AHL Charlotte Checkers

Atlantic City and Columbia Begin 2003 Kelly Cup Final

Published on May 8, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


(Columbia, SC - Wednesday, May 7) - The Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies and Columbia Inferno, after surviving tough Conference Finals, began their final leg of their quest to become champions Wednesday night. Atlantic City took Game # 1 of their best-of-seven Kelly Cup Final series with a 1-0 shutout victory at the Carolina Coliseum in Columbia, South Carolina. Scott Matzka scored the game's lone goal in the third period and goalie Scott Stirling posted the shutout making 18 saves, as the Bullies smothering defense limited the Inferno to only 18 shots in their own building. Game # 2 of the series resumes Friday night in Columbia.

NEWS & NOTES:

* This is the first appearance for both teams in the Kelly Cup Finals. * Atlantic City and Columbia did not meet in the regular season. * Columbia secured its Finals berth by defeating Mississippi, 4-2 in the Southern Conference Finals. * Atlantic City won the Northern Conference Finals edging Cincinnati, 4-3. * Columbia secured its Finals berth with a 4-2 win in Game 6 on Friday. * Atlantic City advanced with a 3-2 Game 7 win over Cincinnati on Saturday. * Inferno swept Greenville in the Southeast Semifinals and Pee Dee in the Southeast Finals. * Bullies swept Trenton in the Northeast Semifinals and beat Greensboro, 3-1, in the Northeast Finals. * Columbia leads the Kelly Cup Playoffs scoring, averaging 3.92 goals per game. * Atlantic City ranks second in Kelly Cup Playoffs scoring, averaging 3.71 goals per game.

Schedule - 2003 Kelly Cup Finals (Best-of-Seven Series)

Wednesday, May 7 Atlantic City 1 @ Columbia 0

Friday, May 9 Atlantic City at Columbia 7:05 p.m. ET

Saturday, May 10 Columbia at Atlantic City 7:35 p.m. ET

Monday, May 12 Columbia at Atlantic City 7:35 p.m. ET

*Wednesday, May 14 Columbia at Atlantic City 7:35 p.m. ET

*Saturday, May 17 Atlantic City at Columbia 7:05 p.m. ET

*Sunday, May 18 Atlantic City at Columbia 4:05 p.m. ET

* - If Necessary

ATTENTION SEASON TICKET HOLDERS: The Columbia Inferno and the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies have announced that they will give all East Coast Hockey League season ticket holders a $3 discount on tickets for the 2003 Kelly Cup Finals. Fans will be asked to provide proof of being a season ticket holder when they purchase tickets at either the Carolina Coliseum box office or at the Boardwalk Hall box office.

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American Hockey League Stories from May 8, 2003


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