Cashing in their Chips

Published on November 17, 2003 under ECHL (ECHL)
Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies News Release


ATLANTIC CITY – WEEK RECORD: 1-1-0

SEASON RECORD: 9-4-0 2nd NORTHERN

BULLIES REWIND: The Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies quickly regrouped from their first shutout loss of the season on Wednesday to pepper Las Vegas goaltender Marc Magliarditi with 51 shots on goal and outlast the Wranglers 3-2 in a shootout Friday to split the week. Despite picking up 2 points, the Bullies fell 3 points behind the Johnstown Chiefs who went 3-0-1 over the week. Johnstown opened their week Wednesday at Boardwalk Hall against the Bullies and rode goaltender Cory Campbell's 23-save effort and first professional shutout to a 2-0 win over the defending Kelly Cup Champions. While neither team was able to score in the first period, Johnstown converted early in the second when Shawn Mather found Bullies goaltender Scott Stirling down on the ice and slapped the puck above his shoulder at 1:00 of the period for a 1-0 lead. Campbell continually frustrated the Bullies throughout the game, and Jay Notterman's empty-net goal at 19:22 capped the scoring for Johnstown and the 2-0 victory. The Chiefs out-shot the Bullies 33-23 for the game, just the third time this season the Bullies have been out-shot by an opponent. Goaltender Scott Stirling made 31 saves in suffering the tough-luck defeat. Stirling would get his redemption on Friday though as he stopped 26 shots and held Las Vegas scoreless in the shootout, while Jim Henkel potted the game-winner in the 2nd round leading the Bullies to a 3-2 win over the Wranglers. The Bullies netted the game's opening goal, a power play tally by Henkel at 7:08 of the second period with a shot over the right shoulder of Wranglers goalie Marc Magliarditi. Matt Hubbauer gave the Bullies a 2-0 edge when he recorded his first professional goal less then two minutes later converting from Brian Fahey and Preston Mizzi at 8:36. Las Vegas would quickly counter as Greg Day from behind the net slid the puck off the back of Stirling at 12:48 to bring the Wranglers back to within one at 2-1. The Wranglers would get the equalizer 2:32 seconds later at 15:20 when Dave Cousineau scored from the point tying the game at 2-2. After a scoreless third period and overtime session, Stirling proved to be a stone wall in net allowing no goals in the shootout, while Henkel and Luke Curtin each scored to lead Atlantic City to victory.

BULLIES "TOP DAWG" AWARD: Each Monday from now until the end of the season, Public Relations and Broadcasting Manager Dan Weiss will select the Bullies "Top Dawg" for the week. This week's winner is rookie forward Matt Hubbauer who tallied his first professional goal in the Bullies 3-2 shootout win over Las Vegas on Friday. Honorable mention goes out to goaltender Scott Stirling who stopped 57 of 60 shots over the week and all 4 Las Vegas shooters in the shootout to preserve the win. Previous winners below include:

10/20/03: Jim Henkel (4 goals, 2 assists)
10/27/03: Luke Curtin (1 goal, 2 assists)
11/3/03: Brian Fahey (0 goals, 5 assists)
11/10/03: Scott Stirling (55 shots, 53 saves)

BULLIES AMBUSH: The 51 shots on goal by the Bullies on Friday vs. Las Vegas was a season-high, eclipsing the 43 on October 25 vs. Long Beach. The 25 shots on goal in the second period was also a season-high. Both numbers fell short of ECHL season highs however. Greensboro had 64 shots on goal on October 23 vs. Texas, and 28 in the second period. The 49 saves by Las Vegas goalie Marc Magliarditi was also a season-high. The last time the Bullies put 50+ shots on net was last March 2, a 4-2 home loss to Charlotte. Checkers goalie Scott Meyer made 49 saves for the win.

A MARKED MAN: Wranglers goalie Marc Magliarditi has withstood the ambush of the Bullies several times throughout his career. Last year with Richmond, Magliarditi faced 30+ shots on three different occasions against the Bullies. He also turned aside 38 of 39 Bullies shots on February 28, a 3-1 Renegades win.

KILLER D: The Bullies have not allowed a power play goal in three games, killing off their opponents' last 10 chances. Furthermore, the penalty kill has wiped out 49 of the opponents' last 54 power plays, a 90.7% efficiency rate. The penalty kill is eighth in the ECHL at 86.9%.

BREAKING THROUGH: Jim Henkel's power play goal in the second period Friday snapped an 0-17 drought with the man advantage. Prior to Henkel's score, the Bullies had last tallied a power play goal on November 7 at Trenton. The Bullies are still mired in a 3-35 (8.5%) slump over their last six games, despite averaging 6 power play opportunities a contest. The power play is still 14th in the ECHL at 16.5%.

ATTENDANCE ON THE RISE: Through the first 8 home games of the 2003-04 season, the Bullies have reported a 17% increase in attendance figures from a year ago.

POWER PLAY FOR UNITED WAY: The Bullies, in conjunction with United Way of Atlantic County, unveiled their newest community program, Power Play for United Way. For every power play goal the Bullies score this season, area businesses and organizations will donate $10 dollars to United Way of Atlantic County. The Bullies have tallied 13 goals so far in 2003-04, good for $650 dollars towards the Power Play for United Way.

BULLIES IN THE COMMUNITY: The Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies will be out and about in the community throughout this week. Tuesday, Wooly will be at Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School (15 N California Avenue) in Atlantic City joining in Red Ribbon Week festivities from 9:30AM – 11AM. Wednesday, Wooly takes his road show to Sun National Bank in Vineland from 2PM – 3PM to help out with a fundraising benefit for the United Way. Thursday, forward Jon Cullen and goaltender Jake Moreland join Wooly at the Tilton Shore Fitness Club's Open House in Northfield from 5PM – 8PM. For more information about upcoming events and appearances, contact Dan Weiss at (609) 348-7809.

STAY ONLINE WITH THE BULLIES: Follow the Bullies throughout the season by pointing your computer mouse to www.boardwalkbullies.com. You can read game updates, get to know your favorite Bullies, and find out where "Wooly" and the team will be appearing next. Click and score with www.boardwalkbullies.com!

UP NEXT: The defending ECHL Kelly Cup Champions will play three games over the next week, starting Tuesday night at Boardwalk Hall with a re-match against the Las Vegas Wranglers at 7:05PM. Tuesday is "Twisted Tuesday" presented by Coors Light and Molson Canadian, and the Bullies along with Mix 97.3 and Tropicana Hotel and Casinos will be giving away an all-expense trip for four to fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bullies will then play a home-and-home series with the Trenton Titans beginning at 7:30PM Friday at the Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton. The following night, the Bullies will host the Titans at 7:05PM at Boardwalk Hall. It's Family Night at the Hall as families can purchase four tickets, four hot dogs, and four sodas for just $44. The Bullies and Kinkos will also be giving away the second Player Card set of the year featuring five of your favorite Bullies. Catch all the action this week on ESPN Radio 1450AM and the Surfer Network at www.boardwalkbullies.com beginning with the pre-game show 20 minutes prior to face-off with Dan Weiss.

BULLIES SCHEDULE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 17TH:

Monday, November 17: Practice 10:30AM – 12PM @ Flyers Skate Zone

Tuesday, November 18: Morning Skate 10AM; Bullies vs. Las Vegas 7:05PM

Wednesday, November 19: Practice 11AM – 12:30PM @ Flyers Skate Zone

Thursday, November 20: Practice 10:30AM – 12PM @ Flyers Skate Zone

Friday, November 21: Morning Skate 10AM; Bullies @ Trenton 7:30PM

Saturday, November 22: Morning Skate 10AM; Bullies vs. Trenton 7:05PM

Sunday, November 23: Off

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ECHL Stories from November 17, 2003


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