SPHL Fayetteville Marksmen

FireAntz push for home ice

March 6, 2006 - SPHL (SPHL)
Fayetteville Marksmen News Release


[FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.] - The Fayetteville FireAntz of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) entered Saturday night's contest against the Pee Dee Cyclones one point behind the Huntsville Havoc for third place in the SPHL, and home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Both teams won, and the playoff picture in the league continues to be murky.

Saturday, March 4th (vs. Pee Dee): The FireAntz began to get healthy again as forwards Troy Linna (activated from 30 Day IR) and Kory Baker, as well as defenseman Gavin Hodgson all returned to action. The FireAntz also signed forward Noah Katz prior to the game.

Pee Dee got on the board first as Josh Vanderbreggen tallied on a power play on a shot from the point that beat a screened Glenn Ridler. The FireAntz would answer back with two power play goals of their own, the first from Mark Phenow (9) and the second off the stick of George Nistas (26). The FireAntz led 2-1 at the end of the 1st period.

Troy Linna made a successful return to the lineup, his first game since December 31st, netting a goal (8) on a rebound of newcomer Noah Katz's shot. After an Edan Welch power play goal, Dean Jackson (26) netted a power play goal of his own. The FireAntz led 4-2 through two frames.

After the FireAntz took a 5-2 lead on Nistas' second of the game (27), the game got chippy. There were 10 fighting majors as well as five game misconducts handed out. Kory Baker, who assisted on Nistas' goal, recorded his 74th assist as a member of the FireAntz. He is now tied, as the career leader in assists, with Matt Kohansky. Baker needed just 72 games to accomplish the feat whereas Kohansky did it in 103 games.

The FireAntz outshot Pee Dee 48-30.

FireAntz 27-17-6 on the season. (10-1-1 vs. Pee Dee)

3 Stars of the Weekend:

Troy Linna: 1G, 1A, +1

George Nistas: 2G, 11 SOG

Nick Kormanyos: 2A, 15 PIM

Recent Notes:

3/3 F Tyler Perry placed on season-ending IR

3/4 F Noah Katz signed to a contract

3/4 F Troy Linna activated from 30-Day IR

3/4 D Mike Fournier served final game of 2-game suspension

Noteworthy:

Kory Baker is tied for 1st on all-time assist list with Matt Kohansky (74)

George Nistas now leads the team in goals (27), Dean Jackson (26) is second.

Mike Clarke still leads SPHL defensemen in points with 57 (8G, 49A)

Upcoming:

The FireAntz only have two regular season home games left this season. The next is ‘Country Night with the FireAntz' on Friday, March 10th, at 7:35pm. The final game is Thursday, March 16th at 7:35 as well. The final home game is Fan Appreciation/ Fayetteville Observer Sports-Writers Night and fans can get group tickets for only $3 a piece. Fans may purchase 25 tickets for only $75. Call the FireAntz office at (910) 321-0123 for more information.

Check out the Fayetteville Marksmen Statistics



SPHL Stories from March 6, 2006


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