SPHL Fayetteville Marksmen

FireAntz home win streak snapped

Published on January 11, 2006 under SPHL (SPHL)
Fayetteville Marksmen News Release


[FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.] - The Fayetteville FireAntz of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL), who came into the weekend at 13-0-0 at home this season, took their first loss on home ice on Sunday and followed with it's second consecutive loss at home on Tuesday.

Sunday, January 8th (vs. Columbus): Two very impressive streaks were on the line, Sunday, as the FireAntz (13-0-0 at home) hosted the Columbus Cottonmouths (winners of 10 consecutive overall).

The FireAntz jumped out to a fast lead on goals by Rob Meanchoff (3) and Mark Phenow (6) each scored in the first 10 minutes of the 1st frame. Columbus replied with three unanswered goals by Tim Green, Ryan Rutz, and Ryan Aikia to gain the advantage going into the 2nd period. Tom Mc Monagle would tack on to the lead, netting a power play goal at 2:33 of the 2nd, the only scoring of the period.

Meanchoff (4) got his second of the game, his first two-goal game as a member of the FireAntz, at 1:25 to pull Fayetteville within one. Goaltender Chad Rycroft made several crucial saves down the stretch and Columbus held on for the 4-3 victory. The victory moved the defending champion Cottonmouths to within one point of Knoxville and the FireAntz, who are tied for first place in the SPHL.

The FireAntz outshot Columbus 39-26.

FireAntz 19-8-2 on the season (1-3-0 vs. Columbus)

Tuesday, January 10 (vs. Huntsville): The FireAntz hosted Huntsville in front of the second largest crowd in FireAntz history. There were 7,757 people at the Crown Coliseum on the FireAntz ‘2 for Tuesday' game. Fans were able to purchase tickets, in groups of 25 or more, for just $2 a piece, or 50 dollars for 25 tickets. There also was soda, beer, hot dogs, and Miami Subs for just $2 as well.

Both starting goaltenders, Jomar Cruz and Matt Carmichael, were dazzling in the 1st period, holding the teams scoreless. In the 2nd period, Huntsville scored two shorthanded goals (James Patterson and Chris Peach.) and took the 2-0 lead into the 3rd.

George Nistas (17) pulled the FireAntz within one at the 7:06 mark. Jeff Dams answered back at the 8:59, silencing the large crowd and propelling Huntsville to the victory. Bill Monkman added one for Huntsville to provide the final scoring of the game, 4-1.

The FireAntz outshot Huntsville 36-25.

FireAntz 19-9-2 on the season. (2-2-0 vs. Huntsville)

3 Stars of the Weekend:

Rob Meanchoff: 2 goals

George Nistas: 1 goal

Mark Phenow: 1 goal

Quote of the Week:

"Right now, we're injured and struggling a little bit. It's good that it's now rather than in the playoffs. As a team, we're staying patient and positive. We're going to turn this ship around."

Kory Baker (Player/Assistant Coach)

Recent Notes:

1/6 F Sean Edwards signed to a contract

1/6 F Tyler Perry placed on 30-day Injured Reserve (undisclosed injury)

1/6 F Troy Linna placed on 30-day Injured Reserve (undisclosed injury)

1/8 F Rob Whidden signed to a contract

Noteworthy:

The FireAntz remain in a 1st place tie with Knoxville (40 points)

Mike Clarke leads all SPHL defensmen and the FireAntz club in scoring (7G, 34A, 41 points)

Rob Whidden returned to the team for the January 10th game. In the FireAntz first 14 games this season, Whidden tallied 15 points on eight goals and seven assists.

The alternate red jersey that the FireAntz wore this past weekend will be worn at the next two FireAntz home games. The jerseys are courtesy of Metz Auto Glass and Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation. They will be available for auction on January 20th after the home game against the Columbus Cottonmouths.

Upcoming:

The FireAntz play three consecutive road games this weekend. They return to the Crown Coliseum next Thursday, January 19th to host the Knoxville Ice Bears. On Friday, January 20th they play host to the Columbus Cottonmouths on Time Warner Cable Kids Night. The first 1,000 kids into the game will receive goalie masks courtesy of Time Warner Cable. In addition, there will be mascots from all over the region including, Stormy, the mascot of the Carolina Hurricanes. Great seats remain for both games. Call the FireAntz office at (910) 321-0123 for more information.

Check out the Fayetteville Marksmen Statistics

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