Keller's Two Goals Not Enough As Seals Lose
December 26, 2006 - SPHL (SPHL)
Florida Seals News Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. - Justin Keller is the hottest goal scorer in the SPHL of late.
Tonight, the Florida Seals could have used many more of him on the ice.
Despite yet another two goal performance by Keller, the Seals gave up five unanswered scores as the host Columbus Cottonmouths defeated Florida 6-3 at the Columbus Civic Center.
Coming off a big victory and earning six out of a possible eight points last week, the visiting Seals jumped on the Cottonmouths early. Keller picked up his first of the night and 20th goal of the season just 1:33 in as he beat Columbus net minder Ryan Senft for an unassisted score. Midway through the period, Craig Miller set up Keller for his 21st and a 2-0 Seals lead that they took into the intermission. Florida had all the momentum, out shooting their hosts and playing about as good a period as could be played.
After allowing just three shots on goalie Matt Balser in the opening period, Florida's surrendered a goal to Mark Prentice 39 seconds into the middle stanza, cutting the lead to 2-1. Buoyed by getting on the board, Columbus continued to press the Seals' defense and eventually tied the game at the 14:36 mark on a power play goal by Craig Stahl. The score stayed that way through the rest of the period as Balser and Senft kept the offenses at bay.
Columbus had clearly wrested the momentum from the visitors and used it early in the third. Ryan Rutz put the Cottonmouths in front to stay 1:24 in, with the assist going to Tim Green. Just under four minutes later, Green and Rutz combined to set up Lorne Misita who beat Balser to make it 4-2. Connor MacDonald completed the five goal string for Columbus with a goal at 13:06 that extended the margin to 5-2.
The Seals didn't go quietly. Kahlil Thomas set up captain Steve Zoryk for a tally at 15:32 to bring Florida a bit closer at 5-3. The Seals had an extended two man advantage late in the contest and when they pulled Balser, it gave Florida a huge 6-on-3 chance. The Cottonmouths' defense held tough, blocking several shots before Stahl secured the outcome with an empty net goal in the final minute.
The Seals return to Central Florida tonight before continuing their week-long, three game road trip Friday night in Florence, South Carolina against the Pee Dee Cyclones. Game time at the Florence Civic Center is set for 7:10 p.m.
SPHL Stories from December 26, 2006
- Ice Bears get back at Cyclones - Twin City Cyclones
- Renegades coach Brophy suspended one game - Richmond Renegades
- Keller's Two Goals Not Enough As Seals Lose - Florida Seals
- Streaks Tighten Up SPHL Standings - SPHL
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