Bombers Nip First-Place Storm in Shootout Marathon Thriller
March 23, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Dayton Bombers News Release
Richard Naumann, a rookie out of Sacred Heart University playing in his second professional game, scored in the 16th round of the shootout as the Dayton Bombers- who endured four separate "score or lose" situations earlier in the penalty shot skills competition- defeated the first-place overall Toledo Storm 3-2 in front of 5,492 fans at "Ultimate Sports Bar Night" (presented by SCOR-An American Eatery & Pub) at the Ervin J. Nutter Center Saturday night. The Bombers have won three of their last four games.
The Bombers trailed by one four times in the shootout, but answered on each occasion. Fred Slukynsky (5th round), Jason Deskins (6th round), Jason Crain (9th round), and Mike Vellinga (10th round) all tallied for the Bombers in response to a Toledo goal before Naumann's game-decider in the 16th and final round. Bombers rookie goalie T.J. Aceti, also playing in his second professional game, recorded his first pro win with a 33-save effort in three regulation periods plus an overtime. He stopped 12 of 16 shootout breakaways.
Though the Bombers outshot the Storm 63-35 (63 shots is an ECHL 2002-2003 single-game high) in the game and 24-10 after one period, they found themselves trailing 1-0 heading into the first intermission after Paul Ballantyne's goal at 18:45 of the first period moments after he had exited the penalty box..
After a scoreless second stanza, Jamie Ling tied the game for the Bombers 9:09 into the third period on a right-circle shot that beat goalie Mike Minard, who finished with 61 saves in a losing effort. Mike Vellinga gave the Bombers a 2-1 lead on the power play at 14:29, connecting on the tail end of a rush into the Toledo zone with forwards Jason Deskins and Fred Slukynsky. Andre Payette forced the game to go beyond regulation, however, with a power play, deflection tally for Toledo at 15:48. The Bombers outshot the Storm 10-0 in the 4-on-4 overtime session before the decisive shootout marathon.
Tonight, the Bombers will be having a Kids 'Silly Sunday' (3/23; vs. Cincinnati, 6:00 p.m.), presented by Capn' Bogey's, at the Ervin J. Nutter Center, featuring Shriner Clowns, Biggles the Clown, the "Mr. Bubbles" Giveaway, and the Magic of Robert Edwards. It will also be WFCJ-93.7 FM Church Night. There will be a pre-game skate from 4-5 p.m. Unused tickets from the 2/16/03 "Snow" Game vs. Lexington can be used at this game. The Bombers will try to record another home win against Cincinnati. The Bombers topped the Cyclones 5-3 this past Sunday.
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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