Cudas Wrap-Up

January 31, 2006 - SPHL (SPHL)
Jacksonville Barracudas News Release


RECENT ACTION

After a bit of a layoff, its time to recap the past few weeks for the Cudas, and look forward to what is on the horizon. After promising back-to-back wins at home January 12th and 13th, the Barracudas have dropped three in a row heading into their toughest road trip of the season. They remain just 5 points back of the Pee Dee Cyclones for the final playoff spot, and have a game in hand.

January 14th vs. Florida Seals

The Barracudas were riding high after their two wins at home, including the January 13th victory in front of just fewer than 4,500 fans. However, the two games had clearly taken their toll on the club, as the Seals put up 38 shots in the first two periods.

Mykola Voroshonov had started the game for the Cudas, however backup Robb Stauber had to come into the game in relief. It was no use however, as the Seals took the game 7-3.

Brett Strot and Chad Peck each had a goal and an assist, while Tony Maci picked up a pair of assists. For Strot, it was the 498th point of his professional career, leaving him just two points shy of the milestone 500.

January 19th vs. Huntsville Havoc

The Barracudas took the early part of the next week to regroup before heading up to Huntsville for back-to-back games against the Havoc. The Havoc have been a tough team to figure out through most of this season, and had not been playing well of late.

The Havoc always play a tough, nasty style at home, and this game was no different. The officials doled out 82 minutes in penalties to the two teams, so special teams were going to be key. The Havoc were able to take advantage of this, by scoring 5 goals on the power play, and one while short handed.

Chris Kovalcik and newcomer Jim Quilty were able to tally goals for the Cudas, however the Havoc skated away with the 7-2 victory.

January 20th vs. Huntsville Havoc

The next night the Barracudas were able to cool the Havoc off some on the power play, however they still could not figure out how to shut down the Havoc on home ice. The Havoc scored the game's first four goals, forcing the Cudas to once again try and find a way to battle back.

The Cudas began to dig themselves out mid-way through the second period, as Kovalcik and Webb each scored goals before the end of the period. The Cudas looked to be on a roll as Jason Simon scored just over a minute into the third to pull within one goal. However, the Havoc exploded with three goals in just over three minutes to seal the game away.

January 27th vs. Columbus Cottonmouths

The Barracudas had an entire week to get healthy and get back to the drawing board in preparation for their match up against one of the hottest teams in the league, the Columbus Cottonmouths.

The Cudas did themselves no favors as they got down to another large deficit, giving up three goals in the first period, and two in the second. Kovalcik scored for the third straight game, however it was too late as the Snakes took the game easily, 8-1. Cudas' captain Jason Simon was ejected in the third period after receiving a Match penalty for a slash, and faces a possible suspension.

LOOKING AHEAD

The push for the playoffs gets no easier for the Cudas this week, as they approach a grueling three-games in three-nights road trip. It kicks off back in Huntsville this Thursday, as they face a Havoc team that has had the Cudas' number of late. However, in the big picture the Havoc are sliding a bit, winning just three of their past 10 games. Staying out of the penalty box and winning the special teams battle will be key for the Cudas to knock off the Havoc on their home ice.

The Cudas get back on the bus and travel over to Knoxville to play the league-leading Ice Bears Friday night. The star-laden Ice Bears struggled a bit to begin the season, but have kicked it into high gear of late winning 9 of their last 10 games. They have lost just one game in regulation, and one game in overtime this season at home. Knocking the Ice Bears off at home will take a standout performance from the Cudas' goaltender, and solid all-around defense.

The Barracudas finish off the road trip Saturday against the Fayetteville FireAntz. The Antz led the SPHL for much of the season, however they have begun to slide of late. Falling to third place in the league, the Antz are just 3-6-1 in their last 10. However, the have made some moves of late acquiring former Cudas Chris Ferguson and BJ Stephens, and have won their last two games. The FireAntz will also be ending a 3-games-in-3-night string, so both teams will be "running on fumes".

IN THE LOOP

Tomas Fotjik re-assigned to 30-day Injury Reserve

The young Czech defenseman is still feeling the effects of his December shoulder injury, and was placed back on the 30-day IR. He is presently questionable for the playoffs this season.

Chris Kovalcik Bumped Up to Forward

Big Chris "Cowboy" Kovalcik has made a name for himself in the SPHL as a tough, hard-nosed defenseman. However, the Cudas' coaching staff saw some offensive potential in his game, and have put him on a forward line for the past few games. Kovalcik has burst out with the new role, potting three goals in his past three games.

Jan Arvonen Placed on Defense

Coaches Ron Duguay and Brett Strot have done the opposite thing with Finnish-born forward Jan Arvonen, who has been snake-bit offensively for the Cudas while giving a solid defensive effort every night. Arvonen has been placed on defense, pairing up with veteran Martin Viazanica, and has played well.

UPCOMING EVENTS

North Florida Credit Union Night

The Barracudas return home on Tuesday, February 7th for a game against the Columbus Cottonmouths. That night will be North Florida Credit Union Night, and members of participating local Credit Unions can visit their branch to pick up their coupon good for $5.00 off on up to four Lower Bowl 3 seats for this game. Participating Credit Unions include:

Vystar Credit Union

Community First Credit Union

Duval Federal Credit Union

Jacksonville Federal

Jacksonville Metro

Seaboard CU

Florida Telco Credit Union

Health America Credit Union

Jacksonville postal & Professional Credit Union

JM & associates.

Credit Union members, be sure not to miss out on this fantastic promotion, and bring the entire family, or three friends!

Daytona Speedweek Nights

Later that week the Barracudas play two games at home, Thursday night against the Pee Dee Cyclones, and Saturday night against the Knoxville Ice Bears. Each of these two nights are Daytona Speedweek Nights with the Barracudas!

Racing and Hockey fans alike will not want to miss this one, as on each night there will be a chance to win tickets to the Daytona Speedweek races including the Daytona 500, along with the chance to win autographed NASCAR merchandise from Kasey Khane and Jeff Gordon! Secure your favorite seats now at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena Box Office, on Ticketmaster.com, or get a group of ten or more together and call the Barracudas office (904-367-1423) for a $4.00 group discount.

NOTES

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Barracudas' Meet and Greet at Cape House Apartments on Sunday, January 15th. Everyone had a blast, as the players got a chance to meet with their fans, and show off their incredible "digs". Cape House is the exclusive "Home of the Barracudas" and we encourage everyone to stop in and see the wonderful staff of Cape House when you're in the market for a luxurious rental community with unmatched service and amenities. The Barracudas thank Brigette, Monserrat, and all the staff at Cape House for helping to put this wonderful event together!



SPHL Stories from January 31, 2006


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