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Improving Back-End Key Focus For Cudas

May 30, 2006 - SPHL (SPHL)
Jacksonville Barracudas News Release


There are many ways to go about building a championship-contending hockey club, but there is usually one common denominator among winning teams: great goaltending and solid defense. That is one area that was sorely lacking for the Barracudas during the 2005-2006 season, and an area that is a focus for GM Gilles Richard and Coach Rick Allain while recruiting for the 2006-2007 season.

The 05-06 Cudas had the SPHL's worst goals against, giving up 315 goals during the season's 56 games. That's just 50 goals short of the number of goals the SPHL's two top teams, Florida Seals and Knoxville Ice Bears, gave up during the season combined!

The problem was two-fold. The amount of turnover amongst defensemen made it impossible to establish an effective defensive system or to build up any sort of chemistry. Only three d-men played more than half of the games for the Cudas, one of which was converted forward Greg Lecolst (the other two were Tony Maci and Martin Viazanica).

With both Richard and Allain being former defensemen, they are well aware of the need to shore up the team's group of blue liners.

"We need to find guys who are going to be able to provide solid defensive-zone coverage, and really limit the number of good scoring chances the opposing team gets," said Richard. "If you can't get out of your own zone, you can't score and you can't win."

The second issue was in net, as 14 different goaltenders found their way either into the Barracudas' crease, or on their bench last season. Of the 14, the only one to really stand out was early-season star Pat Berrigan. After his departure the team was unable to find a consistent goaltender the rest of the team could rely upon night-in-night-out.

"If you look at the two teams in the finals last season, its clear just how important goaltending is," commented Richard. "Terry Denike did a fantastic job for the Seals all season, and Knoxville always has solid goaltending. We need to find two guys who give us a chance to win every time we take the ice."

Final Week For Season Ticket Renewals

Barracudas season ticket holders have just a few days remaining to take advantage of the Season Ticket Holder Renewal Rate for the 2006-2007 season. Be sure to call Dave Kuhn at 904-367-1423 as soon as possible to secure your seats for what promises to be an exciting, competitive season of Barracudas Hockey.

Those of you who are not season ticket holders can also take advantage of the special "Paid-in-Full" rates. Simply call the Barracudas office to book your seats now, and catch every minute of hockey this season!



SPHL Stories from May 30, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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