Dayton Bombers Weekly News

March 23, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Dayton Bombers News Release


BOMBERS NOTES

ABOUT FRIDAY NIGHT: The Bombers went up 3-0 in the second period over the Wheeling Nailers, only to give up a trio of goals in the third to the home team. Scoring for the Bombers were Ryan Smyth, Justin Chwedoruk and Christian Gaudet. Chwedoruk added an assist, while Nino Musitelli had two assists on the night. The division foes headed to a shootout after a scoreless five minute overtime. Each team scored once during the five-round opener, but it was Bombers defenseman Jim Henkemeyer that put away the game winner in the 8th round. Goalie David Shantz was 33 of 36 in the game and 7 of 8 in the shootout for the win.

LAST MINUTE: The Bombers were brought down by a last minute goal in overtime by the Gwinnett Gladiators, losing 5-4 at Hobart Arena on Saturday. Matt Auffrey led the way with two goals, while Greg Labenski and Jim Henkemeyer scored back-to-back in the second period. In net for Dayton was David Shantz, who went 32 of 37.

NIGHT CAP: Playing in their final game of the season at Hobart Arena, the Bombers defeated the Gwinnett Gladiators 4-2 on Sunday. Christian Gaudet, Andrew Fournier and Joe Van Culin each had two points, while Greg Labenski, Les Reaney and Nino Musitelli added one goal a piece. Paul Drew won his 13th game of the year by making 20 saves on 22 shots.

WHO'S LEFT: Just 6 games remain on the Bombers' regular season schedule. Here's what the Bombers will be facing in the closing weeks of the year: Cincinnati Cyclones (1 game remaining; 4-8-1-1), Elmira Jackals (1 game remaining; 2-6-0-0), Trenton Devils (2 games remaining; 2-4-0-0), Reading Royals (1 game remaining; 6-3-0-0), Wheeling Nailers (1 game remaining; 8-3-0-2).

WHAT A COMBO: It's been 11 games since the Bombers acquired forwards Matt Auffrey and Andrew Fournier from the Florida Everblades. In that time, Auffrey has racked up 9 points (5g,4a), including two goals and an assist over the weekend. Fournier has netted four goals and added seven helpers since moving to Dayton, including four assists on Saturday and Sunday alone.

LEADER OF THE PACK: Rookie Nino Musitelli is on a four-game point streak, with one goal and four assists in the span. He's the team leader in points (48) and assists (29) and ranks 12th amongst rookies in the ECHL.

ON A ROLL: Jarret Lukin has a four-game point streak (1g,3a) and three-game assist streak. Lukin is the team leader in goals (21) and is second on the team in scoring (47 points). He has set career highs in all scoring categories this season.

QUITE OFFENSIVE: When it comes to offensive defensemen, Greg Labenski is on top of his game. Scoring goals in back-to-back games this weekend, the Bombers captain currently leads ECHL blueliners with 14 goals on the year. He's also the leader in power play goals (10) and shots (178), while ranking 9th in the league among defensemen in overall scoring.

WHO'S HOT: Justin Chwedoruk has three points (1g,2a) in his last three games...Christian Gaudet has eight points (3g,5a) in his last eight games...Les Reaney has six points (3g,3a) in his last six games

GAME WINNER: With a game winning shootout goal on Friday night and another goal on Saturday, Jim Henkemeyer has been bolstering his numbers on the year. With five goals on 40 shots, he's got the third best shooting percentage among defensemen in the league.

GETTING THE CALL: Defenseman Milan Maslonka was reassigned by the NHL's Edmonton Oilers to their "AAA" affiliate, the Springfield Falcons on Monday. It's Maslonka's second career call-up, first playing a game with the Albany River Rats last year.

300: Bombers captain Greg Labenski played in his 300th career games in a Dayton Bombers uniform on Saturday night. To date as a skater in Dayton, Labenski has tallied 35 goals, 118 assists, 153 points and 494 PIM.

ODDS AND ENDS: The Bombers finished the year 4-2-2 against South Division teams...The team is 19.2% on the power play at home (5th best in the league)...The Bombers are outscoring opponents 78-62 in the third period...The team is 18-1-2 when leading after two periods

TEAM LEADERS: The following active Bombers lead the team in these statistical categories:

Goals: Jarret Lukin - 21

Assists: Nino Musitelli- 29

Points: Nino Musitelli - 48

PIM: Greg Labenski - 115

LOOK OUT BELOW!

BRING A BUCK: Don't miss out on "Dollar Dog Night" this Wednesday as the Bombers take on the Cincinnati Cyclones. Visit concession stands for $1 hot dogs all night.

FAMILY AFFAIR: On Friday night all Silver level tickets for kids 12 and under are just $5! Get your tickets at the Nutter Center box office on the night of the game.

MARCH ON TO VICTORY: The Bombers have teamed up with the March of Dimes for a "Bikers and Bombers for Babies" fundraiser on Friday night. The ambassador family for the 2009 "Bikers for Babies" ride will be dropping the ceremonial first puck.

SHOW SOME APPRECIATION: Saturday is the Bombers final Military Appreciation of the year. The team is undefeated on Military Appreciation Nights over the 2008-09 season, taking down Cincinnati on Opening Night and besting the Wheeling Nailers in January. All military personnel can receive 2-for-1 Silver level tickets at the Nutter Center box office by presenting an active military or WPAFB ID.

WEAR YOUR HEART ON YOUR SLEEVE: On Saturday, March 28 the Bombers will auction off military themed jerseys. Taking place on the Flight Deck following the Bombers last regular season home game, the jerseys will bear a crest with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base on it. Proceeds will benefit the Dayton Bombers Charitable Foundation.

ON THE AIR: Catch up with the Bombers on Mark Schlemmer's show on WONE 980AM on Thursday from 5:20-5:40 p.m. as Britt Dougherty and Bombers staffer Will Goldman visit the studio. Call in questions to (937) 457-WONE or email questions to 980wone@gmail.com.

THANK YOU HOBART: The Bombers played their last of six games at Troy's historic Hobart Arena on Sunday. The team finished the season 4-1-1-0. A special thanks is due to the staff of Hobart Arena, the Troy Bruins Youth Hockey organization and all of the fans that helped make the 6-game season a success.

TICKETS ON SALE: Tickets for each Dayton Bombers home game are on sale at the Nutter Center box office or any Ticketmaster outlet, including www.ticketmaster.com. Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are available by contacting the Bombers at (937) 775-4747. Full and partial season tickets are still available and can be purchased at the Bombers office.



ECHL Stories from March 23, 2009


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