MISSISSIPPI JUST ONE POINT OUT OF SECOND PLACE

March 18, 2002 - ECHL (ECHL)
Mississippi Sea Wolves News Release


Sea Wolves visit New Orleans Wednesday; host Brass Friday and RiverBlades Saturday

BILOXI, Miss. - The Mississippi Sea Wolves took three of a possible six points last week in three road games. On Friday, Baton Rouge topped Mississippi 6-5 in the shootout. On Saturday, Louisiana downed the Sea Wolves 5-2. But on Sunday afternoon, Mississippi rebounded against instate rival Jackson, winning 3-1.

After 65 games the Sea Wolves have compiled a 36-24-5 record for a total of 77 points. Mississippi sits in third place in the Southwest Division, just one point behind Pensacola with two games in hand. At home, the Sea Wolves have posted a 17-13-3 record and are 19-11-2 on the road.

LAST WEEK: (1-1-1)

Sea Wolves (5) at Baton Rouge (6) SO; Fri., Mar. 15 - Riverside Centroplex

Sea Wolves (2) at Louisiana (5); Sat., Mar. 16 - Cajundome, Lafaytte

Sea Wolves (3) at Jackson (1); Sun. Mar. 17 - Mississippi Coliseum

THE WEEK AHEAD:

Monday, Mar. 18 - Day off for players

Tuesday, Mar. 19 - Open Practice - 10-11:30 a.m. - Mississippi Coast Coliseum

Wednesday, Mar. 20 at New Orleans - 7:05 p.m. - New Orleans Arena

Thursday, Mar. 21 - Open Practice - 10-11:30 a.m. - Mississippi Coast Coliseum

Friday, Mar. 22 vs. New Orleans - 7:35 p.m. - Mississippi Coast Coliseum

Saturday, Mar. 23 vs. Arkansas - 7:35 p.m. - Mississippi Coast Coliseum

Sunday, Mar. 24 - Day off for players

GAME PREVIEWS:

Wednesday, Mar. 20 at New Orleans - 7:05 p.m. - New Orleans Arena

This game was originally scheduled for February 2, but was changed due to the Superbowl in New Orleans. The Sea Wolves record against the Brass in the season series is 2-4-1. Mississippi won the last head-to-head contest 4-2 on March 1 at Biloxi. The Sea Wolves also took the last meeting at New Orleans on January 5 by the identical 4-2 score. It will mark Patrick Rochon's first game back to New Orleans to play against his former team since being acquired by Mississippi off waivers on January 31.

Friday, Mar. 22 vs. New Orleans - 7:35 p.m. - Mississippi Coast Coliseum

Promotions: Car Care Company Puck Giveaway

Dominos Pizza Throwback Jersey Postgame Auction

The second consecutive meeting between the teams and ninth and final regular season match-up between the teams.

Saturday, Mar. 23 vs. Arkansas - 7:35 p.m. - Mississippi Coast Coliseum

Promotion: Season Ticket Redemption (Season Ticket Holders can redeem any unused tickets)

It's the sixth of seven games in the season series. Mississippi leads the head-to-head confrontations 4-1. The RiverBlades won the last meeting between the teams 4-1 on February 16 at Arkansas. Mississippi posted a victory the last time at the Wolves Den 3-2 in overtime on January 25.

SEA WOLVES' PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Forward Francois Fortier registered points in all three games and has a five-game points streak intact. The 5-11 and 205-pound third year pro picked up a goal and an assist in Friday's 6-5 shootout loss at Baton Rouge. Fortier, 22, registered two assists at Louisiana on Saturday's 5-2 defeat. On Sunday, the native of Beauport, Quebec tallied a goal and a helper in the Sea Wolves 3-1 win at Jackson.

SEA WOLVES' GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK:

Chuck Thuss went 1-0-1 in two appearances last week. The 6-1 and 210-pound seventh year pro made 16 saves on 17 shots playing 31 minutes on Friday at Baton Rouge, only to lose 6-5 in the shootout. On Sunday, the 30-year-old backstopped the Sea Wolves to victory turning away 30 of 31 shots in a 3-1 win at Jackson.

TRANSACTIONS:

03/14/2002 Delete NICK GREENOUGH (RW) placed on 7-day IR
03/14/2002 Add AUSTIN MILLER (D) added to roster
03/15/2002 Add JEAN-SEBASTIEN GAGNON (C) added to roster
03/15/2002 Delete SHELDON BROOKBANK (D) loanded to Grand Rapids (AHL)

INJURED RESERVE:

Forward Nick Greenough remains on the 7-day injured reserve with a knee injury.

Forward Brad Ralph continues to be on the 30-day IR with a shoulder injury.

Forward John Evangelista remains on the 30-day IR with a right knee injury.

CALL-UPS:

Forward Michael Ryder, defenseman Francois Beauchemin and goaltender Luc Belanger remain on recall to the Quebec Citadelles of the American Hockey League.

Defenseman Sheldon Brookbank is still loaned to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL.

STREAKING SEA WOLVES:

Forward Francois Fortier has a five-game point streak (4g-8a) and assists in five straight games (8a).

Forward Brent Gauvreau has points in four consecutive games (3g-4a) and a four-game assists streak (4a).

SEA WOLVES ON THE AIR:

Tune into live coverage of all home and road games on flagship radio station WVMI News Talk 57. The hard hitting, fast paced Sea Wolves' hockey excitement can also be heard across the internet at www.MsSeaWolves.com.

Groups of 20 or more receive a discount on each ticket, call (228) 275-WOLF! Individual tickets can be purchased at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum box office or by calling (228) 594-3707.



ECHL Stories from March 18, 2002


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