Bombers Split in Four-Game Week

Published on March 24, 2003 under ECHL (ECHL)
Dayton Bombers News Release


The Dayton Bombers completed a busy week of East Coast Hockey League play on Sunday vs. Cincinnati. The Bombers, whose roster features several new players experiencing their first taste of professional hockey, will play four games in five nights to conclude their 2002-2003 campaign. Friday's final regular season home tilt versus Peoria (7:30 p.m.) will be a special night as the Bombers will show appreciation for their fans with prizes, give away 2000 Trevor Ettinger "Bobblehead" Dolls, offer fans the chance at a one-year's lease on a 2003 Pontiac Vibe, and auction off their 2002-2003 "Red" Game Jerseys.

Below is a review of the Bombers' ECHL contests this past week:

3/18/03- Trenton 0 @ BOMBERS 2

Jayme Platt stopped all 34 shots as the Dayton Bombers blanked the Trenton Titans 2-0 at the Ervin J. Nutter Center Tuesday night for the team's second straight victory. An unassisted goal by Lance Galbraith 3:13 into the first period was all the offense the Bombers would need. Galbriath intercepted Trenton's clearing attempt and sent a shot to the net that trickled past goalie Cody Rudkowsky and across the goal line to give the Bombers a 1-0 edge. Jim Leger stole the puck at center ice to score an empty net, unassisted goal at 19:44 of the third period to secure the Bombers' victory. In between the goals, the Bombers received stellar goaltending from Jayme Platt, who authored the Bombers' third shutout of the season. With about five minutes to play in the second period, Platt stopped Trenton forward Eric Betournay twice on a breakaway chance. Moments later, Marco Charpentier's deflection from the slot after a centering pass from Adam Edinger led to a save by Platt (as he closed both pads to smother the puck). In the third period, the Bombers had to fend off three Titans power play chances, including a five-on-three. During one sequence, Platt stopped Steve O'Brien's man-advantage point shot, then scampered quickly to his right to deny Mike Hurley. The Bombers wound up killing all six Trenton power play opportunities.

3/21/03- BOMBERS 2 @ Toledo 4

Matt Ellis' first of two goals 9:40 into the second period broke a 1-1 tie and put the Toledo Storm ahead for good in a 4-2 win over the Dayton Bombers at the Toledo Sports Arena Friday night. Ellis' first score came 1:01 after Jason Deskins had tied the game at one on a power play goal, with assists from Ryan Vince and Tom Nemeth. Wes Mason netted a power play goal for the Storm at 5:10 of the second period to put Toledo ahead 1-0 after a scoreless first. Tim Verbeek and Ellis (empty net) added goals in the third period for Toledo, while Lance Galbraith also scored on the power play for the Dayton Bombers. The Bombers added a pair of players from the Sacred Heart University (MAAC) Pioneers prior to the game. Forward Richard Naumann, a captain during his senior season, and defenseman Nick Nutcher both made their professional hockey debuts in the game at Toledo. The Bombers also added goalies T.J. Aceti from the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League and Tony Zasowski from the University of Notre Dame. Aceti made his first pro start in the game.

3/22/03- Toledo 2 @ BOMBERS 3 (SO)

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.

3/23/03- Cincinnati 2 @ BOMBERS 0

Despite a 44-33 edge in shots, the Bombers lost this goaltenders' duel 2-0 at the Ervin J. Nutter Center. Mike Casselman, who has four game-winning goals against the Bombers this season in the head-to-head series, broke a scoreless tie with just 1:08 to play in regulation. Greg Labenski added an empty-net goal moments later to secure the win. Greg Hewitt stopped all 44 shots en route to the shutout for Cincinnati while T.J. Aceti stopped 31 shots in another strong performance for the Bombers.

NEMETH NAMED TO ECHL 15th ANNIVERSARY FIRST TEAM AT DEFENSE POSITION: Bombers defenseman Tom Nemeth, a three-team ECHL Defenseman of the Year and First-Team All-ECHLer, was named Saturday to the ECHL 15th Anniversary First Team at the defense position. Nemeth ranks second all-time among defenseman with 334 goals, 451 points and 439 games.

BOMBER BITES: The Bombers' ten home short-handed goals is tied for the ECHL lead and is a new franchise record ... The Bombers' 63 shots on Saturday vs. Toledo was an ECHL season-high ... Goalie T.J. Aceti's 12 shootout saves on Saturday was also an ECHL season-high ... Defenseman Tom Nemeth is second in ECHL defenseman shots entering the week (245) ... 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) ... The Bombers, however, are tied for the league lead in shootout losses with eight. They snapped a seven-game shootout losing streak on Saturday vs. Toledo ... Fifteen different Bombers (including forward Lance Galbraith, who was loaned to Syracuse of the AHL this past week) have been beckoned by American Hockey League teams this season (at least once).

SPEAK YOUR MIND AND CHAT WITH GALBRAITH & DESKINS AT ''SCOR" THIS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19: Forwards Lance Galbraith and Jason Deskins are the tentatively scheduled player guests at another edition of the Dayton Bombers' "Behind the Bench" Coach's Show to be held live this Tuesday, March 25 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. 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 continue to be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on select non-game days (see below schedule) throughout the rest of the season. "SCOR"- An American Eatery & Pub (Sugar Bell Plaza on State Route 725 in Bellbrook), a new sister restaurant of the Dublin Pub (located in the Historic Oregon District of Dayton), will host the remaining two shows. Below is a list of the remaining show schedule with scheduled guests, all of which will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m.:

Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at the SCOR- An American Eatery & Pub at the Sugar Bell Plaza on State Route 725 in Bellbrook (848-7676) [featuring winger Lance Galbraith and center Jason Deskins]

Monday, March 31, 2003 at the SCOR- An American Eatery & Pub at the Sugar Bell Plaza on State Route 725 in Bellbrook (848-7676) [featuring defenseman Jason Crain and forward Brian Ridolfi]

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" recently, specializes 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 ACCEPTING DEPOSITS FOR SEASON TICKETS: The Bombers are accepting season ticket deposits for the 2003-2004 campaign. Season Ticket Holders not only have the best seat in the house, but numerous exclusive opportunities and benefits including Preferred reserved seat selection, Free parking pass, No box office lines, Saving over 20% on tickets, Priority for playoff tickets, Priority given for renewal/upgrade of seating, Bring a friend coupon (5) (a $77.50-$52.50 value), Complimentary ticket to a selected away game, 12 and under season tickets include free Kids Club membership, Free preseason exhibition game, Three complimentary event receptions, Exclusive season ticketholder ID card, Free game day rosters, 10% discount on selected Bombers merchandise, Early buys on Columbus Blue Jackets tickets, Six redemption nights for unused tickets, ... and more benefits in the works. For further information, contact the Bombers' office at 937-775-4747.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK NOMINATION:

LANCE GALBRAITH- Forward

2 games- 2 goals- 0 assists- 2 points- even plus/minus- 3 shots- one game-winning goal- one power play goal in team ‚¬â„¢s 2-2 week

GOALIE OF THE WEEK NOMINATION:

T.J. ACETI- Goalie

3 games- 1 wins- 2 losses- 93 shots- 87 saves- 1.95 goals-against average- .935 save percentage in team ‚¬â„¢s 2-2 week

BOMBERS ‚¬â„¢ TRANSACTIONS FOR WEEK:

03/18/2003 Add JASON CRAIN (D) returned from Cleveland (AHL)

03/19/2003 Delete JAYME PLATT (G) loaned to Lowell (AHL)

03/20/2003 Delete DOUG NOLAN (D) loaned to Manchester (AHL)

03/21/2003 Add T.J. ACETI (G) added to roster

03/21/2003 Add RICHARD NAUMANN (F) added to roster

03/21/2003 Add NICK NUTCHER (D) added to roster

03/21/2003 Delete TYLER MIDDLESTEAD (G) released as emergency backup goalie

03/22/2003 Add TONY ZASOWSKI (G) added to roster

03/22/2003 Delete LANCE GALBRAITH (F) loaned to Syracuse (AHL)

BOMBERS' PRACTICE SCHEDULE/ITINERARY FOR THIS WEEK:

Monday, March 24, 2003- OPTIONAL 3:00 p.m. practice with high school students at Ervin J. Nutter Center

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

Wednesday, March 26, 2003- 10:00 a.m. practice at Sportstown in Centerville, Ohio

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

Friday, March 28, 2003- 10:00 a.m. pre-game skate at Ervin J. Nutter Center; 7:30 p.m. game versus Peoria Rivermen; Depart for Peoria, Illinois after game

Saturday, March 29, 2003- Arrive in Peoria early in a.m.; 11:15 a.m. (CT) pre-game skate in Peoria; 8:00 p.m. (EST) game at Carver Arena against Rivermen

Sunday, March 30, 2003- 4:00 p.m. (EST) game at Carver Arena against Rivermen; Depart for Dayton after game

BOMBERS' COMMUNITY APPEARANCE SCHEDULE FOR WEEK:

- Tuesday, March 25, 2003- "Behind the Bench" Coach's Show at the 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. [featuring wingers Lance Galbraith and center Jason Deskins]

BOMBERS' UPCOMING GAMES THIS WEEK:

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

The Bombers will look for a win in their last head-to-head game against their intrastate rivals. The Bombers are 2-7-1 against Cincinnati this season, including a 1-2-1 mark at U.S. Bank Arena. The Bombers beat the Cyclones 4-3 in overtime January 11 on Ryan Vince's game-winning goal.

Friday, March 28, 2003 (7:30 p.m.)- BOMBERS vs. Peoria Rivermen

The Bombers will be giving thanks to fans as part of Fan Appreciation Night at the Ervin J. Nutter Center. As part of Bud Light $1 Beer Night, the Bombers will be giving away 2000 Trevor Ettinger Bobbleheads in addition to numerous prizes. They also will give fans a chance to win a one-year lease on a 2003 Pontiac Vibe in the Pontiac Vibe Shootout. The Bombers will be auctioning off their "Red" Game Jerseys after the contest. The Bombers are 1-2-3 against Peoria this season and are 1-1-1 in games played on home ice. The Bombers topped Peoria 4-2 on December 29 at the Nutter Center.

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

The Bombers will visit Peoria for the fourth time this season. The Bombers are 0-1-2 at Carver Arena this season.

Sunday, March 30, 2003 (4:00 p.m./ 3:45 p.m. broadcast time on www.daytonbombers.com)- BOMBERS @ Peoria Rivermen

The Bombers will wrap up their 2002-2003 regular season with this third consecutive tilt against the Rivermen.

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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ECHL Stories from March 24, 2003


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