Barracudas Week in Review

February 16, 2003 - SPHL (SPHL)
Jacksonville Barracudas News Release


The Barracudas played four games this past week losing three tough ones... and a goalie in the process. The ‘Cudas broke their six game losing streak with a hard fought win against the Winston Salem Parrots Saturday night.

Last Sunday, the team played an afternoon encounter against the second place Knoxville Ice Bears, and were defeated 5-2. But that doesn't tell the entire story. Trailing 4-2 midway through the 3rd period, the ‘Cudas were on a power play when Knoxville intercepted a pass and shot on goalie Al Rooney. Rooney made the save and covered the puck. However, the referee did not blow the whistle to stop play and the Ice Bears poked at the glove of Rooney and sent the puck into the goal. This took away the momentum of the power play from the Barracudas and gave Knoxville a commanding 5-3 lead. Rooney was irate and charged the referee to protest the "no" whistle call. In the process, he was assessed a 2 minute penalty for leaving the crease, a 10 minute misconduct and a double game misconduct. The incident was reported to the league office and Rooney was suspended for the balance of the season and the playoffs. Rooney is now appealing the suspension.

Tuesday, Coach Kurt Wickenheiser resigned to add to the misery of the team. He stated that he was leaving the team to pursue other interests.

Thursday, the Barracudas announced that NHL veteran Ron Duguay would be the new Head Coach and John McCabe would serve as his assistant coach.

In Duguay's first game as coach, it appeared that the ‘Cudas would get their revenge on the Ice Bears. The locals led in last Thursday's game, 5-4, after two periods. However, Knoxville came out strong in the third period, scoring 4 goals and won a heart breaker 8-7.

The following night, the Barracudas traveled to Orlando to take on the Seals....again. The ‘Cudas won the first and third periods but lost the second period badly. The locals outscored Orlando 1-0 in the first and 2-1 in the third, but the Seals had a 4-0 advantage in the second period to take a 5-3 win, despite two goals from Jamie Miller.

Saturday, the team was in Winston Salem, NC hoping to break the losing skid. And that they did!!!! The ‘Cudas led 3-1 at the end of the first stanza and never looked back, winning by a 5-3 margin. Jay Niemiec, just returning from a ten game suspension, tallied a goal and two assists for three points. Goals were also scored by Paul Vincent, Jason Vermeulen, just off Injured Reserve, Sean Ritchlin and newcomer Nate Caswell. Coach Ron Duguay recorded his first win as a pro coach.

After breaking the losing streak, the team was excited and looking forward to the balance of the season as they attempt to make the playoffs. They start that trek on Tuesday night against the Parrots from Winston Salem at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Face off time is 7:00 PM. Then on Thursday and Friday, the team will be in Knoxville for a two game set against the Ice Bears. Immediately after the Friday night game, they will travel to Orlando to face the Seals on Saturday night. Then the long road swing is over and the 'Cudas will have seven straight home games.

All games will be web cast over www.sportsjuice.com or jacksonvillebarracudas.com.



SPHL Stories from February 16, 2003


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