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Barracudas' Weekly Wrap Up

November 29, 2005 - SPHL (SPHL)
Jacksonville Barracudas News Release


While most of us were busy gaining pounds and visiting with friends and relatives over the Thanksgiving weekend, the Barracudas were embroiled in a tough two-game road trip. More lineup changes made it tough for the Barracudas to settle into a groove, however some hard work allowed them to pull out a difficult split.

Cudas vs. FireAntz

Little over a week had past since these very same FireAntz embarrassed the Barracudas at home 11-1. The night started ominously for the Cudas, as Fayetteville's Dean Jackson scored just 22 seconds into the first period. The Cudas put up more of a fight this time around, however a lineup that had little time to gel as a unit was no match for a team as systematically sound as the FireAntz. Positive signs were evident for the Cudas, however. Luke Pelham and Mike Fougere continued their solid play this season, with a goal and assist each. As well, newcomer CJ McConnell scored the Cudas first goal of the night.

Cudas vs. Cyclones

Another night, another game as the Barracudas traveled to Florence, SC to face the Pee Dee Cyclones. Having slipped two games below the watershed .500 mark, the Barracudas were desperate to keep afloat. The game started terribly again for the Cudas, as starter Frank Novello was replaced by Jan Chovan after allowing two goals in the game's first five minutes. However, CJ McConnell got the Cudas started again with his first of the night. The night looked bleaker as the Cyclones capped the first period with another goal, but three unanswered goals in the second period by the Cudas allowed them to take control. Shaun Aebig tied the match early in the third, however a powerplay goal by Jonathan Charette shortly followed by McConnell's second, put the Cudas ahead for good.

Key on the night for the Cudas was an improving powerplay, which scored on four of its eleven tries. Fougere continued to spark much of the team's offense, as he potted three points for the Cudas, as did Geoff Rollins, who is quickly proving to be a big-time offensive threat.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Barracudas are back home and primed to make a move up the standings, as they begin a lengthy home stand over the course of the next couple of weeks.

The same Cyclones the Cudas defeated on Saturday will be looking for revenge on Tuesday night. Saturday's game was filled with fighting majors and rough stuff, so it should not surprise many if the game gets a little heated.

Thursday night the FireAntz will be back into Jacksonville looking to continue their dominance over the Cudas this season. Last time in, none of the FireAntz' former Cudas recorded a point, with the exception of Tim Schneider's lone assist. They will be hungry to rectify that in front of their old fans.

Friday night will cap off the week's games for the Cudas, as they face off against their interstate rivals, the Florida Seals. The head-to-head match up is currently tied 2-2, with neither team being able to string two wins in a row. The Seals have only one win on the road this season, so it's a good chance for the Cudas to take the lead in the season series.

IN THE LOOP

Jason Simon Signed

The Cudas made a big splash on the 22nd, as they signed veteran pro and former NHL'er Jason Simon. Simon played 12 games last season with the Huntsville Havoc, scoring 4 goals and 5 assists, while racking up 27 penalty minutes. Simon spent five games in the NHL with the Phoenix Coyotes and the New York Islanders. He has already picked up two assists and 22 penalty minutes in his first two games with the Cudas.

Cudas pick up two from LNAH

The Verdun Dragons sent two players to the Barracudas this past week. Forwards Erick Lajoie and Jonathan Charette joined the team in time for their two games over the weekend. Both players are in their rookie seasons after completing successful junior careers in the Quebec Major Junior League.

Lajoie, 21-years-old, stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 185 pounds. He had 2 goals and 3 assists in 11 games so far with Verdun. Charette is a 5-foot-8, 150-pound speedster who put up big point and penalty minute totals during his junior career.

McConnell Signed to 5-Game Tryout

The Barracudas signed forward CJ McConnell to a 5-game tryout. The rookie completed his collegiate career at the American International College, where he put up solid point totals in each of this three seasons. McConnell has already paid dividends for the Cudas, picking up three goals and an assist in his first two games with the club.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Players Take Their Turn At Speed Dating

This Wednesday, November 30th, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm the Barracudas' players will be participating in Twisted Martini's popular "Speed Dating". Each round, 8 Cudas' players will be introduced to 8 lovely ladies, and they will have a chance to converse for three minutes. When the time is up, the ladies move to the next table. Individuals who wish to take part in the fun should show up to Twisted Martini early to sign up, as spots are sure to go fast.

Do not miss your chance to sweet talk a Barracuda!

Orange Park High/Country Night

Friday night's match against the Florida Seals is going to be Orange Park High night. The Barracudas will be hosting the students at the game, and the Orange Park High cheerleaders will be performing between the first and second period.

That night will also be Country Night, sponsored by Rooster Country radio! The night will be completely country themed, so wipe the dust off those old boots and clean up your hat. Yee Haw!

Make A Wish Foundation Donations

Barracudas' fans will have the chance to make a donation to the Make A Wish Foundation at all home games before December 17th. Be sure to stop by the merchandise stand at anytime during a home game to make your donation. The Barracudas' goal is to raise $5,000.00 before Christmas, so that the organization will be eligible to make some young person's wish come true.

Watch for an announcement shortly on how you can become further involved with the Make A Wish Foundation and the Jacksonville Barracudas' campaign to raise $5,000.00. Remember, every dollar counts!

See you at the games this week!

Go Cudas!

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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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