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Iggulden Hat Trick Cages River Rats

October 18, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


BRIDGEPORT, CT - Mike Iggulden scored a natural hat trick in the third period as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers came from behind to beat the Albany River Rats 3-1 Saturday night at the Arena at Harbor Yard.

Suffering from penalty trouble in their first two games of the season, Albany knew they had to limit the infractions against a strong Bridgeport power play. Instead it was the Sound Tigers who took early penalties, giving the River Rats a chance to gain some momentum. Unsuccessful on their first man-advantage, the Rats wasted little time on their second opportunity as rookie Harrison Reed scored his first career professional goal just 22 seconds into the power play. Dwight Helminen's shot from the left face off circle ricocheted off a defenseman's skate right to Reed, who swept a backhand shot inside the near post before Yann Denis could react at 6:58; Helminen and Bryan Rodney were given assists on Reed's milestone goal.

Action calmed in the second period as both teams combined for just 13 shots on goal in spite of several power play chances. Albany carried the momentum into the third period, but it took just 2:26 for Sound Tigers forward Mike Iggulden to reverse the tide. A free agent signing this summer, Iggulden tied the game at 1-1 with an even strength goal, which awoke the Bridgeport crowd and immediately put Albany on their heels. He then scored a power play goal at 9:17 to put the home side in front for the first time in the game. Already on a penalty kill in the last minute of play, the River Rats desperately pulled goaltender Justin Peters in an effort to find a late equalizer. But Iggulden made sure the victory was in hand as he fired a shot from the red line into the vacated net to complete his natural hat trick, his second power play goal of the game, giving Bridgeport a 3-1 win in their home opener.

Sound Tigers goaltender Yann Danis made 21 saves on 22 shots to earn the win, helping Bridgeport improve to 3-1-0-1 on the season. Justin Peters allowed two goals on 31 shots in goal for Albany, who dropped to 1-2-0-0 with the loss. The Sound Tigers finished the game 2-for-6 on the power play and out-shot the River Rats 32-22; Albany was 1-for-6 with the man-advantage.

Albany returns home to prepare for their next game, a home encounter on Wednesday, October 22nd when they host the Binghamton Senators for a 7:00 pm face off at the Times Union Center.

River Rats flex ticket packages and individual game tickets are on sale now at the River Rats office and the Times Union Center Box Office. For more information please contact the Albany River Rats at (518) 487-2244 or online at www.albanyriverrats.com.

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