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'Cudas weekly update

December 12, 2005 - SPHL (SPHL)
Jacksonville Barracudas News Release


It has been tough times on-the-ice of late for Cudas' fans, players, and staff, as the team has dropped 8 of their last 9 games. The much-feared injury bug has now hit the club, so its going to take even more effort to climb out of the cellar that the Cudas now find themselves in. However, positive signs continue to emerge, this week in the form of a veteran finding his scoring touch.

Cudas vs. Havoc

The week started out on an encouraging note Tuesday, as the Cudas faced off against the Huntsville Havoc. The Havoc had just knocked off the two top teams in the SPHL before playing the Cudas, so it was going to be a stiff test for the slumping Cudas.

It was the first appearance at home for the defensive duo of Chris Kovalcik and Martin Viazanica, and they did not disappoint. Viazanica played solid defense, going +3 on the night and picking up and assist. Meanwhile, Kovalcik's offensive side burst out, potting two goals including the game winner, early in the second period.

Jason Simon, who was named team captain before the game, picked up his first goal of the season, while Geoff Rollins considered his strong play, opening the game with a goal.

Goaltender Frank Novello had his best start with the Barracudas in the win, as the Cudas moved forward with some confidence.

Cudas vs. Ice Bears

The Ice Bears are always a stiff test, but the Barracudas came out flying with a goal from C.J. McConnell just over a minute into the game. However, it took just ten minutes for the Ice Bears to take control, with their star Kevin Swider tying the game, and K.C. Caudill putting them up on the power play with three minutes left in the first.

The Barracudas battled hard in the second period to come back, but Rob Miller put the Ice Bears up another goal, before Kovalcik closed the gap with his third goal in two games.

The wheels feel off for the Cudas in the third period, giving up three goals and letting the game slip away. However, the bright spot of the night was veteran Greg Lecolst, who was moved up to forward, scoring his first goal of the season with a highlight reel effort.

The 6-3 final was not quite indicative of how hard the teams had to battle, but it was a tough pill for the Cudas to swallow nonetheless.

Cudas vs. Cottonmouths

The Barracudas finished off their home stand with a game against the last-place Columbus Cottonmouths. Both teams were clearly frustrated, coming out of the gates full of spit and vinegar, as seemingly every whistle had an ensuing scuffle.

The Cudas got out to another fast start, as the diminutive Jonathan Charette scored on the power play six minutes into the first. However, once again it was a lead that the Cudas could not hold onto, as the Snakes scored three goals in the last eight minutes of play in the first.

The Cudas battled back, as McConnell scored late in the second to close the gap to one, and Geoff Rollins scored another power play goal to tie it up. However, Tylor Keller of the Cottonmouths regained the lead with his hat trick goal, and Tom McMonagle cleared the puck from a desperate, last minute scramble in front of the Snakes net all the way into the Cudas' empty net, salting the game away.

Cudas vs. Cottonmouths, Part II

The Barracudas and Cottonmouths both got on the highway and traveled up to Georgia for a rematch Sunday afternoon. The Barracudas were sporting an injury-depleted lineup, dressing just 12 skaters. The losses took their toll, as the Cottonmouths controlled the game from start to finish.

Special teams played a huge role in the game, as each of the Cottonmouths' goals were scored either on the power play (three power play goals), or on the penalty kill (second short handed goal in as many nights). The Barracudas, on the other hand, were unable to score on any of their six power plays.

Mid-way through the third period, newly signed goaltender Mykola Voroshnov came in to replace starter Frank Novello, to see his first action with the Cudas. He performed impressively, stopping all 12 shots he faced.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Barracudas have a few days off to rest up before beginning their climb back into a playoff position against two of the hottest teams in the league.

Friday they head up to Fayetteville to play the first-place FireAntz at 7:30 p.m. The FireAntz have won 7 of their last 10 games, and sit two points above the Ice Bears with two games in hand. Dean Jackson continues to lead the FireAntz offensively, as he sits in fourth spot in the league's scoring race. Former Barracuda Kory Baker has stepped it up offensively after the loss of two of their top forwards, scoring five goals and adding four assists in his past five games.

The next night the Cudas are back home at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena to face off against the surging Florida Seals, who have won 8 of their last 10. David Deeves has been explosive for the Seals of late, racking up 9 points in his past 5 games, while goaltender Terry Denike has been lights-out, allowing just 1.33 goals a game and stopping 94.4% of his shots in the past 5 games.

IN THE LOOP

Chris Hackett Out With Shoulder Injury

Forward Chris Hackett has been out for the past week with a shoulder injury. His status is currently day-to-day, with the possibility that he may be in the lineup on Friday.

Tomas Fojtik Out With Separated Shoulder

Czech import Tomas Fojtik was injured on Saturday night with a scary fall into the end boards. He has suffered a separated shoulder, and is expected to be out for six weeks.

Luke Pelham Out With Thumb Injury

Forward Luke Pelham left Saturday's game, and missed Sunday's match, due to an injured thumb. X-ray's came back negative, and Luke is expected to be back in the lineup on Friday.

DJ McDonald Healthy Scratch

Forward DJ McDonald was a healthy scratch the last few games, forced out of the lineup due to recent acquisitions.

Voroshnov Signed From Ukraine

Saturday the Barracudas signed big goaltender Mykola Voroshnov from the Ukraine. Voroshnov was back up to Frank Novello for both Saturday and Sunday's games, however he did see action late in the third period on Sunday, stopping all 12 shots.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Make-A-Wish Night, Teddy Bear Toss Saturday

The Jacksonville Barracudas organization is extremely proud and excited to preset Make-A-Wish Night, this Saturday, December 17th. Highlighting the night will be a Player and Ice Girl Auction, where fans will have the opportunity to bid on an hour-long date with their favorite team member. Another chance to get involved will be to bid on one of the items of signed merchandise and souvenirs on hand.

All proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation and their ''Stories of Light'' campaign, and help the Barracudas goal of raising $5000 to become a Wish Maker and make a child's wish come true.

Finally, the Barracudas are excited to present the Teddy Bear Toss! All fans are asked to bring a teddy bear to the game, as all bears will be tossed onto the ice between periods. Bears will be collected, and delivered to the Ronald McDonald House and Nemours Children's Hospital the following week.

The Barracudas would like to thank all of the wonderful organizations that are involved with this event.

Upcoming Meet and Greets To Be Announced

The Barracudas will be back out into the community with some exciting Meet and Greets in the near future. Dates and locations are being determined, as you read, so get ready to come out and meet some of the boys you haven't had a chance to yet!

NOTES

The Barracudas' organization would like to thank our fans and sponsors for their continued support. In every season there are going to be peaks and valleys, and wins have been hard to come by of late for the team. However, the organization will continue to work hard to provide exciting hockey entertainment to you.

As with seemingly every weekly wrap up, I'd like to ask all fans to forward me any questions or concerns you might have. A number of you have done this already, and it has provided the office with some great feedback. Your suggestions go a long way to helping us improve!

Here's to some wins this week! See you at the game on Saturday!



SPHL Stories from December 12, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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