Manatees prevail in shoot-out session, 4-3
February 6, 2004 - SPHL (SPHL)
Miami Manatees News Release
Miami â The Miami Manatees (19-12-3) extended their WHA2 best home record to 15-1-1-by defeating the Orlando Seals (20-10-3) in the shoot-out session in front of a delirious 1213 fans at the Miami Arena.
Despite out-shooting the Seals and carrying the play early in the game, the Manatees found themselves in a two-goal hole as the Seals got goals from B.J. Stephens and Jason Elders by the 14:24 mark of the first period.
But the Manatees started out the second period with a two-man power-play on which they quickly capitalized on. Tom Kotsopoulos unleashed a shot on the Seals goaltender David Goverde, and Greg LeColst chased the loose puck down in the slot and got it past Goverde for the goal just :43 seconds into the period.
Orlando answered back to extend the lead back to two goals on a Brad Federenko goal at 9:12, but the Manatees swung the momentum back their way on a goal by Kotsopoulos at 12:10 to finish the scoring for the second period.
All through the game, Goverde kept the Manatees at bay despite an overwhelming barrage of shots. The Manatees appeared to be heading down in defeat until Trevor Socholotuk caught Goverde leaning in anticipation of a cross-ice pass. Socholotuk's shot found a tiny opening between Goverde's pad through which the puck passed through, tying the game up with only 1:06 left in the third period.
The Manatees found themselves having to kill off a 1:07 penalty going into the over-time session. The Seals clanged two shots off the post, and Manatees goaltender Mark Gowan made some key saves to send the game to the shoot-out session.
In the shoot-out session, Kotsopoulos beat Goverde with a low-shot for the game-winning goal. With the win, the Manatees pull within one point of the second place Orlando Seals. The Manatees host the Jacksonville Barracudas Sunday night at 5:00pm.
The Miami Manatees face off against the Alabama Slammers, Jacksonville Barracudas, Lakeland Loggerheads, Macon Trax, and Orlando Seals in the WHA2's inaugural season. All games are broadcast on www.irn.fm.
Individual and Group Tickets for the Miami Manatees are now on sale. For further information, please contact the Manatees at (305) 536-PUCK (7825) or visit www.miamimanatees.com.
• Discuss this story on the SPHL message board...
SPHL Stories from February 6, 2004
- Manatees prevail in shoot-out session, 4-3 - Miami Manatees
- This week in the WHA2 - SPHL
- Trax change roster, schedule heading into weekend - Macon Trax
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.
