SPHL Fayetteville Marksmen

FireAntz Take Lead Back to Knoxville

Published on April 14, 2009 under SPHL (SPHL)
Fayetteville Marksmen News Release


[FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.] - The Fayetteville FireAntz of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) are in the President's Cup Championship round, a best-of-seven series, against the top-seeded Knoxville Ice Bears. After splitting the first two games in Knoxville, the FireAntz captured two of three games at home, to take a three games to two lead in the series. Game 6, and potentially Game 7, will be in Knoxville.

Game 3: After losing Game 2, at home, the Knoxville Ice Bears looked to re-capture home ice advantage in the series. Ryan Moore gave the Ice Bears a 1-0 lead on the lone goal of the first frame. The teams would end tied at two goals a piece after the second period on goals by Mike Ruberto and Emery Olauson of the FireAntz and Frank Furdero of Knoxville.

After a scoreless third period the game would advance to sudden-death overtime. Chris Rebernik would cause a FireAntz turnover and capitalize with under five minutes remaining, to give the Ice Bears a 3-2 overtime victory.

Game 4: It was a must-win game for Fayetteville as they looked to tie the series at two games a piece. The FireAntz played with a sense of urgency and netted the first two goals of the contest. Rob Sich (power play) and Emery Olauson (short handed) tallied within 1:07 of each other. After Kevin Swider pulled Knoxville within a goal, the FireAntz would not allow another score.

Marc Norrington and Sich (empty net) would tack on the final two goals of the contest and give the FireAntz a 4-1 win, and a series-tie.

Game 5: With Games 6 and 7 looming, in Knoxville, the FireAntz looked to capture Game 5 at home, and return to Knoxville with a lead in the series. After Frank Furdero gave the Ice Bears a 1-0 lead in the first period the FireAntz would answer back. Rob Sich found a streaking Lawne Snyder, on the power play, to tie the game. Less than two minutes later, Sich would find the goal himself and give the club a 2-1 lead, an advantage they would not relinquish. Goaltender Guy St. Vincent proved to be impenetrable, turning aside 43 of 44 shots on the night.

Championship Round Schedule:

Game 1: @ Knoxville, Friday, April 3rd @ 7:35 pm (Knox, 5-2)

Game 2: @ Knoxville, Saturday, April 4th @ 7:35 pm (Fay, 3-1)

Game 3: @ Fayetteville, Friday, April 10th @ 7:35 pm (Knox, 3-2 OT)

Game 4: @ Fayetteville, Saturday, April 11th @ 7:35 pm (Fay, 4-1)

Game 5: @ Fayetteville, Sunday, April 12th @ 5:00 pm (Fay, 2-1)

Game 6: @ Knoxville, Wednesday, April 15th @ 7:35 pm

Game 7: @ Knoxville, Thursday, April 16th @ 7:35 pm*

Note: * if necessary

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SPHL Stories from April 14, 2009


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