[truebluefan]

Pensacola's Henley Suspended Four Games, Fined

PRINCETON, N.J. - The ECHL announced on Friday that it has suspended Pensacola defenseman Brent Henley for four games and fined him an undisclosed amount as a result of his actions in ECHL Game #269 against Charlotte on Dec. 12.

At 7:13 of the third period, Henley was assessed two major penalties for fighting, a Game Misconduct for secondary altercation and a Match Penalty for deliberately attempting to injure.

He is suspended and fined under Rule 29 Supplemental Discipline.

Henley will miss Pensacola's games at Gwinnett (Dec. 15), at Columbia (Dec. 16), vs. Texas (Dec. 22) and vs. Texas (Dec. 23).

 

[truebluefan]

Cyclones Around Cincinnati on Tuesday

CINCINNATI, Ohio - The Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL, will be active in the community on Tuesday, December 14th-making appearances all around the Queen City.

The morning begins with forward Erik Johnson appearing on the Dean and Randy Show on Warm 98 at 7:45am. The team will practice at U.S. Bank Arena from 10am-11:30am.

At 12:30pm, Cyclones Head Coach Chuck Weber and Johnson will serve as celebrity waiters at the Cycstic Fibrosis Foundation event at The Waterfront (14 Pete Rose Pier, Covington, KY).

At 2pm, half of the Cyclones team will be at the Shriners Burns Institute (3229 Burnet Ave. Cincinnati, OH). The players will be delivering gifts to the children in the facility. The Cyclones players opted to purchase gifts for children in the community versus their own holiday party. The team donated more than $600 to the cause.

At 6pm, the other half of the Cyclones squad will head to the Sabin Auditorium at Children's Hospital (3333 Burnet Ave. Cincinnati, OH), to meet with the children and families at the facility. The team will be having dinner, signing autographs and handing out Cyclones items to the assembled group.

"It's great to have our team working together with the community at this time of year," Cyclones Head Coach Chuck Weber said. "We are all very fortunate to be able to call Cincinnati home and we want to share that feeling with others who live here."

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

 

[truebluefan]

Bryan Young Assigned From Milwaukee

STOCKTON, Calif. * The Stockton Thunder, an ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers, has announced defenseman Bryan Young has been assigned to the Thunder from the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League.

Young is scheduled to make his debut with the Thunder tonight at Las Vegas and will wear jersey number 14. In addition, defenseman Eric Main has been placed on the three-day injured reserve list.

A fifth round selection of the Oilers (146th overall) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Young made his professional debut with Milwaukee this season, appearing in 16 games with two penalty minutes.

The 20-year old blueliner appeared in two preseason games with the Oilers in 2006-07 training camp, while Edmonton went 1-1-0 with Young in the lineup. He previously spent his four-year (2002-06) Ontario Hockey League junior career with the Peterborough Petes, scoring 30 points (1g-29a) with 220 penalty minutes in 186 career games, including a career-high 113 penalty minutes in 64 games in 2005-06.

Young also notched an assist in four Memorial Cup tournament games with the Petes and is reunited with former Peterborough teammate Liam Reddox.

Main, 23, has scored a goal in 10 games and posted a +5 rating with Stockton this season as a professional rookie.

The Thunder begins a four-game road trip tonight against the Las Vegas Wranglers at Orleans Arena, beginning at 7:05 p.m. The game can be heard live on the internet (free-of-charge) and is available for viewing at a $6 "pay-per-view" charge at stocktonthunder.com: Home (courtesy of B2 Networks).

The Thunder drew 228,364 fans to Stockton Arena in its inaugural season, the ECHL's best attendance mark for 2005-06. Thunder season tickets, mini-plans, group tickets and individual tickets for the 2006-07 season are on sale now. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit stocktonthunder.com: Home.

 

[truebluefan]

ECHL Transactions

Following are the ECHL transactions for Friday, Dec. 15, 2006:

CONTRACTED PLAYERS RELEASED (eligible for waivers/waiver claims)

Gwinnett:
Josh Bennett, F

Long Beach:
Chris Connole, F
Jeff Hristovski, F

OTHER TRANSACTIONS:

Augusta:
Add Mike Brodeur, G assigned by Chicago (NHL)
Add Jason Platt, D activated off IR
Add David McKee, G activated off IR
Add Aaron Slattengren, F activated off IR
Delete Brett Jaeger, G traded to Long Beach, 12/14
Delete Eric Lundberg, D placed on the 3-day IR
Delete Derrick Byfuglien, D traded to Pensacola

Columbia:
Add Anthony Battaglia, F activated off IR
Add Chris Thompson, F activated off IR
Add Tyson Marsh, D assigned by Toronto (AHL)
Add Ted Monnich, G emergency backup goaltender
Delete Todd Ford, G recalled to Toronto (AHL)
Delete Steve McJannet, F placed on the 3-day IR

Fresno:
Add John Morlang, F activated off IR
Delete Dustin VanBallegooie, D placed on the 3-day IR

Gwinnett:
Add Josh Bennett, F activated off IR

Long Beach:
Add David Walker, D activated off IR
Add Don Johnson, F activated off IR
Add Brett Jaeger, G traded from Augusta
Delete Terry Harrison, F placed on the 7-day IR 12/13

Pensacola:
Add Derrick Byfuglien, D traded from Augusta
Add Ben Gray, G signed contract
Add Curtis Ryser, G emergency backup goaltender

Phoenix:
Add Matt Smyth, D activated off IR

South Carolina:
Add Mike Mannson, G emergency backup goaltender

Stockton:
Add Bryan Young, D assigned by Milwaukee (AHL)
Delete Eric Main, D placed on the 3-day IR

Texas:
Add J.F. David, D returned from Manitoba (AHL), 12/14
Add Marco Rosa, F returned from Houston (AHL), 12/14
Add Mike Bayrack, F activated off IR, 12/14
Delete Casey Lee, F placed on the 7-day IR, 12/13

Toledo:
Add Jason Maleyko, D activated off IR
Add Mitch Maunu, D assigned by Norfolk (AHL)
Delete Richard Colwill, F traded to Wheeling

Wheeling:
Delete Sean Collins, F loaned to Philadelphia (AHL)

 

[truebluefan]

Collins Signs PTO with Philadelphia

Wheeling, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, the 'AA' affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, announce today that forward and team captain Sean Collins has signed a professional tryout contract with the Philadelphia Phantoms of the American Hockey League.

Collins is the Nailers' leading scorer and ranks second in the ECHL with 10 goals and 28 assists in 23 games.

Assistant Director of Public Relations for the Phantoms, Brian Smith, said the Phantoms hope to have Collins in the lineup tonight.

He will not play for the Nailers this weekend as they take on Reading and Dayton.

Tickets are available now by calling 304-234-GOAL, visiting the Nailers team store located at 1315 Main St. in downtown Wheeling, or online at Wheeling Nailers Hockey.

 

[truebluefan]

Dayton Bombs Toledo

(Dayton, OH) The Toledo Storm (12-8-1), looking for back-to-back road wins tonight against the Dayton Bombers (10-6-1), but were stopped 5-3 by the Bombers. Tonight's box score is available through this link Toledo vs. Dayton . The Storm will return home to battle the Reading Royals tonight at 7:35pm inside the Toledo Sports Arena.

The Storm started the game quickly as Jason Maleyko, appearing in his first Storm game since October 27th, took a shot from the top of the right circle that Ken Magowan tipped past Dayton goaltender Adam Berkhoel to give Toledo a 1-0 lead. Jeff Attard also drew an assist on Magowan's 7th goal of the season. The lead lasted for the majority of the first, until 19:46 Phillippe Dupuis slipped one past starting netminder Dominic Vicari to tie the game at 1. Before the period ran out, Dayton would add another at 19:58 when Paul Kelly followed up a Peter Pohl shot with a rebound goal to give the Bombers a one goal lead.

The Bombers took a 3-1 lead early into the second period when Dupuis scored his second goal of game stuffing a rebound past Vicari. Midway through the second, Ken Magowan lit the lamp again at 9:07 with his second deflection goal, this time off a Jon Sitko shot. Mike Walsh collected the other assist. Magowan would add his third goal of the game just 15 seconds later on a backhand shot from the right circle. For Ken it was his ninth goal of the season, Attard and Sitko drawing the assists.

The two teams played even through most of the third period. Mike Berry, traded to Dayton on Thursday, collected his seventh goal of the season at 14:23 to give Dayton a 4-3 lead. The Bombers would add an empty net goal from Dupuis, his third goal of the game, at 18:50 of the third to ice the game.

The Ken Magowan hat trick was the first one of the season for any Toledo Storm player this season. Dominic Vicari stopped 36 shots in defeat. The 40 Dayton shots were the most allowed by the Toledo Storm this season.

The Storm will return to Toledo Sports Arena on December 16th, when they will welcome in the Reading Royals at 7:35pm. Great tickets for the game are still available by calling 419-691-0200 or online at The Toledo Storm - Great Team. Great Time . Toledo Storm Hockey...Great Team...Great Time!

 

[truebluefan]

Stingrays Sink Inferno 4-2

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The South Carolina Stingrays used four separate goal scorers and a 21-save performance from goaltender Daren Machesney en route to their third consecutive victory over the Columbia Inferno with a 4-2 win at the Carolina Coliseum.

"I liked the end result," South Carolina coach Jason Fitzsimmons said. "Machesney was great tonight and answered the bell with Davis Parley out with the flu. The game wasn't kind to us though as two players, Matt Reid and Chris Chaput left the game with undisclosed injuries."

South Carolina (12-10-2, 26 points) jumped in front at the 7:23 mark on the penalty kill. Marc Busenburg, who was returned by Hershey of the American Hockey League earlier in the week, fed Stephen Werner who notched his fourth goal in three games. Cam McCaffrey also picked up an assist.

Matt Stefanishion made it 2-0 for South Carolina by depositing a centering pass from Busenburg to beat goaltender Robert Gherson at 13:50. Werner also garnered a helper.

Then on a 5-on-3 power play late in the first period, Donny Grover made a pass to Cail MacLean at the side of the Columbia net. MacLean's centering pass ricocheted off an Inferno defenseman and into the net for his eighth of the campaign. An assist also went to Busenburg, which was his third of the contest.

The Stingrays went ahead 4-0 at 12:10 of the second period. Breaking in 2-on-1, Ryan Bennett slid a pass to Cam McCaffrey, who registered his fifth goal of the year.

Columbia (7-12-4, 18 points) tried to mount a comeback in the third. Former Stingrays forward Bryson Busniuk re-directed a Derick Martin shot from the blueline to net his second goal of the year solving Machesney at 12:18. Tyson Marsh, who sent to the Inferno from the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League, also collected an assist.

Anthony Battaglia, who was playing in his first game after missing 10 straight due to injury, cut the margin to two by notching his fourth of the season from Chris Thompson and Busniuk.

South Carolina went 1-for-6 on the power play, while Columbia was 0-for-8 with the man advantage. Inferno outshot the Stingrays 36-25.

The Stingrays return home for a 7:05 p.m. on Saturday against the Florida Everblades at the North Charleston Coliseum. It's Million Dollar Chuck-A-Puck and Moe's Night sponsored by Moe's Southwest Grill.

Join Mike Kelly, "Voice of the Stingrays" for live play-by-play action, on ESPN Radio 910 The Team and online at stingrayshockey.com: Home beginning at 6:50 p.m. with the Benito's Pregame Show. Watch the game live on the web telecast for $6 each at stingrayshockey.com: Home, courtesy of B2 Networks.

Give the gift of hockey with the new Holiday Package. Purchase four upper level tickets and a T-Shirt for only $49 and upgrade your seats to the lower level for only $10 more.

Don't miss th fast-paced, action-packed, family affordable fun! Purchase your flex package today. You pick the games; you pocket the savings! Call 744-2248 to speak with a ticket sales manager.

Individual tickets can be purchased at the North Charleston Coliseum box office, by calling Ticketmaster at 554-6060 and online at Official Ticketmaster site. Tickets for Concerts, Sports, Arts, Theater, Family, Events, more.

Discounted groups tickets, birthday packages, Kids Club information and fundraiser opportunities are available by calling 744-2248 or by visiting online at stingrayshockey.com: Home. Stingrays Hockey - A Whole Lot Cooler!

 

[truebluefan]

Titans knocked down by Checkers, 5-2

CHARLOTTE, NC (December 15, 2006) - The Trenton Titans could not overcome Bruce Graham's hat trick in falling to the Charlotte Checkers, 5-2, at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena.

With the Titans trailing 3-1 heading into the third period, Jim Henkel was able to pull his team back with one at 1:02, taking a centering a pass and sweeping his sixth of the season inside the far post.

Graham would, however, put the game out of reach converting a 3-2 break 2:23 later and then complete his trick by notching a power play goal midway through the same period.

Scott Sheppard put the Titans up 1-0 4:57 into the contest when he took a home run pass from Bryan Miller and beat Alex Westlund to the top corner for his fourth of the season.

The Checkers would tie it up with under five minutes left in the frame as Nathan Gillies banged home the rebound from Ryan Constant's slapshot from the point.

Coming out of the locker for the second period, Charlotte pounced on Trenton early. Graham picked up his first goal of the night just 2:37 into stanza when Dan Murphy found him alone for a one-timer at the far circle to make it 2-1. Blake Bellefeuille added a shorthanded goal 1:23 after Graham's goal to push the Checkers' lead to two.

The Titans were outshot 44-27 with Joel Martin making 39 saves in the loss. Trenton finished 0-for-3 on the power play and 5-for-6 on the penalty kill.

The Trenton Titans have the week off before hosting the Dayton Bombers on Friday, December 22 at 7:30pm. Tune into 91.3FM-WTSR to listen to all of the Titans' action or go to TRENTON TITANS to listen or watch live courtesy of B2 Networks.

 

[truebluefan]

Cyclones Score Early, Often, In 7-2 Win Over Johnstown

CINCINNATI, Ohio - The Cincinnati Cyclones extended their home unbeaten streak to seven games (6-0-1) with a 7-2 win over Johnstown. The victory moves the Cyclones into second place in the North Division. It is the first time since November 4 that the club has been as high in the standings. Nine of the Cincinnati skaters in uniform had points in the game. Forward Barret Ehgoetz had two goals in the game-including the game winner. Sam Ftorek had a pair of third period goals as well.

A total of 13 players picked up points in the victory-as the Cyclones set a season-hgih with seven goals. It was the most goals scored in a game by a Cincinnati team since Dec. 7, 2002 in an 8-0 whitewashing of Reading at U.S. Bank Arena.

The Cyclones opened the scoring in the first period when Cory Urquhart nailed his team-leading 14th goal of the season at 6:56. Jarred Mohr and Torry Gajda collected the assists on the score. Following a goal by Johnstown's Radek Smolenak at 9:23, Cincinnati regained the lead at 14:16 when center Barret Ehgoetz tallied his fourth goal of the season. Ehgoetz scored off a faceoff with Scott Reynolds picking up the assist.

The first period was a near carbon copy of the first period from Thursday night. Cincinnati outshot the Chiefs, 20-6 in the period. Last night, the Cyclones outshot Johnstown, 21-6-but no scoring occurred in that frame.

The scoring continued in the middle period, when Ehgoetz notched his second goal of the night and fifth of the season at 7:13. Jimmy Bonneau and Matt Macdonald picked up the assists. Then, nearly four minutes later-at 10:58-forward Bonneau collected his second goal of the season, Jason Deitsch and Chad Starling added the assists.

In the third period, Ftorek added a pair of goals and Deitsch tallied scores and five players had multiple point games.

The Cyclones improve to 12-10-1, second in the North Division-one point out of first place. Johnstown is now 10-11-3 and is in fifth place in the North Division. The teams head to Johnstown for a Saturday night game (Dec. 16) at the Cambria County War Memorial. Faceoff is at 7pm.

The evening was 'Big Ben Helmet Safety Night'. The Ohio Dept. of Public Safety provided information on motorcycle safety to all in attendance, along with $50 gift certificates to The Plastic Surgery Group--and a grand prize winner took home a $500 gift certificate. Kids received Cyclones foam goalie helmets and two lucky ticket holders received Pocket Rocket motor bikes (complete with safety helmets).

The game was the middle contest of a three games in three nights stretch between the teams.

Saturday's game from Johnstown, will be broadcast on the team's website Cincinnati Cyclones : Cyclones-Hockey.com. The Cyclones return home on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7:30pm for a tilt with the Toledo Storm at U.S. Bank Arena.

Tickets for all Cyclones games can be purchased at the U.S. Bank Arena box office, all Ticketmaster outlets including select Kroger stores, charge by phone at 513-562-4949 or online at ticketmaster.com. The most up-to-date information and broadcast of the games can be found on our website Cincinnati Cyclones : Cyclones-Hockey.com.

 

[truebluefan]

Gladiators fly by Ice Pilots, 5-3

The Gwinnett Gladiators overcame a 2-0 first period deficit to knock off the Pensacola Ice Pilots 5-3 on Friday night on the Your Best Rate Financial Home Ice at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. Brad Schell finished with four points in the win for Gwinnett, which helped the Gladiators improve to 14-7-4 on the season.

Pensacola capitalized on a Gladiators defensive turnover at 7:14 of the first period to take a 1-0 lead. Sliding into the slot, Dan Sullivan ripped a snap shot past Gladiators netminder Dan Turple for the goal. Adam Taylor picked up an assist as he fed Sullivan from behind the net to set up the marker. Greg Watson also had an assist on the goal.

Rob Rankin pushed the Ice Pilots lead to two goals, rolling the puck past Turple midway through the first period. Watson had his second assist of the game as he fed Ranking in the slot for the goal at the 11:36 mark of the first period.

Gwinnett got back into the game with three straight power play goals within the first five minutes of the second period. Scott Mifsud got the Gladiators on the board just 69 seconds into the middle stanza, ripping a shot past Ice Pilots netminder Ben Gray from the slot. Brad Schell and Colton Fretter picked up the assists on the power play goal for the Gladiators.

Jon Awe's slapshot from the point just 2:18 into the second period tied the game at two goals apiece. Mifsud fed Awe at the point to set up the power play marker. Schell added his second assist of the game on the goal.

Matt York's 4th goal of the season on the power play gave the Gladiators their first lead of the game as he whacked a bouncing puck past Grey at the 4:44 mark of the second period. York found the loose puck off of Jamie Milam's initial shot and for the goal. Chad Painchaud also had an assist on the go-ahead goal.

Pensacola tied the game up in the third period on Sullivan's second goal of the night. Picking up the puck in the slot, Sullivan rolled the puck past Turple to tie the game at three. Watson and Taylor hooked up to pick up the assists on the goal 6:42 into the third period.

Gwinnett regained the lead at the 12:31 mark of the third period. Brad Schell posted his 10th goal of the season shorthanded as he tapped the puck away from an Ice Pilots defenseman along the Gladiators blue line and beat Gray on a breakaway for the unassisted marker.

Andy Contois rounded out the scoring with his 8th goal of the season, jamming the puck past Grey on the short side as he muscled his way into the Pensacola zone. Scott Lehman and Schell had the assists on the goal with just 1:49 left in the third period.

Turple finished with 22 saves for the Gladiators as Gwinnett outshot the Ice Pilots 52-25 in the win. The ECHL's top ranked power play posted three power play goals as Gwinnett went 3-for-10 on the man advantage while Pensacola went 0-for-3 on the power play.

The American Conference Champion Gwinnett Gladiators continue their fourth season on the Your Best Rate Financial Home Ice at the Arena at Gwinnett Center as they host the Charlotte Checkers on Sunday, December 17th at 4:05 p.m. The Gladiators offer several ticket packages for different needs as well as group outings, suites and birthday parties. For more information call 770-497-5100 or log on to Gwinnett Gladiators.

The Gladiators play all 36 home games on the Your Best Rate Financial Home Ice at the Arena at Gwinnett Center located on Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth and are the AA affiliate of the Atlanta Thrashers.

 

[truebluefan]

Former Condors Goalie Called-up By LA Kings

LOS ANGELES, Calif - The Los Angeles Kings have recalled (emergency basis) goaltender Yutaka Fukufuji from the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League, Kings President/General Manager Dean Lombardi announced today.

Fukufuji, 24, has not appeared in a Monarchs game this season. The 6-1, 180-pound native of Tokyo, Japan, was recalled by Manchester from the Reading Royals, the Kings/Monarchs ECHL affiliate, on November 30. He has a 3-3-0 record, a 3.19 goals- against-average and a .898 save-percentage in 10 appearances with the Royals this season.

Originally selected by the Kings in the eighth- round (238th overall) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Fukufuji is just the second player born in Japan to ever be drafted (defenseman Hiroyuki Miura was drafted by Montreal in the 11th-round, 260th overall, in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft). Fukufuji, who will wear jersey No. 33, has not appeared in an NHL game (no player born in Japan has played a game in the NHL).

Fukufuji played for Bakersfield in 2004-05 and went 27-9-5 with a 2.48 goals-against-average and .919 save-percentage. Connor James, a teammate of Fukufuji that season, was the first Condors player to get to the NHL, appearing in two games with the Kings last season.

 

[truebluefan]

'Blades win 4th straight with 6-5 come-from-behind win

AUGUSTA, GA - The Florida Everblades (16-7-0) 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 (12-14-0) on Friday night at James Brown Arena in front of a crowd of 1,980.

The Everblades jumped out to a quick lead scoring twice in the first 10 minutes, with Chris Lee notching the first goal of the night on the power play by firing a wrist shot from the slot past Augusta net minder Dave McKee just 3:41 into the contest. David Brine and Ryan Van Buskirk picked up the assists on Lee's third goal of the year. Shortly after Dustin Johner tallied a second power play goal for the 'Blades by deflecting a point shot by Chris Dyment into the net at 9:48 of the frame. Vince Bellissimo picked up the other assist on Johner's 10th goal of the season.

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 right off an offensive face off. Bellissimo picked up his second assist of the night on the tally, but Augusta responded just 22 seconds later on J.B. Bittner's ninth goal of the year to cut the lead to two.

The Lynx exploded in the second period scoring four times while out shooting the Everblades 14-5, including holding the 'Blades shot-less over the first nine minutes. Augusta trimmed the Everblades lead to 3-2 when Hynes notched the first of his three goals just one minute into the frame. The Lynx tied the game at 8:17 of the period on Jamie Johnson's 10th goal of the season, then grabbed the lead just 51 seconds later on a power play goal by Hynes at 9:08, and opened a two-goal lead as Hynes completed the hat-trick with a wrist shot from the right circle that beat Everblades goalie Craig Kowalski at 15:14. The four goal barrage was the most the Everblades allowed in one period this season.

The Everblades answered the bell in the third period with two quick goals in the first eight minutes the tacked on the eventual game-winner late to complete the come back. Johner tallied his second goal of the night with a 5-on-3 power play goal at 4:52 of the period to cut the Augusta lead to one with Frank MacDonald picking up the lone assist, then after killing off a 5-on-3 power play Bellissimo rifled a shot from the right circle that snuck through McKee with 4:10 remaining in regulation. The Lynx turned in a furious attack at the end that inclued a 5-on-3 power play with 1:14 remaining in the game. After their 30-second time out, the Lynx pulled McKee for a sixth attacker, but Kowalski made three big saves as the Everblades kept Augusta from tying the game with a solid penalty killing effort.

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.

The Florida Everblades, proud affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers, return to action on Saturday, December 16 when they take on the South Carolina Stingrays from the North Charleston Coliseum at 7:05 p.m. Florida Everblades group and individual game tickets & mini-plans are now available! Reserve your seat for all the exciting action today by calling (239) 948-7825. Visit Florida Everblades - ECHL and Germain Arena for more information on group ticket packages, pricing and upcoming Germain Arena events.

Three Stars:

1) Shane Hynes - AUG

2) Dustin Johner - FLA

3) Jamie Johnson - AUG

 

[truebluefan]

Cyclones beat Chiefs 7-2

Cincinnati, Ohio (December 15, 2006) - The Cincinnati Cyclones defeated the Johnstown Chiefs by a score of 7-2 at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati on Friday night.

Cory Urquhart opened the scoring at 6:56 of the first period, scoring on a wrist shot that beat Chiefs' goaltender Gerald Coleman along the ice.

Radek Smolenak scored just under three minutes later, when his slapshot from the red line fooled Cincinnati goaltender Cedrick

Desjardins at 9:23.

Barry Ehgoetz scored his first of the game at 14:16 of the first, ripping a one-timer off the faceoff win by Scott Reynolds. Ehgoetz scored his second of the game at 7:13 of the second, breaking in two-on-one with Jimmy Bonneau and beating Coleman on the glove side. Bonneau scored for Cincinnati at 10:58 of the second and the Cyclones led 5-1 after two periods.

Jason Deitsch scored his 11th goal of the season for Cincinnati at 6:06 of the third period, breaking in two-on-one with Greg Stewart and putting the puck in the back door behing Coleman.

Maxime Boisclair extended his point-scoring streak to 13 games with his power-play goal at 8:19 of the third, roofing the rebound of Adam Henrich's shot past Desjardins.

Sam Ftorek scored twice into an empty net for Cincinnati, sealing the victory for the Cyclones.

The Chiefs return home tomorrow to face Cincinnati at 7:00 P.M. Good seats are still available and can be purchased at the box office or by calling (814) 536-5156 or 1 (800) CHF-TIXX.

 

[truebluefan]

Bombers Win Fourth Straight at Nutter

Dayton, OH- The Dayton Bombers scored two goals in the last 12 seconds of the first period and added another in the first minute of the second period, on their way to a 5-3 victory over Toledo.

Toledo jumped out to an early 1-0 lead within the first two minutes of the opening period, on a deflection by Ken Magowan off a shot from the point. The Bombers continued to trail throughout the majority of the first until the power play came alive. Philippe Dupuis tied it at 1-1 at the 19:46 mark by scoring his first goal as a Dayton Bomber and first on the power play of the season. Then exactly 12 seconds later off the initial face off, Paul Kelly gave the Bombers a 2-1 lead with only 2 seconds remaining, firing home his second goal of the season over the glove side of Storm starter Dominic Vicari.

The Bombers continued the momentum they gathered late in the first period into the second period and at the 57 second mark, increased their lead to 3-1 on Dupuis's second of the night and second on the power play as well. Ken Magowan would single handedly tie up the game, scoring two goals in: 15 seconds at 9:07 and 9:22 to tie the game at three. Both Vicari and Bombers starter Adam Berkhoel (who was making his 7th consecutive start) kept the game deadlocked and both teams were headed to the locker room, tied at three after 40.

In the third period, the Bombers pelted Vicari over and over; putting up a season high for shots in a single period with 20, but that wasn't the highlight of the period. Mike Berry, who was acquired from Toledo Thursday, snuck behind Vicari and received a perfect pass from Yannick Tifu, then slammed it home to give the Bombers a 4-3 lead at the 14:23 mark of the third. If that wasn't enough excitement for Bombers fans, then Dupuis added am empty net goal to pick up the hat trick was. Dayton ended up out shooting Toledo 40-24 on the night en route to a 5-3 victory. The win is now the 4th straight for the Bombers at the Nutter Center.

The Bombers improve to 10-6-1 on the season and 6-2-0 at the Nutter Center. They have yet to lose back-to-back games, impressively improving to 6-0 following a loss. Next up for the Bombers will be a divisional match up in Wheeling, West Virginia against the Nailers on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

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

 

[truebluefan]

Hynes records hat trick in loss to Everblades

Augusta, GA - Despite a second period hat trick from Shayne Hynes, the Augusta Lynx lost a heartbreaking 6-5 decision to the Florida Everblades Friday night at the James Brown Arena.

After the Everblades jumped out to a 3-0 first period lead, the Lynx began to chip away at the deficit. J.B. Bittner got the ball rolling at 16:51 of the first period with his ninth goal of the year from Jamie Johnson and Ryan Lang to make it a 3-1 game after 20 minutes of play.

In the second, Hynes closed the gap to 3-2 just one minute into the period, followed by Johnson's 10th of the year at 8:17 to tie the score.

Hynes would tally twice more, each on the power play, giving Augusta a 5-3 lead heading into the final frame.

With Augusta down five-on-three in the opening minutes of the third period, Dustin Johner's second goal of the night drew the Everblades within one at 4:52.

A goalmouth scramble led to Brad Zancanaro's third goal of the season, tying the game at 5-5 with 12:21 remaining in the contest.

Augusta received its own five-on-three advantage later in the third period and was unable to capitalize, coughing up the puck inside the defensive blue line which led to Vince Bellissimo's eventual game-winning goal at 15:50.

Despite being down a goal, the Lynx continued to press, even finding another five-on-three advantage for the final 1:14 of regulation time after an interference penalty against Ryan Brindley and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Everblades goaltender Craig Kowalski for throwing his blocker and hitting Lynx defenseman Nathan Saunders in the face.

But the Everblades defense held, keeping Augusta off the scoreboard for the remainder of the game and skating off with the 6-5 victory to improve to 9-2-0 on the road and 16-7-0 overall.

Florida finished the game 3-for-5 on the power play while Augusta totaled two goals on nine advantages.

The Lynx are back in action Saturday night against the Charlotte Checkers on Teddy Bear Toss Night! Puck drop is slated for 7:35 pm, with tickets available via the Lynx office beginning at 10 am 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. Fans are encouraged to bring a new or gently used stuffed animal to the game to throw on the ice when the Lynx score during the first period against Charlotte! All toys collected will be distributed by the team to local area charities and hospitals, helping to brighten the holidays for some of the CSRA's less fortunate children. We encourage you to participate in this season of giving!

 

[truebluefan]

Rudkowsky, RoadRunners Blank Texas 2-0

BEAUMONT, Tex. - Goaltender Cody Rudkowsky made a season-high 51 saves and Brett Smith extended his goal streak to an ECHL season-high eight games as the Phoenix RoadRunners shutout the Texas Wildcatters 2-0 before 1,836 at Ford Arena in ECHL action Friday to even their three-game series and set up the rubber game Saturday.

Following a scoreless first period, the RoadRunners (14-11-0) capitalized midway through the second with a pair of power play goals by way of a five-on-three two-man advantage. Justin Aikins scored first at 9:12 when he stuffed home Cam Paddock's rebound through the pads of Texas goaltender Miroslav Kopriva to give Phoenix a 1-0 lead. Smith made it 2-0 just 57 seconds later on the five-on-four power play as he collected Brock Hooton's rebound in the slot and snapped the puck into the back of the net at 10:09.

That would be more than enough for Rudkowsky who stopped 22 shots in the third period alone to keep the Wildcatters (16-5-2) in check and earn his 16th career shutout.

Texas out-shot Phoenix 51-28. The RoadRunners went 2-9 on the power play while Texas was 0-9 with the man advantage.

Notes: The shutout was the RoadRunners' first since Jan. 28, 2005 when they blanked the Victoria Salmon Kings 1-0 in overtime at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre...Mathew Deschamps collected his first point since joining the RoadRunners with an assist on Aikins' goal...The RoadRunners are now 3-1-0 lifetime against the American Conference. Phoenix swept a pair of games from the Pensacola Ice Pilots last year during their inaugural season.

The RoadRunners conclude a three-game series with the Texas Wildcatters at 6:05 p.m. Saturday at Ford Arena in Beaumont. Catch all the action live at phxroadrunners.com: Home beginning with "RoadRunners Countdown" at 5:45 p.m.

Phoenix returns to US Airways Center at 7:11 p.m. Thursday, December 21 as they welcome back the Victoria Salmon Kings. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Individual game tickets for the 2006-07 regular season start as low $7 in the lower section and can be purchased at the US Airways Center Box Office and at all Ticketmaster outlets including Ticketmaster.com. Information on season tickets, half-season packages, and flex plans are available by calling (602) 462-GOAL.

 

[truebluefan]

Phoenix blanks 'Catters 2-0

Beaumont, TX (December 15, 2006) Phoenix Roadrunners goaltender Cody Rudkowsky made 51 saves as the Wildcatters were shut out for the first time this season 2-0 in front of 1,836 at Ford Arena. The Roadrunners scored their two goals just 57 second apart midway through the second period. Both came on the power play. Justin Aikins struck first at the 9:12 mark with the assists from Cam Paddock and Matt Deschamps. Then, Brett Smith continued his goal scoring streak which is now at eight straight games, getting his 11th goal of the season from Brock Hooton at the 10:09 mark.

The Wildcatters out shot Phoenix 51-28 and 'Catters goaltender Miroslav Kopriva made 26 saves in the loss. The Roadrunners finished the game 2 for 9 on the power play while Texas went 0 for 9.

The Texas Wildcatters are the ECHL affiliate for the AHL's Houston Aeros. The next Wildcatters home game is on Saturday, December 16 vs. the Phoenix Roadrunners. It is Teddy Bear Toss night where fans are encouraged to bring teddy bears to throw onto the ice after the Wildcatters score their first goal. The teddy bears will be collected by Southeast Texas Toys for Tots and donated to Buckner Children's Village. Also, teddy bears that Wildcatters players decorated will be auctioned off following the game. Don't miss any hard-hitting Wildcatters hockey action. 2006-07 Season Tickets are still available. Wildcatters' season tickets start at just $9 per game and feature numerous benefits including free parking and discounted merchandise. Group discount plans are also available by calling (409) 951-5500. For single game tickets stop by the Ford Park Box Office, call (409) 951-5440 or log on to ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit the Wildcatters online at Welcome to WildcattersHockey.com.

 

[truebluefan]

Aces maintain hold on first place following 3-1 win in Utah

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah - Kimbi Daniels had a goal and an assist and Derek Gustafson stopped 31 shots to collect his third straight win as the Alaska Aces held on for a 3-1 decision over the Utah Grizzlies in front of 4,474 Friday at the 'E' Center.

Alaska fired 19 shots on goal in the first period, but failed to solve Utah goalie Rob McVicar until 1:28 remained, when Joey Hope smacked in a rebound of a Daniels shot for his first goal of the season and the third of his pro career. Peter Metcalf set up the Aces second goal, poke-checking a puck free and finding Daniels all alone to set up a breakaway, which the 16-year pro converted with a backhander just underneath the crossbar at 13:37 of the second period.

Utah crawled back to within 2-1 when Matt Craig finally beat Gustafson with a wrap-around at 7:11 of the third period, ending a four-game dry spell for the Grizzlies on the power play and snapping a streak of 21 consecutive penalty kills for Alaska. Utah never got the equalizer despite a two-man advantage midway through the final frame, and Mike Scott sealed the victory with his first goal since November 21, an empty-netter with 32.8 seconds showing on the clock.

Alaska has won eight of its last 10 games overall to maintain its hold on first place on the West Division by percentage points over second-place Phoenix. Now at 14-8 overall, the Aces also have won eight of their last nine on the road and are 9-3 away from Sullivan Arena this season.

After tomorrow's rematch with the Grizzlies (6-15-3), the Aces return home next week for a three-game set against Idaho Wednesday, December 20 and Friday and Saturday, December 22-23. All three games start at 7:15 p.m. and will be broadcast live on KFQD 750 AM, with live coverage starting 15 minutes before the opening face-off. Tickets are now available at the Aces office, alaskaaces.com: Home, and all Fred Meyer locations in Anchorage. Fans also may call Ticketmaster at 562-4800.

 

[truebluefan]

Aces Add Late Empty-Netter in Defeating Utah 3-1

West Valley City, Utah - The Alaska Aces and Mike Scott added an empty-net goal with 33 seconds remaining in regulation; thwarting a Utah comeback and defeating the Grizzlies 3-1 Friday night at the E-Center.

Trailing 2-0 in the third period, Matt Craig scored a 5-on-4 power-play goal (assisted by Jake Riddle and Chris Trick) with 12:49 left in the game. Utah then had two more power-plays, including 39 seconds of 5-on-3 hockey, but was unable to score.

Utah was without their leading scorer Ryan Kinasewich for the final 6:49 of the game after he was assessed a five-minute major for spearing and a game misconduct.

Alaska jumped up 1-0 in the final two minutes of the first with Joey Hope adding his first goal of the year. The Aces went up 2-0 at 13:37 of the second period when Kimbi Daniels scored a breakaway 4-on-4 goal.

Utah netminder Rob McVicar stopped 35 of 37 in the loss.

The Grizzlies and Aces rematch tomorrow at the E-Center. Face-off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

 

[truebluefan]

Falcons Fall in OT

Fresno, Calif. - The Fresno Falcons dropped a 3-2 decision in overtime to the Bakersfield Condors in front of 5,413 fans on Friday at Save Mart Center.

Fresno scored the only goal of the opening period at 7:08. Riley Day kept the puck in at the right point, and fired a shot to the front of the net that beat Jamie Hodson to the near post for his first professional goal, and giving the Falcons a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes.

Bakersfield pulled even with a power-play goal 12:17 into the second period. Steve Rodberg's shot from the high slot was deflected in front by Mike Hofstrand, and the puck rolled behind goaltender Ryan MacDonald tying the game at one.

The Falcons went back on top with a power-play goal of their own 1:22 into the third period, as Rob McFeeters put a shot past Hodson for his fifth goal of the season. The goal ended Fresno's power-play scoreless streak at 27.

But, Bakersfield evened the score at 2 at 8:23. Josh Liebenow fed Kevin Asselin at the top of the crease, and he was able to slide a shot past MacDonald for his second goal of the year.

The Condors scored a power-play goal 2:16 into overtime, off of the stick of Tyler Scott, to pick up the win.

Saturday, the Falcons are in Las Vegas for a 7:05 p.m. face-off against the Wranglers at Orleans Arena. All of the action can be heard on 1550 Sporting News Radio starting with the Port of Subs Pre-Game Show at 6:50.

Fresno returns home on Sunday, hosting the Victoria Salmon Kings at 5:00 p.m. on Kids' Day, presented by Comcast Cable and Pump It Up. All kids 14 and under can purchase tickets for half price. Sunday also marks the return of Freddie Falcon presented by Bingham Toyota. Following the game, fans can join Falcon players on the ice for a post-game skating session.

Tickets for all Falcons home games can be purchased at the Save Mart Center Box Office, by phone at (559) 485-8497, on-line at Official Ticketmaster site. Tickets for Concerts, Sports, Arts, Theater, Family, Events, more, or at any TicketMaster outlet. All Falcons games can be heard on 1550 Sporting News Radio, starting with the Port of Subs Pre-Game Show 15 minutes prior to face off.