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AHL Manchester Monarchs

Lion's Play - Week-in-Review

November 20, 2002 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Manchester Monarchs News Release


The Monarchs battled to a 1-1 tie with the Providence Bruins Sunday at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, RI to break their two-game losing streak which included a loss to the Saint John Flames at the Verizon Wireless Arena on Friday. On Friday, the Flames scored back-to-back goals in the second period and both led to the 5-2 ousting of the Manchester Monarchs at the Verizon Wireless Arena. The game was played before a crowd of 8,867.

Saint John got on the board first with a power play tally from Brent Kelly at 8:09. Manchester answered later in the period when defenseman Tomas Zizka netted his second of the season. Rookie Jared Aulin brought the puck into the zone before setting up Zizka for a one-timer from the right circle.

Center Scott Barney netted a power play tally to put the Monarchs ahead 2-1 at 13:06 of the middle stanza. Barney tipped a slap shot taken by Yanick Lehoux from just outside the circle.

Just 10 seconds later, Oleg Saprykin scored the first of two quick goals for the Flames to tie the game at 2-2. The red hot Flames took a 3-2 lead 40 seconds later on a tally by Dave Lowry.

Brent Kelly added his second of the night 4:18 into the third period to seal the win for Saint John. Robert Dome added an empty netter for the Flames in the third period to close out the scoring.

Netminder Dany Sabourin notched his ninth win of the season making 42 saves on 44 shots. Travis Scott took the loss for Manchester stopping 31 of the 33 shots he faced.

On Sunday, Manchester outshot Providence five to four in the overtime despite opening the extra session down a man. Defenseman Mike Pudick was saddled with a hooking call at 19:30 of the third period.

Both teams had few scoring chances in the third period and both sides finished the period with just four shots on net. For the game, the Monarchs were held to a season-low 23 shots on goal.

Tomas Zizka collected the first goal of the game, shoving a loose puck past goaltender Tim Thomas at 1:30. Thomas was out of position after slicing across the crease to stop a shot from Pavel Rosa. Rosa and Steve Kelly shared assists on the play. The goal was Zizka's third in four games.

The Baby Bruins tied the game six minutes later with a goal from Chris Paradise.

After two clearing attempts by the Monarchs failed, Paradise took possession of the puck in the left circle and backhanded a shot past Manchester netminder Cristobal Huet.

Lion's Prey - Upcoming games

Wednesday, November 20 vs. Lowell Lock Monsters - 7:05 p.m. @ Verizon Wireless Arena

The Monarchs return home to the Verizon Wireless Arena to take on the Lowell Lock Monsters. The last time the two teams met was back in October when they played a home-and-home series. The Lock Monsters spoiled Manchester's home opener on October 11 by beating the Monarchs 7-3. But the Monarchs returned the favor the next night by defeating Lowell in their home opener by a final of 6-3.

Saturday, November 23 vs. Providence Bruins - 7:35 p.m. @ Verizon Wireless Arena

Manchester faces off against the Baby B's for the second time this week, but this time with the home ice advantage. The two clubs battled to a 1-1 tie on Sunday, November 17 at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, RI.

Sunday, November 24 vs. Lowell Lock Monsters - 4:05 p.m. @ Verizon Wireless Arena

Manchester confronts the Lock Monsters for the second time this week, with North Division points once again on the line.

The Lion's Roar - Who's Hot?

Defenseman Tomas Zizka has been a scoring threat of late for the Monarchs, netting three goals in the last four games, including goals against both the Saint John Flames and the Providence Bruins last weekend. In the past five games he has five points (3 goals, 2 assists).

New Places, New Faces - Player Transactions

Jeff Giuliano, 23, was assigned to the Reading Royals of the East Coast Hockey League on Thursday, November 14. Giuliano appeared in three games with the Monarchs, scoring one goal and one assist while registering a +1 plus/minus rating. He was recalled from Reading on Tuesday, November 5. Prior to his recall, the Nashua, NH native collected 11 assists in 13 games with the Royals. Giuliano's first professional goal was scored at the Verizon Wireless Arena vs. the Albany River Rats on Saturday, November 9.

Netminder Alexei Volkov, 22, has been loaned to Dynamo Moscow of the Russian Hockey League by the L.A. Kings. Volkov received no game action during his brief stint with the Monarchs. The third round selection (76th overall) of the Kings during the 1998 NHL Entry Draft returns to the league in which he played last year.

Lion Bites - New Bites

Monarchs Featured on theahl.com's "On The Beat" The Manchester Monarchs will have a story featured on the AHL Web site's "On the Beat" this week. The feature spot is usually used to highlight one player on the team, but this week the Monarchs have chosen to feature YOU, the fans and the wonderful hockey history in the state of New Hampshire. Log on today to check it out at and click on the "On the Beat" link.

Monarchs Continue To Lead the League in Attendance

The Manchester Monarchs average of 8,421 fans per contest ranks number one in the American Hockey League after six weeks of action. The Monarchs climbed to the top rung of the attendance ladder when they sold out American Pride Night on Saturday, November 9 at the Verizon Wireless Arena and have stayed in that spot ever since. The Chicago Wolves (8,291), the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (8,281), the Providence Bruins (7,592) and the Hershey Bears (7,409) round out the top five AHL attendance leaders after six weeks.

The Monarchs finished third in League attendance last year with an average of 8,199 fans per contest. Only the Philadelphia Phantoms (8,450) and the Penguins (8,337) averaged more fans.

Street Hockey Stick Giveaway

This Sunday is Hockey Stick Giveaway Night at the Verizon Wireless Arena. The first 3,000 kids ages 12 and under who come through the doors will receive a free street hockey stick, courtesy of Pepsi. Sticks will be passed out at the arena exits following the game.

Monarchs Appearing Near You

Monarchs captain Dane Jackson and enforcer Kip Brennan will travel to Bakersville Elementary School on Thursday, November 21 as part of the Goals for Success Program. Goals for Success is an elementary school-based program that allows Monarchs players to visit schools to promote the importance of setting goals and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Goals for Success visits continue all season long at various schools throughout the state.

Travis Scott Bobblehead Night

Fans, the promotion of the year is just about a month away. Get your tickets for Travis Scott Bobblehead Night. The first 5,000 fans attending the game on December 20 will receive a free Travis Scott bobblehead doll, courtesy of Pepsi. For more info contact the Monarchs at (603) 626-7825.

Autographed Jersey Up For Auction On eBay

Attention fans!! Here is your chance to bid on an authentic Monarchs jersey signed by the entire 2002-03 Monarchs squad. The jersey is up for auction on eBay courtesy of Lowell Lock Monsters team president, Jim Leahy. Leahy won the jersey at the Ace Bailey Golf Classic hosted by the Monarchs on October 15, 2002. The jersey has been put up for auction on eBay, and a portion of the auction's proceeds will go to the Ace Bailey Children's Fund.

Tune in to Monarchs Insider

Monarchs Insider, the half-hour television show all about the Manchester Monarchs, airs every Thursday on MCTV Channel 16 at 9:30 p.m. and again Friday morning at 4:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. This week's guests are center Yanick Lehoux and defenseman Mike Pudlick. If you live outside of Manchester and would like your cable access channel to carry Monarchs Insider, contact them today and ask them to call the Monarchs Public Relations Department at (603) 626-7825.

Tune in to The Sports Zone on 107.7 The Pulse The Sports Zone will be live from Billy's Sports Bar every Tuesday night and featuring interviews with Monarchs head coach Bruce Boudreau and a different Monarchs player every week. Fans are encouraged to come by and check out the show.

Can't make it to the game? Listen to all the action on the radio! Worried that you will miss all the action because you can't make it to the game?

Don't fear - you don't have to miss a second of the action! Catch the Monarchs on the radio and listen to Ken Cail and his guest color analysts broadcast every Manchester Monarchs game live. Tune your dial to the Monarchs Radio Network, WGIR (AM 610) in Manchester, WGIN (AM 930) in Rochester, WGIP (AM 1540) in Portsmouth, and WTSL (AM 1400) in Lebanon and don't miss a second of the action. Or visit the Monarchs home page at www.monarchshockey.com and listen to webcasts of our games. Just click on the Monarchs Radio link on the home page to get the excitement of a Monarchs game live in your living room.

Did You Know...

If Tomas Zizka wasn't playing hockey, he'd probably be a tennis star...



American Hockey League Stories from November 20, 2002


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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