Barracudas Tamed by the Manatees

November 17, 2003 - SPHL (SPHL)
Jacksonville Barracudas News Release


MIAMI, Fla. - The Jacksonville Barracudas were handed their first loss of the season Saturday night, losing to the Miami Manatees 5-2 at the Miami Arena.

"When we played Miami we knew we were going to get a lot of shots and that we were going to have to be strong defensively," Head Coach Ron Duguay said. "We need to improve in our own zone, picking up the man and not letting them get free shots at our goaltender."

Rookie goaltender Brandon Snee, earlier named WHA2 Goaltender of the Week, gave up five goals on 16 shots. Back-up goalie, Nate Ziemski relieved Snee to start the third period made 15 saves.

The Barracudas were 0-8 on the power play as the Manatees converted on three of their seven opportunities.

"They had good chances and scored on their opportunities. We had good chances and did not score on our opportunities. We need to work more on our five on five situations and our power play," Duguay added.

Barracudas captain Neil Wilkinson left the game midway through the second period when he was hit in the head by a high check from Miami center Ryan Kiley. Kiley was not penalized for the hit.

"Any hit that looks like a bad hit will be reviewed," Duguay explained. "We'll look at the tape and if it shows us something we'll send it in to the league and then the league has rules that they follow. If it means suspension, then the league's not afraid to suspend a player especially if it's a hit to the head."

Wilkinson sustained a mild concussion and didn't return.

"Neil seems fine, no headaches. He'll skate tomorrow and if he still has no headaches on Thursday, he'll play Sunday in Macon," Duguay added.

Mark Phenow and Jamie Miller picked up goals for the Barracudas while Klage Kaebel, Lyle Steenbergen, and Justin Hellegards picked up an assist each.

The Barracudas will be back in action again on Sunday, November 23rd, on the road against the Macon Trax. Face-off time is 4:05pm. Catch all the action live on IRN.fm with the pre-game getting underway at 3:45pm. The Barracudas return for their Home Opening Weekend Celebration on Friday, November 28th vs. Miami Manatees. Face-off time is 7:05. The JEDC Sports and Entertainment Board sponsor the first sporting event ever in the brand new Veteran's Memorial Arena. The Barracudas wrap up the Home Opening Weekend on Saturday, November 29th vs. Macon Trax. Face-off time is 12:35pm.

Tickets are on sale now by calling 904-367-1-ICE. Single game, season, group and corporate packages are available now. Go to www.jacksonvillebarracudas.com for more details.



SPHL Stories from November 17, 2003


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