FireAntz continue winning ways
Published on November 28, 2005 under SPHL (SPHL)
Fayetteville Marksmen News Release
[FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.] - The Fayetteville FireAntz of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) played three games in three nights this past weekend, taking four out of six possible points.
Thursday, November 24th (vs. Pee Dee): The FireAntz hosted I-95 rival, Pee Dee, on their 4th annual Thanksgiving home game this past Thursday. It was the fourth meeting, between the two teams, of the season.
The FireAntz came into the game with a 2-0-1 record versus the Cyclones this season and turned that confidence into a 3-0, 1st period, advantage. Jeff Coulter (3rd), Dean Jackson (10th) and Josh Welter (10th) all scored in the frame.
Fayetteville extended their lead in the 2nd period to 5-0 on power play goals off the sticks of George Nistas (7th) and Welter's second of the game (11).
Jean Francois Picard ended goaltender Glenn Ridler's shutout bid on the power play at 3:43 of the 3rd period. Kory Baker (2nd) tacked another one on for the FireAntz and provided the final scoring of the game. The FireAntz were 3-for-4 on the power play and defeated the Cyclones 6-1. Glenn Ridler turned aside 50 of 51 shots en route to his 4th win in as many starts.
Pee Dee outshot the FireAntz 51-37.
FireAntz 9-1-2 on the season. (3-0-1 vs. Pee Dee)
Friday, November 25th (vs. Jacksonville): The FireAntz stayed at home to take on the Jacksonville Barracudas. The two teams met just 10 days prior and the FireAntz were victorious, on road ice, 11-1. Josh Welter and Rob Whidden each had four goals and two assists in the victory.
The FireAntz got off to a fast start again, against the Barracudas, as Dean Jackson (11th) tallied just 22 seconds into the game. Welter (12th), and George Nistas (8th) also scored in the 1st period to give the club a 3-0 advantage. Jacksonville would pull within two at the 19:28 mark on a goal by McConnell.
Jackson got things going early for the FireAntz, again, in the 2nd period as he netted his second goal of the game (12th) just 20 seconds into the period. Welter (shorthanded, 13th) and Mike Clarke (powerplay, 1st) also scored, sandwiched around a goal by Luke Pelham for Jacksonville. The FireAntz led 6-2 going into the 3rd period.
In the 3rd, Nistas (9th) and Tyler Perry (6th) extended the lead to 8-2. A late goal by Mike Fougere would provide the final tally. The FireAntz won 8-3.
Jackson tied a team record (Ryan Kiley, twice) with goals in his 5th consecutive game. Over that stretch, Jackson netted seven goals.
The FireAntz outshot Jacksonville 49-23.
FireAntz 10-1-2 on the season. (3-0-0 vs. Jacksonville)
Saturday, November 26th (at Knoxville): The FireAntz traveled to Knoxville, and it would be a battle of 1st place teams. Both teams came into the game with 20 points.
Kevin Swider, the SPHL's leading scorer, would score 3:22 into the 2nd period, giving Knoxville a 1-0 lead. Jason Bermingham, younger brother of Ice Bears head coach, Jim, would extend the Ice Bears advantage to 2-0 at the 8:45 mark. Mike Clarke (2nd) would cut the lead in half, shorthanded, with just 23 seconds remaining in the period. Knoxville led 2-1 going into the 3rd period.
K.J. Voorhees broke the tie at the top of the league goal-scoring list, moving one ahead of Josh Welter, with his 14th goal just 39 seconds into the 3rd. Jeff Coulter would pull the FireAntz back within one, at 3-2, at the 8:32 mark of the period. Knoxville would ice the victory with a Bermingham empty-netter at the 19:31 mark, giving the Ice Bears a 4-2 victory and sole possession of 1st place in the SPHL.
Knoxville outshot the FireAntz 49-38.
FireAntz 10-2-2 on the season (1-1-1 vs. Knoxville)
3 Stars of the Weekend:
Josh Welter: 4G, 2A, +4
Kory Baker: 1G, 6A, +2
Mike Clarke: 2G, 4A, +4
Recent Notes:
11/18 F Nick Kormanyos (hand) day-to-day
11/18 F Sean Edwards signed to a 5-game tryout
Noteworthy:
Josh Welter and Dean Jackson are 2nd and 3rd in the SPHL in goals scored with 13 and 12 respectively.
Welter has a point in 13 consecutive games (13G, 12A) and Jackson's 5-game goal-scoring streak was snapped in Knoxville.
Mike Clarke is the leading scorer among defensemen in the SPHL. He has two goals and 13 assists for 15 points.
The FireAntz have scored 72 goals and only allowed 36 all season. Their goal differential (+36) is 1st in the SPHL. Knoxville is 2nd (the only other team with a positive differential) with a +21.
Upcoming:
The FireAntz next home game is Saturday, December 3rd, as they host Nascar Night. The FireAntz corporate partners for the evening are Best Western, Sprint, Walker Family Chiropractic, Hope Mills Glass, Tony and Susan Caines, Larry Lee Plumbing, CCRC Physical Therapy, and Lane Automotive. Make sure to get your tickets now as they are going fast.
Season tickets and Corporate Partnerships for the 2005-2006 campaign are still available. Contact the FireAntz office (910) 321-0123 for more information.
SPHL Stories from November 28, 2005
- Cyclones Weekly - Twin City Cyclones
- Seals rise in standings - Florida Seals
- FireAntz continue winning ways - Fayetteville Marksmen
- Havoc Weekly - 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.
