Huntsville Pulls Out Shoot Out Victory
Published on March 3, 2006 under SPHL (SPHL)
Florida Seals News Release
[KISSIMMEE, Fla.]-The Florida Seals hoped for a triumphant return to Central Florida, but fell a goal short. The Havoc outscored the Seals registering a 6-5 shootout victory. Jeff Dams was the lone scorer in the penalty shot session getting his 18th goal of the season. The loss snapped the Seals six game winning streak and five game home ice winning streak.
Before the game there was a buzz with the return of the Seals to their home ice for the first time in six weeks and third place in the Southern Professional Hockey League on the line. Huntsville opened up an early two-goal lead when Bill Monkman registered his 31st and 32nd goals of the season.
Florida ending up fighting back in a few ways throughout the game. Monkman got his stick up in Seals forward John Gurskis' face, splitting open his lip. The Huntsville forward was sent to the box for four minutes giving the Seals a much-needed power play.
Steve Zoryk made the Havoc pay starting a big night with his first of three goals. Rob Sich tied the game up two minutes later on the power play bringing the 3,693 fans to their feet.
The second period saw some goals, hitting, fighting and yelling. Things started early as Craig Miller was penalized for using an illegal stick. Just over a minute later Gurskis sized up Monkman and flattened him, but was called for cross checking. Jason deGuehery notched the Havoc's second power play goal of the night giving Huntsville the lead again.
Seven minutes later the Seals again fought back on the prettiest goal of the night. On the power play David Deeves moved the puck from the blue line to the far corner to Gurskis. Gurskis quickly put a tape-to-tape pass to Zoryk who lit the power play lamp for his second goal of the night. That would be the end of pretty play.
On the very next shift Luke Phillips and Ryan Rivard gave their fans the first fight of the night. Rivard got out of the box and decided to engage with deGuehery for his second scrap of the night. Less than a minute later the SPHL's heavyweight went at it as Andrew Katzberg and Phillips traded blows to delight the fans.
The turning point came in the final minute of the second period when Gurskis showed a side Seals fans have never seen. The Seals player/assistant coach grabbed Monkman and knocked him silly. Monkman never saw what was coming and took a few hard fists to the face. Unfortunately for the Seals, Gurskis' night would be done as he was assessed 29 minutes in penalties, including a game misconduct.
Much like the first period the teams each scored two goals. Steve Hynes and Mark Cole put the Havoc on top two different times in the final frame. Steve Zoryk finished his hat trick early and Rob Sich scored his 20th goal of the year late to force the extra session.
The Seals look to start a new streak tomorrow when the Columbus Cottonmouths ride into town. It will be "Pack the House for Charity Night." All groups can donate proceeds from their ticket costs to a charity of the choice. The puck will drop at 7:35 pm.
To reserve your playoff tickets with the Seals, call the office at (407) 343-PUCK or go to the Seals website at www.floridaseals.com. Ticket packages start as low as $20 for the most exciting time of year. All home games can be seen live at www.livesportsnetwork.com/sphl.
SPHL Stories from March 3, 2006
- Huntsville Pulls Out Shoot Out Victory - Florida Seals
- Seals lose Casey Handrahan to ECHL - Florida Seals
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