Devils Tough Out Long Road Trip

January 14, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Trenton Devils News Release


TRENTON, NJ - The Trenton Devils continued their longest road trip of the season, going west to face Dayton and Wheeling. Despite strong offensive opportunities and a bevy of shots, Trenton was unable to gain ground in the North Division, losing 5-2 to Dayton and 3-2 to Wheeling. The Devils are now 14-19-1-2, and remain in fifth place in the North with 31 points.

BOMBERS BLAST THROUGH: Jim Henkel led the Devils with two goals, tightening a game which had threatened to get out of hand, but in the end rapid-fire scoring sequences would doom the Devils to a 5-2 loss. After Dayton scored three times in under two minutes, Henkel's tallies in the third period gave Trenton hope with over ten minutes left in regulation. Only two more goals by the Bombers would stop the rally.

WHEELING INCHES PAST: In what turned out to be a heated contest for Trenton, 45 shots were peppered at the Wheeling net but only two would get through. Alternate captains Colin Pepperall and Stephen Wood would both score equalizers in the second period, setting up a tense conclusion. A slew of penalties and a go-ahead goal would find the Devils staring adversity in the face, but they refused to yield. Down at times by one and two men, Trenton created several more high-quality scoring chances, only to see them brushed aside at the last moment en route to the 3-2 loss.

QUICK HITS: Colin Pepperall is averaging over a point a game; he has 19 (5g, 14a) in 18 GP... All-Star Ryan Gunderson leads all rookie defensemen in points with 24 (3g, 21a)... Eric Castonguay has 8 points (3g, 5a) in his last ten games... The Devils convert 29.37% of their power plays at home in the third period... Trenton averages 31.24 shots a game at home.

UPCOMING GAMES Tuesday, January 15, 7:05pm - Devils @ Wheeling Nailers

Trenton looks to avenge their tough loss to the Nailers, and head home on a high note, with a win in WesBanco Arena. The Devils look to the addition of Jason Bonsignore to give them the edge in the contest. The 10-year veteran of the NHL, AHL, and IHL adds considerable size, speed, and talent to Trenton's squad. Wheeling is on a hot streak, going 4-0-1 since new head coach Gary Puhalski took the reigns. This season, Trenton is 2-2-0 against Wheeling.

Friday, January 18, 7:30pm - Devils vs. Reading Royals

The Devils can assure themselves of at least a season-split against Reading when they return to host the Royals at Sovereign Bank Arena. After starting the season with three wins against the Royals, Trenton has come back to win the last two contests. Netminder Dave Caruso has defended against the Reading attack in all but one contest, and is 4-2-0 against the Royals this season; Trenton as a team is 5-2-0.

Saturday, January 19, 7:00pm - Devils vs. Dayton Bombers

Trenton continues a season-longest eight-game homestand with a bout against the Bombers. While the Devils lost the last game on the road at Dayton, they are 2-1-0 at home against their Ohioan opponent. This season Trenton is 2-2-0 against the Bombers.

Sunday, January 20, 4:00pm - Devils vs. Johnstown Chiefs

The Devils square off with the North Division opponent they've seen the least this season in this afternoon game. Last time these two squads met Trenton fans were sent home ecstatic with a 5-0 victory. That win showcased a hat trick for Brad Mills, a four-point night for Colin Pepperall, and a shutout for Dave Caruso. That win, however, was the Devils lone victory against Johnstown this season, as the team is 1-3-0 against the Chiefs.

Practice/Game Schedule:

Tuesday, January 15 - Pre-game skate @ WesBanco Arena - 11:15am

Game @ Wheeling - 7:05pm

Travel to Trenton

Wednesday, January 16 - Practice @ Sovereign Bank Arena - 10:30am

Thursday, January 17 - Practice @ Sovereign Bank Arena - 10:30am

Friday, January 18 - Pre-game skate @ Sovereign Bank Arena - 10:00am

Game vs. Reading - 7:30pm

Saturday, January 19 - Pre-game skate @ Sovereign Bank Arena - 10:00am

Game vs. Dayton - 7:00pm

Sunday, January 20 -

Game vs. Johnstown - 4:00pm

Monday, January 24 - Practice @ Sovereign Bank Arena - 10:30am

ALONG THE BOARDS WITH CHRIS HUDSON: Along the Boards continues Wednesday, January 16th at 7:00pm. Joining Chris Hudson will be Assistant Coach Vince Williams and alternate captain Colin Pepperall. During the program the Voice of the Devils, Chris Hudson, brings listeners an in-depth view of the Trenton Devils with interviews of coaches and players while recapping the team's past games. Along the Boards is hosted at Alstarz Family Sports Pub in Bordentown, NJ (next to Mastori's) and can be heard live from 7:00 to 8:00pm on WBCB 1490 every Wednesday the team is not playing or traveling.

DEVILS GAME BROADCASTS: Tune in as the Voice of the Devils, Chris Hudson, brings you all of the Devils' hockey action live on WBCB-1490 AM Sunday through Thursday and WTSR-91.3 FM on Friday and Saturday. Fans can also watch or listen in on the Devils website, http://www.trentondevils.com, courtesy of B2 Networks. Video broadcasts are available for a charge of $6 per game, while audiocasts are free of charge. A cable or DSL Internet connection and Windows Media Player 9 are required to view the games.



ECHL Stories from January 14, 2008


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