regulation time and had the lone goal of the shootout. The win was goaltender Cedrick Desjardins sixth win in the past seven games.

SORRY TO SEE IT END: The Cyclones won eight games in December, the most since claiming the same number of wins during March 2003. Cincinnati went 8-4-1 during December 2006.

DAOUST CONTINUES PRODUCTION: Forward Jean-Michel Daoust has a five-game point scoring streak, collecting four goals and five assists for nine points. Daoust also registered the game winning goal in the shootout in the 4-3 win at Dayton on Dec. 28. Jean-Michel has been a partof nine of the last 20 goals scored by the team (45 percent).

COMEBACK KIDS: The Cyclones trailed Dayton, 2-0, in the last game (Dec. 28) and rallied with a 4-3 shootout victory. It was the sixth come from behind victory for the club this season and the first when trailing a game by two goals.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...: Wednesday (Jan. 3) is defenseman Jon Gleed's 23rd birthday. The rookie defenseman from Milton, Ontario had a two-goal game in the 5-2 win over Toledo on Dec. 21.

DEITSCH FINDS TOUCH: Cyclones forward Jason Deitsch has goals in nine of the last twelve games and is second on the club in scoring with 28 points (15-13-28).

MY FAVORITE MARTIN: Cyclones defenseman Conrad Martin broke a 21 game pointless streak with an assist vs. Wheeling on Dec. 23. It marked two moths to the day since Martin last registered a point. Conrad began a new trend with that assist. He has extended it nto a three-game point scoring streak, highlighted with his first multiple assist game of his career at Wheeling on Dec. 27.

ROLLIN', ROLLIN', ROLLIN'--KEEP THOSE CYCLONES ROLLIN'...: The Cyclones take a nine game (8-0-1) unbeaten strek on home ice into Friday's game with Reading. The club has not lost in regulation time at home since a 3-0 defeat by Dayton on Nov. 16. It ties the franchise record for consecutive games unbeaten at home. From Nov. 20, 2002 through Dec. 21, 2002, the Cyclones went 8-0-1.

BEST OF TIMES, WORST OF TIMES: Since the Cyclones lost a season-worst five consecutive games from Nov. 4-16, the club has bounced back with an 11-5-2 record over the next 18 games (.667 winning percentage).

QUICK HITS: Tonight is Jean-Michel Daoust's 100th professional game...Goaltender Cedrick Desjardins ranks fifth in the ECHL in goals against average at 2.42...That goals against average is the best among rookies in the ECHL...Desjardins three shutouts are most in the ECHL as well...Forward Torry Gajda ranks seventh among rookies in the ECHL in scoring with 21 points...Gajda's 102 shots are fourth-most among rookies...Cory Urquhart's 31 points are 16th most in the ECHL and his 143 shots on goal are the most in the league...Defenseman Chad Starling's +12 plus/minus rating is fifth-best among rearguards in the ECHL...The Cyclones lead the league in penalty killing at 86.8 percent...Cyclones are 13-6-1 when Urquhart has a point...Cincinnati is 12-5-1 when Daoust has a point...Cyclones have been disadvantaged by two men for 27:26 this season...Cincinnati is 6-1-1 when not allowing a power play goal.

DESJARDINS SELECTED TO ALL-STAR GAME: The Cincinnati Cyclones received word that goaltender Cedrick Desjardins has been named to the American Conference All-Star Team, from the ECHL office. The All-Star Game will be played at Qwest Arena in Boise, Idaho on Wednesday, January 17th at 9pm (ET). Desjardins will also participate in the skills challenge the night before. He is the first Cyclones goaltender to be selected to the ECHL All-Star Game. He is the third netminder in the history of this franchise to be selected. Sandy Allan went, representing the Louisville RiverFrogs to the 1997 event (allowing one goal and stopping 10 shots in half of a game). Alain Morissette was the other to go, also representing Louisville--getting the win in the 1996 event (allowing four goals and stopping 12 shots in half of the game).

DICKMANN'S MONDAY NIGHT!: On Mondays, Head Coach Chuck Weber and selected players will be at Dickmann's Sports Cafe (479 Orphanage Rd., Ft. Wright, KY) from 7-8pm. A two week respit is coming from the show during the holidays--but the entertaining program will resume on Monday, January 8.

Cincinnati Cyclones : Cyclones-Hockey.com The most up-to-date information and broadcast of the games can be found on our website Cincinnati Cyclones : Cyclones-Hockey.com.

 

[truebluefan]

Toronto Recalls Three Inferno Players

COLUMBIA, SC (December 28, 2006) - Columbia Inferno head coach Troy Mann announced today that the Toronto Marlies have recalled centers Mac Faulkner, Chris St. Jacques and right winger Luke Fulghum.

Faulkner, 6'1, 205 pound forward, has played in 27 games for the Inferno this season, scoring 11 goals, eight assists for 19 points. This is his second stint in the American Hockey League. Faulkner played in five games during the 2005-06 season with the Binghamton Senators scoring no points and four penalty minutes.

St. Jacques heads to Toronto for his first call-up this season. He currently is ranked ninth in scoring for the Inferno with three goals and nine assists in 27 games. Last season, he played 20 games for the Marlies, netting one goal and three assists.

Fulghum, the Colorado Springs, Colorado native is ranked third in scoring for the Inferno has played in 27 games netting eight goals and 12 assists for 20 points. He appeared in 15 games for the Marlies last season scoring three goals and one assist including 15 penalty minutes.

The Columbia Inferno are proud affiliates of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL and the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. Season tickets are still available at 803.256.PUCK. For individual tickets, call 251-2222 or visit the Carolina Coliseum Box office.

 

[truebluefan]

Inferno Acquire Scott Sheppard From Trenton

COLUMBIA, S.C. (December 28, 2006) - Head Coach Troy Mann announced that the Columbia Inferno have traded defenseman Chris Barr to the Trenton Titans in exchange for right winger Scott Sheppard.

Sheppard, 5'11, 190 pound Selkirk, Ontario native played in 20 games for the Trenton Titans, scoring four goals and eight assists with 12 penalty minutes. Prior to joining the ECHL, he played two seasons with the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs on the Central Hockey League. He represented the Mudbugs in the 2005-06 CHL All-Star game and was named a finalist for the 2005 CHL Rookie of the Year Award. He has played 23 games with the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League during his last two season.

"This is a trade that should work out well for both clubs," commented Mann. "You have to give something to get something in the league, and we have a need for forwards right now. Chris has been the consummate professional for us here, and we wish him well. We are pleased to be able to bring in a former CHL All-Star in Sheppard, and expect him to fit in to our offense nicely."

Barr, the Nipawan, Saskatchewan native played in all 28 games this season with the Inferno netting one goal and two assists. During his rookie year in the 2005-06 season with the Reading Royals he appearing in 54 games scoring two goals and eight assists before being traded to the Inferno in March 2006. He played in nine games for Columbia last year, scoring one goal and four assists. He also spent time in the American Hockey League with the Manchester Monarchs and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the 2005-06 season.

The Inferno hosts the South Carolina Stingrays on Saturday, December 30th at 7:05pm. Tickets are available starting at 5:30pm at the Carolina Coliseum Box Office the night of the game. For group or partial game packages contact the Inferno office at 256-7825.

 

[truebluefan]

Inferno Weekly

THE WEEK

THAT WAS:

Weekly Record: 2-0-0-0

Wednesday, December 27th

INFERNO 5 - Gwinnett 3

Owen Fussey scored one goal and had two assists and Mike Jarmuth had two goals to help the Inferno defeat the Gladiators. Chris St. Jacques notched his third goal of the season and Anthony Battaglia added the empty netter. Rob Gherson earned a win stopping 33 of 36 shots on goal.

Saturday, December 30th

INFERNO 5 - South Carolina 2

Mac Faulkner scored one goal and had two assists while Anthony Battaglia had three assists to help the Inferno earn their second win in a row. Jeff Miles, Mike Jarmuth, Mike Vellinga and Scott Sheppard each scored for Columbia. Rob Gherson stopped 37 of 39 shots on goal to earn his fourth win of the season.

THE WEEK THAT WILL BE:

Tuesday, January 2nd @ 7p.m.

Inferno @ Charlotte Checkers

Bobcat Arena

This is the first time the Inferno and Charlotte meet this season. Charlotte is in fifth place (16-13-0-1, 33 points) of the South Division.

Friday, January 5th @ 7:30 p.m. (CST)

Inferno @ Texas Wildcatters

Ford Arena

Texas is in first place in the South Division (20-6-2-1, 43 points). The Inferno is 0-2-0-0 against the Wildcatters this season. This is the first of three games in a row for these two teams.

Saturday, January 6th @ 7:05 p.m. (CST)

Sunday, January 7th @ 2:05 p.m. (CST)

Inferno @ Texas Wildcatters

Ford Arena

The Inferno will finish out the weekend with two more games against the Wildcatters.

TRANSACTIONS LAST WEEK:

F Luke Fulghum recalled to Toronto Marlies

C Chris St. Jacques recalled to Toronto Marlies

C Mac Faulkner recalled to Toronto Marlies and reassigned by Marlies

D Chris Barr traded to Trenton Titans

RW Scott Sheppard traded from Trenton Titans

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Thank you to all fans who participated in our "Bad Gift Night" this past Saturday. We collected many different gifts that will be donated to Sisters Care. Sisters Care is a safe-haven for battered woman. They accept donations any time and are located in Cayce.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONAL EVENTS:

Friday, January 12th: Report Card Night: Bring your report card to the box office and receive a free ticket with a paying adult. Family Night: 4 for $40 - 4 loge seats, 4 hot dogs and 4 small sodas. Service Industry Night - If you work for a restaurant, bar, hotel or any other part of the service industry call the Inferno office today to find out about our special ticket price for the game.

Saturday, January 13th: Bike Giveaway: Fans have the opportunity to sign up to win a bike from Cycle Center on Harden Street.

Monday, January 15th: Martin Luther King Day: This game will have a special start time of 1 p.m.

BY THE NUMBERS:

Record: 10-15-1-3, 24 points, seventh in South Division

Home: 4-8-0-2

Road: 6-7-1-1

Most Goals: Mac Faulkner (12)

Assists: Jeff Miles (18)

Leading Scorer: Miles 28 pts (10 G, 18 A)

Power Play: 28 for 195 (14.4%), 21st in ECHL

Power Play Goals: Brad Ralph, Miles (6)

Penalty Kill: 153 of 191 (80.1%), 23rd in ECHL

Shorthanded Goals: Faulkner (1)

Game Winning Goals: Faulkner (2)

Penalty Minutes: Sawyer (68 PIM)

Goaltending: Gherson 4-10-0-1, 3.80 GAA, .882 save pct.

FEATURED PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

G Robert Gherson

2-0-0-0

.933 save percentage, 2.50 GAA

 

[truebluefan]

Bombers and local radio station want to "Give Toledo back to Michigan"

Dayton, OH- The Dayton Bombers along with 103.9 the X announced today that they will team up for a promotion called "Give Toledo Back to Michigan Night" for the Bombers game against the Toledo Storm on December 30, at 7:00 p.m. at the EJ Nutter Center.

As fans enter the building to attend the game they will be asked to sign a petition urging the governor of Michigan to annex Toledo and remove this blight on our state. All fans that sign the petition will be entered into a drawing for Blue Jackets vs Blackhawks tickets on New Years Eve in Columbus, plus other prizes from the X and the Dayton Bombers. (To be given away on the ice during intermission.)

The Bombers will play their next home game at Hobart Arena, in Troy, Ohio on Thursday, December 28, at 8:00 p.m. against the Cincinnati Cyclones. Great season ticket locations and sponsorship opportunities are still available! Individual game tickets are on sale now. For more information contact the Bombers office at 775-4747 or log on to Home Page. The Dayton Bombers are the proud affiliate to the"AAA" Syracuse Crunch of the AHL and the Columbus Blue Jackets of the NHL.

 

[truebluefan]

Royals and Bombers Join Forces To Ring In The New Year

Reading, PA - The Reading Royals and Dayton Bombers of the ECHL today announced that they will join forces to host a New Year's Day Celebration when the Royals take on the Dayton Bombers on Monday, January 1, 2007, at 4:35 pm at the Sovereign Center in Reading. The two teams will accentuate the festive mood by wearing special "tuxedo-styled" jerseys-Reading in white and Dayton in blue-which will be auctioned off for charity. The Royals' tuxedo jersey auction will take place at the Sovereign Center immediately following the game, while the Bombers will return to Dayton with their 'tuxedos' to be auctioned off following the game vs. the Wheeling Nailers on Saturday, January 6, at 7:00 p.m. at the EJ Nutter Center

The Bombers return to the Nutter Center on Saturday, December 30, at 7:00 p.m. to take on the Toledo Storm. Great season ticket locations and sponsorship opportunities are still available! Individual game tickets are on sale now.. For more information contact the Bombers office at 775-4747 or log on to Home Page. All Bombers broadcasts can be heard through B2 Networks by logging onto ECHL - Premier 'AA' Hockey League or Home Page. The Dayton Bombers are the proud affiliate to the "AAA" Syracuse Crunch of the AHL and the Columbus Blue Jackets of the NHL.

 

[truebluefan]

Bombers make number of roster moves

Dayton, OH- Dayton Bombers Head Coach and General Manager Don MacAdam announced today that the Columbus Blue Jackets of the NHL have recalled forwards Philippe Dupuis and Tim Konsorada to the "AAA" Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League. MacAdam also announced that forward Trevor Frischmon has been reassigned to Dayton by the Crunch and the Bombers have claimed forward Aaron Gill off waivers from the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL.

Dupuis, 21, has appeared in 11 games with Syracuse this season, tallying one goal and eight penalty minutes. He has appeared in seven games for the Bombers and recorded five points on three goals and two assists. His three goals all came in one game, becoming the only Bomber to record a hat trick this season, in the Bombers 5-3 win over Toledo on December 15th.

Konsorada, 22, has appeared in all 21 games for the Bombers this season. He is second on the team in scoring with his 15 points on five goals and 10 assists. He also leads the team in power play goals with four. Konsorada spent 20 games with the Crunch last season, recording five points on three goals and two assists. He was selected by the Blue Jackets in the sixth round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

Frischmon, 25, has appeared in 11 games for the Bombers this season, recording five points on two goals and three assists. He returns to the Bombers after appearing in three games for the Crunch with one assist.

Gill, 26, appeared in three games with the Steelheads and did not record a point. The 6'0",

185-pound native of Rochester, Minnesota, might be a familiar name to Bombers fans. He spent last season with the Trenton Titans of the North Division, appearing in 74 games (including playoffs) with 20 points on six goals and 14 assists.

The Bombers return to the Nutter Center on Saturday, December 30, at 7:00 p.m. to take on the Toledo Storm Great season ticket locations and sponsorship opportunities are still available! Individual game tickets are on sale now. For more information contact the Bombers office at 775-4747 or log on to Home Page. All Bombers broadcasts can be heard through B2 networks on either ECHL - Premier 'AA' Hockey League or Home Page The Dayton Bombers are the proud affiliate to the "AAA" Syracuse Crunch of the AHL and the Columbus Blue Jackets of the NHL.

 

[truebluefan]

Valiant comeback falls short in 4-2 loss to Toledo

Toledo, OH-The Dayton Bombers were defeated by the Toledo Storm 4-2 in front of 4,579 fans at the Sports Arena, in Toledo, Ohio on Friday night.

After coming from behind in the third period last night against the Cincinnati Cyclones at Hobart Arena to earn a point in a shootout loss, the Bombers were looking to extend their games played without a regulation loss streak to six against the Storm.

Entering Friday's game, the Bombers were forced to go in to Toledo with a short bench due to early morning call ups to Philippe Dupuis and Tim Konsorada. Joe Cullen was also not able to go due to flu like symptoms.

Toledo jumped out to an early 2-0 lead at home as Jeff Attard scored at the 11:09 and 17:31 marks on the power play by putting both pucks past Bombers starter Adam Berkhoel, who was making his 12th consecutive start. The Bombers had a number of chances of their own on the power play in the opening period, but Toledo starter Dominic Vicari shut the door on all eight of the Bombers shots and the Bombers were down two after the first 20 minutes.

Bombers defenseman Lane Manson tried to spark something early in the second, tussling with Storm rookie Paul Crosty less than a minute into the second period. This would be the premonition for the story of the second period, because just over nine minutes later, four Bombers and three Storm players got into an all out brawl and Bombers forward Mike Berry was given a game misconduct for being the third man in on a fight. Off of one of the fighting major penalties, Storm defenseman Gerry Burke gave Toledo a

3-0 lead again on the power play at the 13:19 mark of the second. Vicari stood tall again and for only the second time this season, the Bombers trailed by three goals after 40 minutes of action.

The Bombers began the third period with a power play and it didn't take them long to finally solve the rookie Vicari. Brent Walton snuck around the crease and flipped a shot over Vicari's shoulder on the initial power play just 34 seconds into the third period to cut the deficit to 3-1. Then just over five minutes later, Paul Kelly would score his second in as many nights, again on the power play by putting home a juicy rebound and bring the Bombers within one at 3-2 at the 5:48 mark of the second. The Bombers threw almost every puck they could at Vicari, totaling 16 of their 35 shots on goal in the third period alone, but it was not enough. Ken Magowan added an empty net goal with only 11 seconds remaining to give Toledo the 4-2 victory.

The Bombers still have not lost consecutive games this season in regulation and are now 13-7-2 on the season, 7-5-1 on the road. The Bombers and Storm will do it all over again at the EJ Nutter Center to complete a home in home series and close out the Bombers portion of the 2006 schedule at 7:00 p.m. tonight.

Great season ticket locations and sponsorship opportunities are still available! Individual game tickets are on sale now. For more information contact the Bombers office at 775-4747 or log on to Home Page. All Bombers broadcasts can be heard through B2 networks on either ECHL - Premier 'AA' Hockey League or Home Page The Dayton Bombers are the proud affiliate to the "AAA" Syracuse Crunch of the AHL and the Columbus Blue Jackets of the NHL.