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Barracudas Ready Themselves for the Second Half

January 22, 2004 - SPHL (SPHL)
Jacksonville Barracudas News Release


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - With rumors swirling about the future of the Jacksonville Barracudas and the WHA2, team owner and league founder David Waronker said in Tuesday's Florida Times Union that, "There is absolutely no truth to the rumors about the demise of this league!"

The Jacksonville Barracudas (18-9-1, 37 points) return home for their longest home stand of the season this Saturday night when they host the Macon Trax for their first of five-in-a-row at the Veteran's Memorial Arena.

The Cudas are currently riding high on a nine-game home winning streak. They haven't lost at the Arena since the home opener on November 28th.

The Barracudas today announced that they have released NHL veteran Neil Wilkinson.

"We needed different leadership," Head Coach Ron Duguay said. "We're not playing well right now and we needed a change to better the club."

In 28 games with the Barracudas this season, Wilkinson had 12 points (1g-11a) and 66 minutes in penalties.

The Barracudas also announced that Kory Baker would return for Saturday's game against Macon.

"Kory has been skating well this week and he tells me he's ready to go," Duguay said.

Baker has missed the last seven games with a groin injury. In 21 games with the Cudas this season, Baker has 19 points (4g-15a).

Jacksonville will host the Inaugural WHA2 All-Star Game on Tuesday, January 27th. "Hockey on the River" will feature the Barracudas taking on the best of the WHA2. Face-off time is 7:05pm. Mike Eruzione, captain of the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" Gold Medal winning Olympic Hockey team will be on hand for all the festivities.

The Barracudas also announced that Woody Carlson would re-assume the Public Address Announcer's position for the team. Carlson was the PA Announcer for the Barracudas last season as well as with the Lizard Kings from 1995-1999. He had been doing to play-by-play on IRN.fm for both home and away games. He will continue covering the Barracudas on the road this season.

"Woody was the first choice for the PA position this summer, so he was the obvious choice to take the game presentation to the next level," VP/GM Scott Allerding said. "He knows the players, he knows the game, and he's well liked and respected by the Cudas fans."

Good seats remain for the upcoming home stand as well as the WHA2 All-Star game. . Group, season, corporate, and special All-Star Ticket packages available at the Arena Box Office or you can call the Barracudas office at 904-367-1-ICE.

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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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