Augusta Looking Up

Published on January 4, 2005 under ECHL (ECHL)
Augusta Lynx News Release


This week, the Augusta Lynx were able to nab five of eight possible points in four games, including all four at home against South Carolina and Gwinnett.

The week started with the Lynx in Greenville for Augusta, their second meeting with the Grrrowl this year. The Lynx would grab a 1-0 lead on a Jamie Johnson marker to make it a 1-0 game, but Brock Radunske's first goal of the night tied the game up after the first. Matt Dzieduszycki scored to make it 2-1 in the second, but again Radunkse struck to tie the game at 2-2 after the second period. In the third, Richard Pittirri put the Grrrowl ahead for the first time in the contest, but Augusta rallied to tie on Colt King's marker at 17:13 and force overtime. Jason Metcalfe would end up scoring the game winner at 3:17 of the OT and Augusta had to settle for a single point. Matus Kostur stopped 36 shots in taking the loss.

Back home on Thursday night to face South Carolina, the Lynx responded to the home crowd with a 3-1 victory. Phil Cole recorded the Gordie Howe hat trick (goal, assist, fight) while Louis Goulet (goal, two assists) and Todd Bennett (goal, assist) also contributed heavily on offense. Jason Saal made his return to the Lynx lineup a triumphant one, stopping 39 shots for the win.

Friday night in Pee Dee, the Pride were less than gracious hosts for Augusta, holding a 2-1 advantage after two periods of play before a goal scoring bonanza that saw the teams hit a 7-4 final in favor of the Pride at game's end. Jeff Szwez recorded four goals in the contest, all in the third period, while Brian Passmore (two goals), Matt Dzieduszycki, and Todd Bennett scored for the Lynx. Matus Kostur took the loss with 42 saves for Augusta.

Back to the friendly confines of the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center, the Lynx would fall behind 1-0 to Gwinnett before responding with a pair of Todd Bennett goals, both on the power play, to take a 2-1 lead after the first period. Sean Connolly's wrist shot from the point beat Sean Fields over the left shoulder for a 3-1 lead, but Gwinnett came back to make it 3-2 on a Jeff Campbell marker. Matt Dzieduszycki's goal at 19:02 of the second gave the Lynx a 4-2 lead at intermission. Chris Durno's second goal of the night would make it a one-goal game at 3:04, but from there Jason Saal shut the door on the Gladiators, making a total of 35 saves to earn his second straight win, and give the Lynx five out of eight points on the week.

Lynx In The Community

The Augusta Lynx will be out and about in the CSRA this week at the following locations and times:

· Tuesday, January 4th – MCG Children's Hospital. Lynx players will be on hand from 1:30 – 2:15 pm for pictures and autographs while visiting children at the facility.

· Wednesday, January 5th – Reading is Cool as Ice Program, Millbrook Elementary School. Lynx players on hand at 1:30 pm to read to school children.

· Saturday, January 8th – Louie the Lynx and the Taylor Toyota Lynx Frozen Tundra will be at Dino's Chicago Express for the monthly shooter jersey giveaway at 11 am.

History Made In Augusta

Gwinnett Gladiators' forward Cam Brown broke the all-time ECHL record for games played against Augusta on Saturday night when he appeared in his 679th contest. Brown broke the former mark of 678 set by Rod Taylor. Brown was presented with a framed picture of him in action prior to the game by Augusta Lynx General Manager Paul Gamsby.

What's Next

January 7th vs. Gwinnett

January 8th @ Gwinnett

The classic home and home series is revived for the Lynx with back-to-back battles against the Gwinnett Gladiators. Coming off Friday's heart-stopping 4-3 Lynx win in Augusta, the two teams will be eager to get back at each other once again Friday night at the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center. The weekend will bring meetings four and five out of ten on the season series, with three of five games remaining to be played in Gwinnett. Of those remaining contests, four of the five are played as weekend home and home match ups.

January 9th vs. Louisiana

Augusta will face off with the IceGators for the final time this season on Sunday and are still looking for their first win in what will be their fourth try. Nathan Marsters has started all three games against Augusta, posting a 1.70 GAA and .937 save percentage. David Bararuk's two goals and six points lead all scorers in the series, while Louis Goulet is the top Lynx point-getter with two goals and four points.

Milestones

· Sean Connolly recorded his 50th pro point with an assist on Matt Dzieduszycki's shorthanded marker at 14:03 of the second period against Greenville on Tuesday.

· Todd Bennett played in his 150th game as a pro on 12/30 against South Carolina, and also scored three consecutive power play goals for the team over a two-game stretch against Pee Dee and Gwinnett.

· Jarrett Thompson needs four games to reach 100 in his pro career.

· Mike Sandbeck needs eight points for 100 in his pro career.

· Jason Saal's next shutout will move him into sole possession of second place all-time on the ECHL's shut out list.

Team Leaders

Goals – Ken Magowan (11)

Assists – Jamie Johnson (20)

Points – Jamie Johnson (27)

PIMs – Colt King (44)

Plus/Minus – Ken Magowan (+5)

PP Goals – Todd Bennett (6)

SH Goals – Matt Dzieduszycki (2)

GWG – Ken Magowan, Todd Bennett (2)

Wins – Jason Saal (7)

GAA – Jason Saal (2.56)

Save % - Jason Saal (.919)

Send Us Your Questions!

Fans – If you want to submit your question for Lynx coaches or players via email, just log on to www.augustalynx.com and click on the FanZone and look for our "Ask A Player" or "Ask A Coach" question forms. Emails will be selected and read on the air during the Behind The Bench Coach's Show broadcast live from Wild Wing Café on Monday nights at 7 pm!

Behind The Bench Coach's Show

The Behind The Bench Coach's Show returns live tonight, Monday, January 3rd, from Wild Wing Café, 3035 Washington Rd. in Augusta. Tune in live on NEWSTALKSPORTS 1630!

Friday Night Slap Shot Trivia With Mike Thomas!

Every Friday night home game means Slap Shot Trivia With Mike Thomas! Get you and a group of friends together for your crack at winning $15 gift certificates to Passport International for Lynx Merchandise and a luxury box for a night at an upcoming game. You must be present to win this contest, so check it out every Friday home game during the season.

Ticket Information

Augusta's next home game will be on Friday, January 7th against the Gwinnett Gladiators at 7:35 pm. Tickets are on sale now through the Augusta Lynx office at 712 Telfair St. by calling (706) 724-4ICE, all TicketMaster locations, or on line at www.TicketMaster.com.

Record – 10-16-3 (23 points, 11th Eastern Conference)

Week In Review:

Tue. 12/28 @ GRV – 4-3 OTL

Thu. 12/30 vs. SC – 5-3 win

Fri. 12/31 @ PD – 7-4 loss

Sat. 1/1 vs. GWT – 4-3 win

Upcoming Opponents:

Jan. 7th vs. GWT – 7:35 pm 7:05 pm WRDW-AM 1630, www.augustalynx.com

Jan. 8th @ GWT – 7:35 pm 7:05 pm WRDW-AM 1630, www.augustalynx.com

Next Coach's Show: Wild Wing Café – Monday, January 3rd @ 7 pm – WRDW-AM 1630

Ticket Information:

(706) 724-4ICE Full, Partial Season Tickets – Single Game Seats – Group Outings (706) 724-4ICE

Preferred Level - $14; Lower Level - $13; Mezzanine $10

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ECHL Stories from January 4, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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