Miami Manatees Making Waves
November 25, 2003 - SPHL (SPHL)
Miami Manatees News Release
Next Game: The Manatees will be home for the Holidays as they conclude a home and home series against the Orlando Seals at the Miami Arena this Wednesday. Face-off time for the Nov 26th game is 7:05.
Last Game: The Manatees were handed their first loss of the season by falling in overtime to the Orlando Seals by a score of 5-4 in Sunday night action in Orlando.
The Manatees gave up the first goal in a game this season when Seamus Galligan scored on goaltender Sean Weaver at 6:51 in the first period, but the Manatees came right back one minute and 4 seconds later when Eric Perricone successfully converted the first penalty shot in WHA2 history.
The two teams exchanged goals throughout the game, with the Manatees getting goals from Ryan Kiley (6), Todd Nowicki (2), and a 2nd goal by Eric Perricone (12).
The Manatees were leading 4-3 until late in the third period when Orlando's Brad Federenko got his second goal of the game, tying the game up with 1:41 left to send it to overtime.
In the overtime session, Mike Sanderson scored the game-winning goal with 1:26 left to seal the Seal's win. With the point earned by going to overtime, the Manatees moved into sole possession of first place in the WHA2 with seven points.
Manatees goaltender Sean Weaver stopped 41 of 46 shots, while Orlando's David Goverde stopped 36 of 40 shots. The Manatees power-play went one for ten and killed off 11 of 12 Seal's power-play chances. The teams combined for 77 penalty minutes.
Manatee Notes: The Manatees are in sole possession of first place in the WHA2 with seven points through four games. They have a record of 3-0-0-1, having earned a point in every game this season. They are undefeated in three games at home, and are scoring an average of six goals a game (through four games). The Manatees have only given up15 goals.
The Manatees have the second ranked power-play and top ranked penalty-kill in the WHA2. The Manatees power-play is operating at a 26% efficiency rate, while the penalty kill has killed off 93% (30-32) of their opponent's power-plays.
Through 4 games, the Manatees have three of the top ten scorers in the WHA2. Leading the way with twelve points, and with a two point lead over second place, is left wing Eric Perricone. Perricone seven goals gives him a tie for first in the league in goal scoring with Alabama's Paul Vincent. Center Ryan Kiley is third in points and 2nd in goals in the WHA2. with teammate Tied for fourth in points is defenseman Tom Perry with eight points. Goaltender Sean Weaver is tied for second in the WHA2 with a 3.73 goals against average.
For the second week in a row, a Manatees player has been named the WHA2 player of the week. Oak Hewer took home the award this week by scoring two goals and one assist in victories over Lakeland and Jacksonville.
The Opponent: The Orlando Seals have six points on the season, and are tied with the Jacksonville Barracudas and the Macon Trax for second place in the WHA2. Orlando's power-play is third in the league, converting five of 26 chances for 19%. The Seals penalty-kill is third, killing off 23 of 28 opponent's chances for a 82% success rate.
Leading his team in scoring and tied for 11th in league scoring with seven points (4 G, 3A) is center Mike Sanderson. Sanderson has scored five points in two games. Defenseman Matt Brown is 5th in the WHA2 with 29 penalty minutes. With the win against Miami last Sunday, David Goverde moved into a second place tie with Sean Weaver in GAA with 3.73.
Moving Up: The Manatees jumped up four spots in the ITC/Just Hockey "AA" Top 20 Hockey Poll, and are now ranked fourth overall among 70 eligible nationwide teams from various leagues. WHA2 teams also getting recognition on the Top 20 poll are Jacksonville at #12 and Orlando at #18.
Holidays are Coming: Looking to give a great gift for your favorite hockey fans? Try the Manatees Holiday pack. For only $50, you get 2 Manatee T-Shirts, 2 Manatee Hats, 2 Tickets to any Manatees game, and a Manatees puck.
Got Tickets?: In-laws in town? Looking for something to do? Take the family to the Manatees game for Thanksgiving. Tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster, or by visiting them on-line at www.ticketmaster.com, at the Miami Arena box-office, or by calling the Manatees at 305-536-7825.
Manatee Zone: Tune in every Wednsday morning to listen to "The Morning Bullpen on 940 Fox Sports" at 8:30am on 940 Fox Sports Radio for the "Miami Manatee Zone." Coach Boyer will be the guest on this week's show.
Got Internet?: Catch all of the Manatees action on www.irn.fm as Manatees broadcaster Mark Fischel calls the game from the TD Waterhouse Center.
SPHL Stories from November 25, 2003
- Toys for Tots Returns this Friday - Macon Trax
- Manatees Ranked Fourth Best Team in Nation - Miami Manatees
- Miami Manatees Making Waves - Miami Manatees
- Manatees Sign Goaltender Mark Gowan - Miami Manatees
- Seals Have Postgame Party Saturday - Florida Seals
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.
