Bandits Oust IceGators, Move on to Meet Sea Wolves

Published on April 11, 2002 under ECHL (ECHL)
Jackson Bandits News Release


Jackson, Miss. - The Jackson Bandits advanced in the East Coast Hockey League Kelly Cup Playoffs, eliminating the Louisiana IceGators 4-2 in Game 5. The Bandits won the best-of-five Southwest Division Semifinals three games to two. Bogdan Rudenko scored two goals, including the game-winner with two minutes remaining in the third period, and added an assist. Richard Pitirri and Sean Gillam had the other Bandits goals. The Bandits' victory ranks as one of the greatest upsets in ECHL history, as the IceGators had won the Brabham Cup as regular season champions and set several league records, including most wins and points in a season.

The Bandits move on to the Southwest Division Finals against the Mississippi Sea Wolves. The Bandits were 4-5-1 against the Sea Wolves during the regular season, as the Wolves claimed the Cellular South Cup. The best-of-five series begins on Friday, April 12 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi. Please note that faceoff for Game 1 has been changed to 8 p.m. The schedule for the best-of-five series is as follows:

Game 1 - Friday, April 12 at Coast Coliseum, Biloxi - 8 p.m.*
Game 2 - Saturday, April 13 at Coast Coliseum, Biloxi - 7:35 p.m.
Game 3 - Friday, April 19 at Mississippi Coliseum, Jackson - 7 p.m.
Game 4 (if necessary) - Saturday, April 20 at Mississippi Coliseum, Jackson - 7 p.m.
Game 5 (if necessary) - Monday, April 22 at Coast Coliseum, Biloxi - 7:05 p.m.

"We're very happy to have two home games in the series," said Bandits General Manager Brad Ewing. "Playing our in-state rivals and being at home on the prime Friday and Saturday nights, we're looking forward to having a large and enthusiastic crowd at the Coliseum here in Jackson."

"I'm very proud of our guys," said Bandits Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Derek Clancey. "We gave everything we had last night and pulled through with a big win. We've always had a great rivalry with Mississippi and this series should make it even stronger. It's going to be another series where we are the underdogs, but again we have nothing to lose and I expect another great matchup."

This is the second time in franchise history, and first since moving to Jackson, that the Bandits have advanced this far in the postseason. The 1999 Chesapeake Icebreakers defeated the Columbus (Ohio) Chill in the Northern Conference quarterfinals before bowing to the Roanoke Express in four games. Bandits coach Derek Clancey and current Bandits Mike Tamburro and Ryan Mougenel were members of that Icebreakers team.

The Bandits also announced today that goaltender Andrew Allen has been recalled by the NHL's Florida Panthers. Allen has a 3-1 record with a 2.01 GAA in four playoff starts for the Bandits. His .952 save percentage ranks third in the ECHL during the postseason. He stopped 44 shots in last night' s Game 5 win over Louisiana. Allen will dress for the Panthers' final two regular season games at home tomorrow against the Carolina Hurricanes and Sunday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is expected to rejoin the Bandits next week, as the Panthers have been eliminated from playoff contention in the NHL.

"Obviously, we're very excited for Andrew," added Clancey. "He's played tremendously for us not only in the last four games, but since he joined us back in February. He's very deserving of this opportunity and we wish him the best of luck. I was expecting to start Mike Tamburro on Friday anyway, so I am confident that he'll come through for us again just like he has in the past."

All Bandits playoff games can be heard on ESPN Radio 930 AM - WSLI with the Voice of the Bandits Mike Sheehan. Tomorrow's coverage begins with the NEXTEL Pregame Show beginning at 7:45 p.m., with faceoff at a special 8 p.m. start time.

Tickets for Games 3 and 4 are on sale NOW and available at the Coliseum box office, all Jackson-area BeBop Record Shops and all TicketMaster outlets, including charge-by-phone at 355-5252 and online through www.ticketmaster.com. Call the Bandits office at 352-PUCK (7825) for more information. Box office prices for Game 3 are $11, $14, $17 and $20, plus applicable service charges.

Bandits season ticket holders with playoff packages are reminded to use tickets marked "PLAYOFF GAME C" for Game 3.

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ECHL Stories from April 11, 2002


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