Everblades Jolt Sea Wolves In Preseason Opener
October 11, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Mississippi Sea Wolves News Release
ESTERO, Fla. â The Mississippi Sea Wolves 11-hour bus trip to TECO Arena, was delayed three hours in Biloxi on Friday, due to a battery problem with the bus. On Saturday, the Florida Everblades were the team fully charged up for preseason action, zapping the Sea Wolves, 5-3.
"I'm not going to blame it on the bus," Mississippi coach Bob Woods said. "We played with a lot of energy and had a lot of banging. Our defensive zone was suspect, but I won't hold too much weight into it. I saw some good things from some of the guys, while others, I expect more."
New Sea Wolves veteran Louis Dumont made an early impression on the power play, assisting on a goal by defenseman Steve O'Rourke at the 3:07 mark. Forward Dwayne Blais also picked up a helper.
With the Sea Wolves up 1-0 midway through the first, Dumont would have to leave the game with a broken skate and didn't return. However, he is expected to play tomorrow.
At 15:15 of the period, Florida's Reggie Berg knotted up the score, by notching a shorthanded marker beating Sea Wolves goaltender Sean Matile, who would go the distance.
In the second, Florida overpowered the Mississippi defense, by tallying four times, taking a 5-2 lead through 40 minutes. Everblades' Carl Mallette scored twice, while Paul Esdale and Brent McDonald picked up a goal each.
Sea Wolves center Brent Gauvreau made his return to the team successful, registering the second Mississippi goal, firing the puck up high over Everblades netminder Jeff Maund. Travis Lisabeth had the lone assist.
Lisabeth went back to work in the third at 2:51, snapping a shot, top shelf on Maund. Defenseman Andrei Lupandin drew the assist on the goal, which rounded out the scoring.
There were two fights in the contest, Mississippi's 6-foot-6, 250-pound defenseman Rob Davidson got the better of Cory Norris and Sea Wolves veteran Roger Maxwell had the upper hand on Jay St. John.
The Sea Wolves went 1-for-7 on the power play, while the Everblades converted on 1-of-3 chances. Florida out shot Mississippi 36-21.
Worth Noting: Mississippi captain Steffon Walby did not make the trip. The ECHL's 2002-03 Defenseman of the Year, Jim Baxter, didn't suit up in the game and neither did Sea Wolves newly acquired defenseman Kerry Ellis-Toddington.
Mississippi completes its preseason action tomorrow at 2 p.m. CT against the Florida Everblades at TECO Arena.
The Sea Wolves open their eighth ECHL regular season at home at 7:35 p.m. on Friday against archrival Louisiana. There are a limited number of tickets still available. Two banners will be raised on opening night, commemorating Mississippi's on-ice success over the past two seasons.
Individual game tickets, start at $9 for children and $11 for adults. Tickets are available at all TicketMaster locations, the Mississippi Coast Coliseum box office and by calling 228-594-3707.
Season seat packages, flex plans and discounted group tickets are still on sale by calling 228-275-WOLF.
ECHL Stories from October 11, 2003
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- Ben is the Storey as IceGators roll - Louisiana IceGators
- Grizzlies Play Better But Still Fall To San Antonio, 3-2 - Utah Grizzlies
- Everblades Jolt Sea Wolves In Preseason Opener - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- Gladiators dump Lynx in Exhibition - Atlanta Gladiators
- Grrrowl Release Six from Training Camp - Greenville Grrrowl
- Aces Felled by Last Second Goal - Alaska Aces
- Eagles Earn First Victory in Franchise History - Colorado Eagles
- Chiefs To Retire Galen Head's #8 - Johnstown Chiefs
- Wranglers Win First Game at the Orleans Arena - Las Vegas Wranglers
- IceGators add veteran winger Masa - Louisiana IceGators
- Falcons Struggle in Pre-season Opener - Fresno Falcons
- Lynx Drop First Pre-Season Game 3-2 - Augusta Lynx
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