FireAntz extend lead in SPHL
Published on December 26, 2005 under SPHL (SPHL)
Fayetteville Marksmen News Release
[FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.] - The Fayetteville FireAntz of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) extended their lead to eight points in the SPHL standings this weekend. They played Florida and Knoxville, the two closest teams to the FireAntz in the standings, defeating both on home ice. The FireAntz are now 13-0-0 on home ice this season and have won 18 consecutive regular season games, both SPHL records.
Friday, December 23rd (vs. Jacksonville): The FireAntz hosted the Florida Seals for the first time on Friday. The two teams played three previous games in Florida with the Seals taking two of the three, including a 5-3 Seals win the night before.
The FireAntz would get off to a good start as Jeff Antonovich netted his second goal of the season at 11:45. That would be the only scoring of a physical 1st period. Justin Keller tied the game at the 15:00 mark of the 2nd frame. Nick Kormanyos (8) would give the FireAntz the lead 2-1, at 19:28, on the power play.
In the 3rd period, Florida fought back again and got a game-tying goal off the stick of Robert Sich at 8:37. The FireAntz re-took the lead at 10:40 on a blistering slap shot by Kory Baker (11) as he came across the blue line on an odd-man rush. Baker's goal would turn out to be the game-winner as goaltender Glenn Ridler made several critical saves to hold the lead. George Nistas (11) added an empty-netter for the final tally, providing a 4-2 victory for the FireAntz. The win moved the FireAntz to 12-0-0 on home ice and Ridler improved his record on the season to 12-1-0.
Both teams had 29 shots.
FireAntz 17-4-2 on the season. (2-2-0 vs. Florida)
Sunday, December 25th (vs. Knoxville): The FireAntz hosted the Knoxville Ice Bears for the fifth meeting between the two clubs this season. The FireAntz were 2-1-1 versus Knoxville coming into the game.
In an extremely physical 1st period, the FireAntz got on the board first, at 11:10, as Scott Corbett (11) broke in shorthanded on goaltender James Ronayne and beat him with a nifty move to the backhand. Mark Phenow (4) would also score in the frame on a slapshot from the point, on the powerplay, that beat a screened Ronayne. Mike Clarke, who got an assist on the goal, tied a team record with at least one assist in eight consecutive games (Matt Kohansky) and broke the record for consecutive games with an assist by a defenseman (Scott Young).
Marcus Forsberg cut the lead in half at 2:16 of the 2nd period beating a sprawling Glenn Ridler. Kory Baker (12) answered for the FireAntz just 30 seconds later, giving the club a 2-goal advantage once again.
In the 3rd period, the FireAntz added to their lead with two goals by George Nistas (13, 14). A late goal by Aaron Lewis would provide the final scoring in a 5-2 FireAntz victory.
Knoxville outshot the FireAntz 46-43.
FireAntz 18-4-2 on the season. (3-1-1 vs. Knoxville)
3 Stars of the Weekend:
George Nistas: 3G, 4A, +4
Kory Baker: 2G, 1A, +4, 2GWG
Mark Phenow: 1G, 2A, +4
Noteworthy:
The FireAntz remain in 1st place in the SPHL and are now eight points ahead of both Florida and Knoxville.
Rob Meanchoff leads the SPHL in plus/minus with a +25 rating. Mike Clarke leads the SPHL in assists with 28.
Glenn Ridler leads all goaltenders in the SPHL with 13 wins, a 2.70 goals against average, and a .926 save percentage.
Transactions:
12/21 D Gavin Hodgson signed to a contract
12/21 F Caleb Moffat recalled by Corpus Christie (CHL)
12/25 G Jomar Cruz assigned by Pensacola (ECHL)
12/25 G Jorge Alves waived.
Upcoming:
The FireAntz next home games are Sunday, January 8th against the defending champion Columbus Cottonmouths and Tuesday January 10th against the Huntsville Havoc. Great seats still remain.
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 December 26, 2005
- FireAntz extend lead in SPHL - Fayetteville Marksmen
- Cyclones at FCC on New Years Eve - Twin City Cyclones
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.
