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Bombers Trek South as Hockey Week Continues

March 3, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Dayton Bombers News Release


LING LURKS UP ALL-TIME ECHL ASSIST LIST, EXTENDS POINT-SCORING STREAK TO SEVEN AS BOMBERS GEAR FOR SWING OF SOUTH: Center Jamie Ling moved into eighth place on the all-time ECHL assists list with a pair of helpers Wednesday at Toledo. However, the Dayton Bombers went 0-3-1 during the week's play and aim to snap a ten-game winless skid (0-8-2) in games later this week at Pee Dee, Charlotte, and Columbia. Last week, Ohio Governor Bob Taft issued a proclamation that March 1- March 8 be designated "Hockey Week" throughout the state of Ohio. Ling leapfrogged ahead of Phil Berger (348) with a pair of helpers in a 6-2 setback against the Storm, then added another assist on Friday at Wheeling. Ling, who now has 350 career ECHL assists, also extended a personal season-high, point-scoring streak to seven with points in all four Bombers' games.

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

2/26/03- BOMBERS 2 @ Toledo 6

The Toledo Storm scored three times in the first period, twice with the man advantage as part of a five-power play goal night, and Doug Teskey made 28 saves in a 6-2 victory over the Dayton Bombers at the Toledo Sports Arena. Defenseman Paul Ballantyne lifted Toledo to a 1-0 lead when he converted on a centering pass from Nathan Robinson for an even-strength tally at the 3:00 mark. Dale Junkin scored on the power play 4:53 later to make it 2-0 Toledo. After Teskey stopped Fred Slukynsky on a penalty shot at 9:58- a Toledo player threw a stick to cause the referee to make the call- Robinson made it 3-0 at 15:21 following a one-on-one move on a defender. Matt Ellis, Nick Parillo and Robinson added power play insurance goals for Toledo in the third period, followed by two even strength conversions by Bombers' leading goal-scorer Ryan Vince, both set up by Jamie Ling.

2/28/03- BOMBERS 4 @ Wheeling 5 (SO)

The Wheeling Nailers came back from a 4-1 deficit to defeat the Dayton Bombers 5-4 in a shootout at the Wheeling Civic Center, spoiling a two-goal performance by Bombers' newcomer Jim Leger. The Bombers saw their winless skid reach eight (0-6-2), but earned a standings point with the shootout loss. After falling behind 1-0, the Bombers registered four straight first period goals, highlighted by Leger's pair. Brian Cummings, an ex-Nailer, helped the Bombers tie Wheeling at one when he banged in a rebound from the slot off a shot from the point by defenseman Jason Crain. Leger followed up Crain's drive to the net to give him his first Bombers' goal and the team a 2-1 edge. Ryan Vince netted his third goal in two games and team-leading 23rd of the season when he skated around Wheeling defender Mario LaRocque and slipped a shot through the legs of goalie Tyler MacKay at 13:36. Leger capped the four-goal first period when he finished off a three-way power play passing sequence involving Tom Nemeth and Jamie Ling at 17:19. The Nailers gradually came back in the game, getting a late first period goal by Dmitri Doulebenets to cut the Bombers' lead to 4-2. Steve Crampton scored the only goal in the second period to make it 4-3. Then, with the Nailers' goalie pulled and right after Bombers' goalie Jayme Platt robbed Nailers forward Zenon Kenopka on a point-blank scoring chance, Bobby Russell tied the game with a second to play. Kenopka would get the decisive goal in the sixth round of the shootout.

3/1/03- Peoria 6 @ BOMBERS 2

Trailing 2-1 in the second period, the Peoria Rivermen scored five answered goals en route to a 6-2 triumph at the Ervin J. Nutter Center in front of 6,017 fans. Both forwards Ryan Vince and Jamie Ling extended point-scoring streaks to six with goals, each of which gave the Bombers a lead. Vince settled a pass from Fred Slukynsky onto his stick, then sent a shot through the legs of Peoria goalie Alfie Michaud to give the Bombers a 1-0 lead at 4:52 of the first. Though Bret DeCecco tied the game 57 seconds later, the Bombers regained a 2-1 edge at 3:10 of the second period when Ling sent home Doug Nolan's centering pass from the right wing boards. The Rivermen then put on their "opportunistic" shoes. Josh Kern took advantage of a defensive zone turnover at 13:22 to tie the game, igniting a five-goal run. Jason Lawmaster scored at 17:05, then Ryan Finnerty, Randy Rowe, and Mike Nelson scored in succession during the third period to secure the win.

3/2/03- BOMBERS 2 @ Johnstown 4

Defenseman Jeff Sullivan's breakaway goal right after he exited the penalty box turned out to be the game-winner as the Johnstown Chiefs topped the Dayton Bombers 4-2 in an East Coast Hockey League matinee played at the Cambria County War Memorial in Johnstown, PA on Sunday. The Bombers are now winless in ten (0-8-2) straight games. Sullivan's goal, set up by Tim Branham, gave Johnstown a 3-1 lead at the 1:27 mark of the third period. Fred Slukynsky answered at 8:02 with a tally assisted by Ben Knopp and Brian Cummings, but Steve Hildenbrand's slap shot goal, right after a Bombers' power play, gave the Chiefs a 4-2 cushion at 15:53. Shawn Mather's slap shot from the top of the left circle on the power play lifted the Johnstown Chiefs to a 2-1 lead 16:25 into the second period. Bombers center Jamie Ling had helped the Bombers forge a 1-1 tie with a goal 27 seconds into the middle frame. He collected the puck after Patrick Yetman's shot caromed off the end boards, then stuffed it past goalie Peter Aubry on the near side. Ling's goal was his 17th and it extended his point-scoring streak to seven. Sam St. Pierre had given Johnstown a 1-0 lead 18:20 into the first on a rising slap shot fired through a screen.

BOMBER BITES: The Bombers' ten home short-handed goals is tied for the ECHL lead and is a new franchise record ... Center Jamie Ling is riding a personal season-best, seven-game goal scoring streak. He has four goals (three on the power play) and five assists in the span ... Forward Ryan Vince saw a six-game point scoring streak (6-2-8) come to an end Sunday at Johnstown ... Defenseman Doug Nolan has assists in his last three games ... Goalie Shane Bendera enters the week tied for 15th in ECHL goals-against average (2.84) ... Defenseman Tom Nemeth is third in ECHL defenseman shots entering the week (208) ... 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 ... The Bombers, however, lead the league in shootout losses with eight ... Ryan Vince has points in 29 of his last 36 games (22-17-39). He leads the team in goals (24) and first goals (6) ‚¬Â¦ Eleven different Bombers have been beckoned by American Hockey League teams this season (at least once).

SPEAK YOUR MIND AND CHAT WITH VELLINGA & CUMMINGS AT ''SCOR" TUESDAY, MARCH 11: Defenseman Mike Vellinga and Brian Cummings are the tentatively scheduled player guests at another edition of the Dayton Bombers' "Behind the Bench" Coach's Show to be held live Tuesday, March 11 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 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 four 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 11, 2003 at the SCOR- An American Eatery & Pub at the Sugar Bell Plaza on State Route 725 in Bellbrook (848-7676) [featuring defenseman Mike Vellinga and winger Brian Cummings]

Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at the SCOR- An American Eatery & Pub at the Sugar Bell Plaza on State Route 725 in Bellbrook (848-7676) [featuring wingers Blair Stayzer and Torrey DiRoberto]

Monday, March 24, 2003 at the SCOR- An American Eatery & Pub at the Sugar Bell Plaza on State Route 725 in Bellbrook (848-7676) [featuring goalie Jayme Platt and forward 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 Athletic Trainer Jason Franklin]

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 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

4 games- 2 goals- 3 assists- 5 points- 1 power play goal- -1 plus/minus- 7 shots in team's 0-3-1 week

GOALIE OF THE WEEK NOMINATION:

JAYME PLATT- Goalie

1 game- 0 wins- 1 shootout loss- 41 shots- 37 saves- 3.69 goals-against average- .902 save percentage in team's 0-3-1 week

PLAYER OF THE MONTH (FEBRUARY) NOMINATION:

JAMIE LING- Forward

11 games- 6 goals- 8 assists- 14 points- 4 power play goals- +1 plus/minus- 1 GWG- 1 FG- 27 shots in team's 2-6-3 month

GOALIE OF THE MONTH (FEBRUARY) NOMINATION:

SHANE BENDERA- Goalie

5 games- 1 win- 3 losses- 1 shootout loss- 149 shots- 130 saves- 3.75 goals-against average- .872 save percentage in team's 2-6-3 month

ROOKIE OF MONTH (FEBRUARY) NOMINATION:

JASON CRAIN- Defenseman

11 games- 0 goals- 9 assists- 9 points- +4 plus/minus- 31 shots in team's 2-6-3 month

BOMBERS' TRANSACTIONS FOR WEEK:

02/22/2003 Delete CHRIS M. THOMPSON (F) loaned to Cincinnati (AHL)

02/23/2003 Add CHRIS M. THOMPSON (RW) returned from Cincinnati (ECHL)

02/25/2003 Delete CHRIS M. THOMPSON (RW) traded to Augusta (ECHL)

02/25/2003 Delete ANDREW IANIERO (LW) traded to Augusta (ECHL)

02/26/2003 Add PATRICK YETMAN (LW) assigned from Hartford (AHL)

02/26/2003 Add LANCE GALBRAITH (F) added to roster

02/26/2003 Delete KYLE KOS (D) traded to Florida (ECHL)

02/27/2003 Delete LANCE GALBRAITH (F) placed on IR

02/27/2003 Delete CHRIS THOMPSON (D) placed on IR

02/28/2003 Add JIM LEGER (F) added to roster

02/28/2003 Add LEE RUFF (D) added to roster

02/28/2003 Add YANN JOSEPH (C) activated off IR

02/28/2003 Add GRANT VAN LAAR (G) added as emergency backup goaltender

03/01/2003 Delete GRANT VAN LAAR (G) released as emergency backup goaltender

03/02/2003 Delete MIKE VELLINGA (D) loaned to San Antonio (AHL)

BOMBERS' PRACTICE SCHEDULE/ITINERARY FOR THIS WEEK:

Monday, March 3, 2003- NO PRACTICE

Tuesday, March 4, 2003- 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. practice at Sportstown in Centerville, Ohio

Wednesday, March 5, 2003- 7:00 a.m. departure from Dayton for Florence, South Carolina (Pee Dee); Arrive in Florence late in p.m.

Thursday, March 6, 2003- 11:15 a.m. practice at Florence City County Civic Center; 7:00 p.m. game at Florence City County Civic Center against the Pee Dee Pride; Depart for Charlotte, North Carolina after the game

Friday, March 7, 2003- Arrive in Charlotte early in a.m.; 7:35 p.m. game at Cricket Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina against the Checkers; Depart for Columbia, South Carolina after the game

Saturday, March 8, 2003- Arrive in Columbia early in a.m.; 7:05 p.m. game at Carolina Coliseum against the Inferno; Depart for Dayton after the game

Sunday, March 9, 2003- TRAVEL/OFF DAY

BOMBERS' COMMUNITY APPEARANCE SCHEDULE:

- Tuesday, March 4, 2003- F Blair Stayzer and G Jayme Platt will be signing autographs at the Vandalia (OH) "Fricker's" location from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

BOMBERS' UPCOMING GAMES THIS WEEK:

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

The Bombers will get a chance to compete against the Pee Dee Pride for the first time in the franchises' history. Formerly the Knoxville Cherokees franchise, the team relocated to the Florence, South Carolina (Pee Dee Region) in time for the 1997-1998 season. Pee Dee enters the week in fourth place in the ECHL Southern Conference's Southeast Division with a 32-23-5 record (69 points). The Bombers may get a chance to play against 2001-2002 Bomber Preston Mizzi in this game.

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

The Bombers and Checkers played twice in Charlotte last season, with the Checkers winning both games. But this is the first and only meeting of the 2002-2003 campaign. Entering the week, the Checkers are six points back (31-25-2- 64 points) of the fourth-seeded Trenton Titans in the tightly-packed Northeast Division race.

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

The Bombers will play against the second-year Inferno for the first time ever. Entering the week, Columbia has already clinched a playoff berth and has a 39-21-2 mark, good for 80 points atop the Southeast Division.

BOMBERS' UPCOMING/REMAINING GAMES:

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' Mascot 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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