Manatees back in action for three road games in three nights

February 20, 2004 - SPHL (SPHL)
Miami Manatees News Release


Miami – The Miami Manatees (21-12-3) are back on the ice after coming off their longest break of the season when they head out on the road for three games in three nights. The Manatees last game was an overtime win in Orlando on February 10th.

The Manatees were set to play at the Miami Arena on February 14th against the Macon Trax, but the game was rescheduled to March 8th, giving the Manatees a 10-day break between games. Head Coach Zac Boyer has been working hard to keep the Manatees prepared for their upcoming games, but one never knows which Manatees team will show up after a long layoff.

"It is hit or miss when the team gets a lot of rest." Boyer said. "But if anything, February was the month for the team to get some rest, because March is going to be a busy month for us with a lot of games."

The Manatees first two games on the upcoming road trip will be this Friday and Saturday against the Lakeland Loggerheads (7-26-5). The Manatees overall record against the Loggerheads is 5-2, but the Manatees road record against last place Lakeland is 1-2. Boyer knows the Manatees have to go into the game prepared for a Lakeland team with their backs up against the wall.

"The Loggerheads are a hard team to play against. They are down in the standings, but they come out with a lot of pride every game. It definitely is not a guaranteed four-point weekend."

Currently, the Manatees 45 points leave them only three points behind the Orlando Seals. Both teams have played 36 games. The Manatees are currently tied for third place with the Alabama Slammers, although the Slammers have played in three more games.

With a strong showing this weekend, the Manatees can give themselves more distance over the Slammers and challenge the Seals for the second place position. But the challenge for the Manatees will continue when they head to Jacksonville for a Sunday matinee game against the Barracudas.

"The Barracudas are the first place team in the league, and our players are well aware of where we need to be by the end of the season. It will be a competitive game against those guys."

The Manatees also welcome back the team's second-leading scorer Kevin Swider after his stint with the Florida Everblades. Short of bodies, the Everblades turned to several WHA2 players, including Swider, to help fill in the roster spots for three games this past weekend.

Swider made an immediate impact with the Everblades, scoring a short-handed goal and notching three assists. His efforts helped the Everblades win two of their three games. It was also a chance for Swider to get re-acquainted with some former friends and foes.

"A lot of the guys on the team and other teams were guys I played with and against while I was at Ferris State." Swider said.

After his success with the Everblades, Swider had a decision to make whether to remain in the ECHL or to return back to the Miami Manatees. But as the Everblades were getting ready to depart via bus for Augusta, Swider asked for his release from the team so he can rejoin the Manatees as they head into the latter half of the season.

"I have played here all year and we are battling for first place. I have to show loyalty to the Manatees and do things for my own personal reasons as well. Maybe next year we will see what happens with the opportunities I may get."

"Swider coming back shows that he is loyal to his teammates and to the team, and I was extremely honored that he came back." Boyer said. "He deserves the respect that he has gotten from his teammates all season, and it is a huge sign for us that he came back because he didn't have to."



SPHL Stories from February 20, 2004


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