Men O\' War Get Set for Showdown with High-Scoring Royals
December 19, 2002 - ECHL (ECHL)
Burlington News Release
It will be a showdown Friday night at Rupp Arena as the Lexington Men O' War meet the Reading Royals in a match-up of offense versus defense. The Royals come into Friday night's contest with the most goals scored in the ECHL at 116. The league's third best offensive team will stack up against the league 's fifth best defensive team. Lexington gives up only 2.88 goals per game as Reading scores 3.74 goals per game. The Royals however have some defensive deficiencies giving up 3.68 goals per game.
"We certainly don't want to play a more open style against this particular team specifically because of their ability to score. We have to play our game no matter who we play. Certainly we are not a team that can put pucks in the net the way Reading can", said Lexington's Head Coach Jim Wiley. "We have to be more conscientious of a more high percentage game, which is the way we like to play anyway.
Both teams are looking to go over the .500 plateau. Lexington seams to be heading in the right direction going 6-4 in their last 10 and winning four of their last five. Reading has dropped six of their last 10 and has fallen to the fifth in the Northeastern Conference.
" We are at .500 right now and ideally we would like to win all three this weekend. We have to take it one game at a time and try to find a way to start moving up in the standings. ", said Men O' War Head Coach Jim Wiley. "We need to make a little lead way between us and the teams below us".
There is a good possibility team Captain Kevin Knopp will return to the line-up this week after a three-week absence from the roster. Knopp was injured on Thanksgiving Day in Dayton. The Bomber's Brian Cummings slipped into Knopp skate first while the team captain went down to block a shot. Cummings' skate cut Knopp in the face spanning from his nose to his jaw line. The cut required over 150 stitches. Knopp will return with a face-visor. Knopp said the chance of his return was 99.9%.
"It's been nice to be back skating with the guys. I definitely miss playing" , said Kevin Knopp. "I am looking forward to coming back, obviously I am a little concerned about it because I don't think it has completely healed 100%. It's just one of those things where hockey players are supposed to be tough. I am just going to try and go out there and just play hard".
The Lexington Men O' War will host the Royals on Friday and then venture to Wheeling for a face-off with the Nailers on Saturday. Sunday the Men O' War come back home to host the Johnstown Chiefs.
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