'Cudas weekly wrap-up

Published on November 8, 2005 under SPHL (SPHL) News Release

The Cudas had a daunting stretch facing them as they approached Thursday's match against the always-strong Knoxville Ice Bears. The three-games-in-three-nights is not unique in minor league hockey, but this jaunt appeared especially tough. After playing the Ice Bears at home, the Cudas headed up to Fayetteville to play the first-place FireAntz, before traveling all the way back home to battle the Pee Dee Cyclones. The very same Cyclones who laid a beating on the Cudas in their first meeting, 9-3 on the Cudas' home ice.

On Thursday, the Cudas were able to overcome being badly out shot by the Ice Bears, using a strong third period to push the game into overtime. Anything can happen in the extra frame, and Cudas forward Shawn Roed was able to convert a great effort from Joel Petkoff to give the Cudas the extra point on the night. Goaltender Pat Berrigan turned in another fantastic performance, stopping 51 of the Ice Bears' 55 shots.

It's always interesting when the Cudas face the FireAntz, due to the amount player movement between these two teams over the course of the last two seasons. Three former Barracudas teamed up on the game's first goal, as FireAntz' d-man Tim Schneider converted assists from forwards Kory Baker and George Nistas. The FireAntz kept coming, getting out to a 4-1 lead going into the third. The Barracudas attempted another comeback, but fell short losing 5-3. Cudas' goaltender Jan Chovan left the game in the third period with a concussion, after being knocked back into a goal post.

Another long bus ride brought the Cudas home, and into a match up against the Cyclones, a team that has surprised some with their strong play this season. The teams swapped goals throughout the game and ran up the shot totals. Big games from forwards Chris Hackett, Derrell Upton, and Joel Petkoff helped pace the Cudas, while Cyclones' stars Trevor Karasiewicz and Shaun Aebig replied back with big performances of their own. Once again, the game was pushed to an extra frame, and once again it was Shawn Roed on the receiving end of a gorgeous setup, this time from the stick of Derrell Upton, to push the Cudas back above .500.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Barracudas have an entire seven days to rest up from the grueling, yet successful week that just passed. On Saturday, November 12th they face off against the Columbus Cottonmouths for the second time this season. The defending SPHL Champs have been the league's biggest disappointment so far this season, going win-less thus far and only picking up one point in five games.

Sporting a very similar roster to the team that won it all last season, one would have to suspect it is simply a championship hang-over that the Snakes are suffering from, and that they will bust out of this slump any game now. A major concern for the Snakes has to be offensive production, and their goaltending. Few Snakes forwards have performed up to expectations offensively, with the exception of the always-solid Tim Green, who has 9 points so far. As well, a goals against average of over 4.00, and a .861 save percentage is very uncharacteristic for starting goaltender Chad Rycroft.

It will be another tough test for the 4-3 Barracudas, but also another opportunity to string two wins together, something the Cudas have yet to do this season.

IN THE LOOP

Justin Kot

Forward Justin Kot has been placed on the team's suspended list. While typically suspensions are seen as a disciplinary tool, this couldn't be further from the case in this instance.

"Justin has been a complete professional and warrior for us this season," said Assistant Coach Brett Strot. "Unfortunately Justin suffered an injury to his shoulder, one which has proven to be recurring over the past few seasons. Justin's decided to call it quits for the season, and the Barracudas respect his decision. We wish him the best of luck."

Kot has been one of the team's top performers this season, scoring 4 goals in the team's first 6 games.

Devin Wilson Waived

The Barracudas have waived defenseman Devin Wilson. Devin has been a full-time student while playing with the Cudas, and has decided to commit fully to his education. The Barracudas thank him for his efforts and wish him well.

Shawn Roed to Central League

Forward Shawn Roed has left the club in order to pursue opportunities in the Central Hockey League. Through 6 games, Roed had two goals (both overtime winners) and 5 assists.

Justin Wise to Europe

Recently acquired forward Justin Wise has been offered a position in Europe, and has decided to pursue the opportunity. The Barracudas wish him luck.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MEET AND GREET

As announced yesterday, the Barracudas and SoHo Sports Grille are inviting Barracudas fans to meet some of your favorite 2005-2006 Cudas, from 7:30-8:30 pm Wednesday evening. Assistant Captain Greg Lecolst, along with some of his teammates, will be in attendance signing autographs and taking pictures.

As opposed to previous seasons where meet and greets took place almost exclusively at post-game festivities, this season they will take place apart from games. The reason for this is two-fold. First, meet and greets after games can only take place late at night, making it difficult for our younger fans to attend. Secondly, it has been difficult to find locations to host meet and greets that allow patrons under the age of 18.

SoHo Sports Grille has been kind enough to welcome the Cudas and their fans, and we hope that it is something that the fans can look forward to throughout the 2005-2006 season.

NOTES

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT TIMES UNION CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS

Sure, we all know that tickets are available at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena box office. But, did you know that there is another place downtown that you can purchase your Cudas' tickets? The box office at the Times Union Center for Performing Arts also sells Barracudas' tickets. So feel free to use whichever box office is more convenience for you! The phone number at the Times Union Center for Performing Arts is 904-633-3110.

JAXCUDAS.COM

Our new website is now up and running, however there are still many kinks and wrinkles yet to be ironed out. Our website professionals who currently have control over the site are hard at work getting it completely operational, and to the point where it will be administered by the Cudas' office. While we work towards this, you can expect the press releases and roster on the site to be updated in a consistent and timely fashion.

We very much appreciate the feedback and patience shown by our fans, and look forward to developing jaxcudas.com as your home for Cudas info!

A NOTE ON FEEDBACK

As a personal note, I would like to thank all the fans that have taken time out to contact the Cudas' staff directly with feedback, positive or negative. I would like to invite all fans to do the same. Your Barracudas' office staff is working hard to make this the best season of Barracudas hockey yet. We certainly won't be perfect (who is "Glen" Upton anyways?). However, with your feedback we'll be able to do our jobs that much better, and help make Jacksonville a hockey town! It's going to be a long process, but with your help and support, we'll be on the right track.

Please feel free to contact me directly at ken@go-cudas.com with any suggestions, frustrations, and constructive criticism. Even if you like what you see, let us know! Each submission will be read and considered, and I will do my best to reply to your concern as quickly as possible. Its what I'm here for!

The organization again thanks you for your support, and we'll see you at the games!

SPHL Stories from November 8, 2005

• 'Cudas weekly wrap-up - SPHL
• Gurskis named Sher-wood Player of the week - Florida Seals
• Gurskis named Sher-wood Player of the Week - Huntsville Havoc

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.