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Bombers Continue Commuter Road Trip, Aim to Pack the House

February 24, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Dayton Bombers News Release


BOMBERS TO PLAY TOLEDO AND WHEELING ON ROAD, THEN HOST PEORIA ON ANOTHER BUD LIGHT/$1 BEER NIGHT AT THE NUTTER CENTER: The Dayton Bombers went 0-2-1 to start a five-game commuter road trip this past week. The team will play two more road games before returning home Saturday to take on the Peoria Rivermen on "Pack the House"/Bud Light $1 Beer/$500 TravelPlex Giveaway Night.

Below is a review of the Bombers' road games this past week:

2/18/03- BOMBERS 2 @ Lexington 4

Brett Draney and Ben Storey scored even strength goals 4:14 apart in the first period to help the Lexington Men O'War top the Dayton Bombers 4-2 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. Despite being outshot 33-22 by the Bombers in the game, Lexington never trailed after the two first period scores. Ryan Vince got the Bombers on the board at 1:51 of the second period. Defenseman Jason Crain's initial shot was stopped but Vince put in a back-handed rebound for his team-leading 19th goal of the season. Van Burgess struck back for Lexington 8:02 later, however, on a power play slap shot from the left wing. Though veteran defenseman Tom Nemeth got the Bombers to within one on a goal with 26 seconds left in the second period, the Bombers, despite a third period charge, could not get the equalizer. Fraser Clair added an empty net goal for the Men O'War with nine seconds remaining.

2/21/03- BOMBERS 2 @ Peoria 3 (SO)

Forrest Gore scored the only goal in the shootout as the Peoria Rivermen edged the Dayton Bombers 3-2 at Carver Arena in Peoria, Illinois. The Bombers, who outshot the Rivermen 28-21 in the game, forced regulation when Ryan Vince converted a cross-ice pass from Mike Vellinga for his team-leading 20th goal of the season at 12:19 of the third period. Jason Crain also assisted on the goal. Peoria's Brendan Brooks broke a 1-1 tie 6:50 into the second period when he tapped a feed from Ryan Finnerty past Bombers goalie Shane Bendera. Brooks and Bombers defenseman Tom Nemeth exchanged power play goals in the first period. Nemeth's high slot slap shot resulted in his team-leading seventh power play goal and it gave the Bombers a 1-0 lead at 9:19 of the first. Brooks answered just 1:10 later on a power play slap shot from the circle.

2/22/03- BOMBERS 3 @ Cincinnati 4

The Cincinnati Cyclones scored three power play goals en route to a 4-3 victory over the Dayton Bombers at the US Bank Arena in downtown Cincinnati. Brent Twordik, Aaron Brand, and Nick Bootland all scored with the man advantage for Cincinnati. Chad McIver also scored for the Cyclones. Jamie Ling tallied a pair of power play goals for the Bombers, both with assists from defenseman Mike Vellinga and forward Jason Deskins. Doug Nolan helped the Bombers, who outshot the Cyclones 33-19, cut Cincinnati's lead to 4-3 with a goal scored with 33 seconds remaining in regulation while the Bombers had their goalie pulled.

BOMBER BITES: The Bombers' ten home short-handed goals is tied for the ECHL lead and is a new franchise record ... The Bombers play their next two, six of their next seven, and 10 of their remaining 16 games on the road ... Center Jamie Ling is currently 9th on the all-time ECHL career assists list (347), just one back 8th place Phil Berger (348) ... Defenseman Tom Nemeth has a point in four straight games (2-2) while forwards Jamie Ling (2-2) and Ryan Vince (2-1) have points in three straight ... Goalie Shane Bendera enters the week fourth in ECHL goals-against average (2.62). He has started in 12 of the last 17 Bombers' games and appeared in 17 of the last 22. He has allowed two goals or less in nine of his last 17 appearances (shootout goals do not count toward a goalie's GAA) ... Forward Chris M. Thompson has points in seven of his last 11 games (7-8-15) ... Defenseman Tom Nemeth is third in ECHL defenseman shots entering the week (200) ... Along with the Richmond Renegades, the Louisiana Ice Gators, and the Pensacola Ice Pilots, the Bombers lead the league in overtime wins entering the week (5). Forward Ryan Vince has two of the Bombers' five OT game-winners ... Ryan Vince has points in 26 of his last 32 games (18-16-34). He leads the team in goals (20) and first goals (5) ... W Chris M. Thompson leads the Bombers in multi-point games (13) and power play points (5-12-17) ... Eleven different Bombers have been beckoned by American Hockey League teams this season (at least once).

SPEAK YOUR MIND AND CHAT WITH BENDERA & SLUKYNSKY AT ''SCOR" TONIGHT: Rookie netminder Shane Bendera and returning Bombers forward Fred Slukynsky will be player guests at another edition of the Dayton Bombers' "Behind the Bench" Coach's Show to be held live tonight at SCOR- An American Eatery & Pub (at the Sugar Bell Plaza on State Route 725 in Bellbrook/ 848-7676) from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Fans are welcome to speak out at these events. As was the case with last week's show at the Dublin Pub in the Historic Oregon District of downtown Dayton (featuring forward Ryan Vince and defenseman Doug Nolan), members of the live studio audience will get a chance to ask questions of the broadcast panel. The six-program run, featuring host/Bombers' play-by-play voice Matt Gorsky and the Bombers' all-time winningest Head Coach Greg Ireland, will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on select non-game days (see below schedule) throughout the rest of the season. The Dublin Pub's new sister restaurant, "SCOR"- An American Eatery & Pub (Sugar Bell Plaza on State Route 725 in Bellbrook), will host the remaining five shows, including tonight's program. Below is a list of the remaining show schedule with locations, all of which will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m.:

Monday, February 24, 2003 at the SCOR- An American Eatery & Pub at the Sugar Bell Plaza on State Route 725 in Bellbrook (848-7676) [featuring goalie Shane Bendera and forward Fred Slukynsky]

Tuesday, March 11, 2003 at the SCOR- An American Eatery & Pub at the Sugar Bell Plaza on State Route 725 in Bellbrook (848-7676)

Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at the SCOR- An American Eatery & Pub at the Sugar Bell Plaza on State Route 725 in Bellbrook (848-7676)

Monday, March 24, 2003 at the SCOR- An American Eatery & Pub at the Sugar Bell Plaza on State Route 725 in Bellbrook (848-7676)

Monday, March 31, 2003 at the SCOR- An American Eatery & Pub at the Sugar Bell Plaza on State Route 725 in Bellbrook (848-7676)

Dublin Pub, located in Dayton's Historic Oregon District, is Dayton's only authentic Irish Pub and five-year recipient of the Perfect Pint Award. SCOR- An American Eatery & Pub, which had its "Grand Opening" this past weekend, will specialize in large portion lunches and dinners. The presenting sponsor of the Bombers' "Ultimate Sports Bar" Night at the Ervin J. Nutter Center on Saturday, March 22 (7:30 p.m.), SCOR- An American Eatery & Pub will provide 18 TVs for sports fans' enjoyment. SCOR's perfect draft pint system is what you can come to expect from the owners of Dublin Pub.

BOMBERS REQUESTING CURRENT EMAIL ADDRESSES FROM SEASON TICKET HOLDERS/FANS: The Dayton Bombers are updating their contact list and are, therefore, requesting the most current email addresses from season ticket holders and fans. The Bombers strive to make their contact information as up-to-date as possible so they can better service their fan base. Please email your full name, phone number, and most current email address to hockey@daytonbombers.com.

BOMBERS TO CONTINUE SPECIAL $5 RATE FOR ALL COLLEGE STUDENTS AND FANS 18 AND UNDER: For the rest of the 2002-2003 regular season, fans 18 and under as well as all college students who present a valid student ID can purchase a silver game ticket for $5.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK NOMINATION:

JAMIE LING- Forward

3 games- 2 goals- 2 assists- 4 points- +2 plus/minus- 9 shots in team's 0-2-1 week

GOALIE OF THE WEEK NOMINATION:

SHANE BENDERA- Goalie

1 game- 0 wins- 1 shootout loss- 21 shots- 19 saves- 1.85 goals-against average- .905 save percentage in team's 0-2-1 week

BOMBERS' TRANSACTIONS FOR WEEK:

02/16/2003 Add JAYME PLATT (G) returned from Cincinnati (AHL)

02/16/2003 Add TORREY DIROBERTO (LW) activated off IR

02/18/2003 Add DOUG NOLAN (D) activated off IR

02/18/2003 Delete BRAD FRASER (D) traded to Baton Rouge

02/19/2003 Delete JAYME PLATT (G) loaned to Cincinnati (AHL)

02/19/2003 Delete YANN JOSEPH (C) placed on 7 day IR

02/21/2003 Add JAYME PLATT (G) returned from Cincinnati (AHL)

BOMBERS' PRACTICE SCHEDULE/ITINERARY FOR THIS WEEK:

Monday, February 24, 2003- 11:00 a.m. team meeting/ NO PRACTICE

Tuesday, February 25, 2003- 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. practice at Sportstown in Centerville, Ohio

Wednesday, February 26, 2003- 1:30 p.m. departure for Toledo, Ohio; 7:00 p.m. game at Toledo Sports Arena against Storm; Depart for Dayton after the game

Thursday, February 27, 2003- 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. practice at Sportstown in Centerville, Ohio

Friday, February 28, 2003- 2:00 p.m. approximate departure for Wheeling, West Virginia; 7:30 p.m (EST) game at Wheeling Civic Center against Nailers; Depart for Dayton after game

Saturday, March 1, 2003- 7:30 p.m. home game versus the Peoria Rivermen; Depart for Johnstown, PA right after game

Sunday, March 2, 2003- Arrive in Johnstown early in a.m.; 2:30 p.m. game at Cambria County War Memorial against the Chiefs; Depart for Dayton after the game

BOMBERS' COMMUNITY APPEARANCE SCHEDULE:

- Monday, February 24, 2003- Forwards Andrew Ianiero and Jason Deskins will be skating with kids at a youth hockey practice held at the Kettering Rec Center Ice Arena from 7:25-8:20 p.m.

BOMBERS' UPCOMING GAMES THIS WEEK:

Wednesday, February 26, 2003 @ Toledo Storm (7:00 p.m./6:45 p.m. broadcast time on www.daytonbombers.com)

The Bombers will continue their stretch of five straight commuter road trips with this tilt at Toledo against the Storm. The Bombers are 3-4 against Toledo this season and are 1-2 at the Toledo Sports Arena. Fred Slukynsky's overtime goal helped the Bombers edge Toledo 4-3 at the Sports Arena on January 17. The Bombers will play Toledo two more times after this game, both in a home-and-home series Friday, March 21 (@ Toledo) and Saturday, March 22 (Ultimate Sports Bar Night presented by SCOR- An American Eatery & Pub and another Bud Light/$1 Beer Night) at the Nutter Center (7:30 p.m.).

Friday, February 28, 2003 @ Wheeling Nailers (7:30 p.m./7:15 p.m. broadcast time on www.daytonbombers.com)

The Bombers and Nailers will be playing for the final time in the 2002-2003 regular season. The Bombers are 4-3 against Wheeling this season and 2-1 against the Nailers on road ice. Ryan Vince's deflection goal, set up by defenseman Mike Vellinga, helped the Bombers prevail 3-2 at Wheeling on November 3. Vellinga's late power play goal aided the Bombers in a 2-1 win at the Civic Center December 13.

Saturday, March 1, 2003 @ vs. Peoria Rivermen (7:30 p.m.)

Marketing partner TravelPlex will be giving away a $500 gift certificate to one lucky fan which can be put toward any travel package on "Pack the House"/Bud Light $1 Beer Night at this game. Pack the Nutter Center and TravelPlex will send one lucky fan "a-packin'." TravelPlex caters to a wide array of travel needs and getaway destinations. They are conveniently located at 3195 Dayton-Xenia Road in Beavercreek. One call does it all! (429-5383). Also at this game, college students from Wright State University and the University of Dayton will be pitted against each other in a "Battle of the Colors." Students from each institution will try to outdo each other in displays of school spirit by donning their appropriate school colors. Students, who can receive admission for just $5 with a valid ID, are urged to call now for tickets at 937-775-4747. The Bombers play Peoria a total of four times during the month of March. The Bombers will compete against the Rivermen the last three days of the regular season (Friday, March 28 vs. Peoria; Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30 at Peoria). The Bombers are 1-1-3 against the Rivermen this season and are 1-0-1 against them at the Ervin J. Nutter Center. On the strength of three power play goals and 37 saves by rookie netminder Shane Bendera, the Bombers topped the Rivermen 4-2 at the Nutter Center Sunday, December 29.

Sunday, March 2, 2003 @ Johnstown Chiefs (2:30 p.m./ 2:15 p.m. broadcast time on www.daytonbombers.com)

The Bombers will be looking for their first win against the Chiefs in Johnstown this season (0-2-1). Overall this season, the Bombers are 2-5-1 against the Chiefs. This matinee marks the last 2002-2003 regular season meeting with Johnstown.

BOMBERS' UPCOMING/REMAINING GAMES:

Thursday, March 6, 2003 @ Pee Dee Pride (7:00 p.m./ 6:45 p.m. broadcast time on www.daytonbombers.com)

Friday, March 7, 2003 @ Charlotte Checkers (7:35 p.m./ 7:20 p.m. broadcast time on www.daytonbombers.com)

Saturday, March 8, 2003 @ Columbia Inferno (7:05 p.m./ 6:50 p.m. broadcast time on www.daytonbombers.com)

Sunday, March 16, 2003 vs. Cincinnati Cyclones (6:00 p.m.)- There will be a free pre-game skate on this Kids' Club Sunday presented by Capn' Bogey's; Team Poster Night

Tuesday, March 18, 2003 vs. Trenton Titans (6:15 p.m.)- "Family Fun" Day. All Kids 12 and under can get in for free. Blue Jackets' Masoct Stinger will be in attendance and present a Prize Pack Giveaway courtesy of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Friday, March 21, 2003 @ Toledo Storm (7:30 p.m./ 7:15 pm. broadcast time on www.daytonbombers.com)

Saturday, March 22, 2003 vs. Toledo Storm (7:30 p.m.)- Ultimate Sports Bar Night presented by SCOR- An American Eatery & Pub at the Sugar Bell Plaza on State Route 725 in Bellbrook (848-7673); $1 Beer Night brought to you by Bud Light;

Sunday, March 23, 2003 vs. Cincinnati Cyclones (6:00 p.m.)- Kids 'Silly Sunday' presented by Capn' Bogey's featuring Shriner Clowns, Biggles the Clown, and the Magic of Robert Edwards.

Wednesday, March 26, 2003 @ Cincinnati Cyclones (7:05 p.m./ 6:50 p.m. broadcast time on www.daytonbombers.com).

Friday, March 28, 2003 vs. Peoria Rivermen (7:30 p.m.) Fan Appreciation Night/ Bud Light $1 Beer Night/ 2000 Trevor Ettinger Bobbleheads given away/ Pontiac Vibe Shootout.

Saturday, March 29, 2003 @ Peoria Rivermen (8:00 p.m./ 7:45 p.m. broadcast time on www.daytonbombers.com).

Sunday, March 30, 2003 @ Peoria Rivermen (4:00 p.m./ 3:45 p.m. broadcast time).

Tickets for all Bombers' home games as well as corporate marketing packages are available through the Bombers' office by calling (937) 775-4747 or by logging onto www.daytonbombers.com, or by visiting the Nutter Center Box Office.

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