Gurskis leads Trax to natural victory
March 13, 2004 - SPHL (SPHL)
Macon Trax News Release
Macon, Ga.â The Macon Trax skated to a big 5-4 victory over the Jacksonville Barracudas on home ice Friday night. John Gurskis paced the Trax with the WHA2's first ever natural hat trick on Artic Construction St. Patrick Day Jersey Night.
Gurskis registered his natural hat trick in the second period at the Macon Centreplex. Chipping in the other two goals for the home team was Edan Welch.
Jacksonville scored the lone goal of the first period when Brett Strot put a rebound shot past Trax goalie Andy Kollar. The power play goal came at the 16:10 and sent the Barracudas into the locker room with the lead after 20 minutes.
Late in the first period the Trax went on the power, but were not able to score before the horn sounded. After intermission the Trax stormed out to tie the game just ten seconds into the middle period when Gurskis started his big night.
Just two minutes later Jacksonville took the lead back when Lyle Steenbergen netted his first of two goals on the night. It would be the last time the Barracudas would see the lead on Friday.
The Trax finished the second period on fire with three straight goals. Welch scored his first goal of the night on the power play at 5:53 to tie the game at two.
Under three minutes later Gurskis scored his second goal and eventually finished his natural hat trick at the 13:04 mark of the second period. The three goals moved Gurskis to 21 on the season.
The Trax looked like they owned the âCudas when Welch found the net again early in the third period for the 13th goal of the year. All the goal did was wake the Barracudas up from their nap.
Jacksonville's Kory Baker brought the visitors within two goals with his sixth goal of the season at 8:01 of the third period. Steenbergen added his third point of the night when he cut the lead to one with just over 18 minutes remaining in the game.
Instead of quietness, the Trax biggest crowd of the year realized the home team needed their support. All 2,712 in attendance got up and made sure the Trax knew they were behind them. Macon hung on for the victory and with Orlando's loss move into fourth place in the WHA2 standings.
The Trax return to home ice Sunday evening when the Alabama Slammers come to town. The puck drops at 4:05 pm. Sunday is "Medical Professionals Day" as the Trax will offer $3 off game tickets to anyone in the medical field. Also, Sunday is the final "Blowout Sunday" where all upper level seats are only $5.
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SPHL Stories from March 13, 2004
- Gurskis leads Trax to natural victory - Macon Trax
- Slammers Bump Seals, 5-1 - Alabama Slammers
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