ECHL Norfolk Admirals

Norfolk Admirals Weekly

Published on March 14, 2016 under ECHL (ECHL)
Norfolk Admirals News Release


NORFOLK, Va. - A flurry of trades early in the week culminated in a 3-games-in-3-nights series on the road. Michael Pelech headed to Reading in return for the Royal's leading scorer, Robbie Czarnik, and rookie defenseman, Sam Windle. Initially, Jonathan Lessard was traded to Rapid City in exchange for forward Danick Gauthier and future considerations; however, the Admirals retained Lessard and Gauthier after a modification to the trade. This week, the Admirals went 1-2-1-0, including a loss in Reading last Sunday.

The Admirals started strong, defeating the Kalamazoo Wings Friday night in Michigan. The following night, they took on the Eastern Conference-leading, Toledo Walleye, where they fell in overtime, 2-1. Sunday afternoon, Norfolk's intensity dwindled due to possible fatigue, and they gave up two late, fate-sealing second period goals to the Wheeling Nailers, wrapping up a busy weekend.

On Friday, the Admirals' early scoring set the pace for the rest of the game in Kalamazoo. Within the first nine minutes of regulation, Devin Mantha, Alexis Loiseau, and Steven Whitney notched a goal apiece to give Norfolk a three-goal advantage in the opening frame.

After 22:22 of scoreless play, defenseman Allen Phillips' slap shot finally put the Wings on the board. The Admirals quickly answered as Danick Gauthier scored his first goal with his new team, regaining the three goal advantage. Kalamazoo were not finished scoring, as Curtis Valk cut Norfolk's lead in half, 4-2.

For the third that night, the Admirals hopped out to a three-goal lead when Braden Christoffer grabbed his seventh goal of the season, securing a 5-2 victory on the road.

Norfolk traveled to Ohio the following night, and Toledo struck first in the first period when Even Rankin tallied his 75th career goal as a Walleye. Gauthier answered back and notched his second goal in as many nights in an Admirals uniform, ending regulation in a 1-1 tie. During the extra skate, Toledo claimed their 39th win of the season, when Beau Schmitz deflected the game-winner into Ty Rimmer's net.

The Admirals wrapped up their final game of the weekend in Wheeling. Norfolk lit the lamp first against the Nailers when Wes Cunningham's power play marker put them ahead, 1-0, in the opening frame. Wheeling answered during their extra man advantage less than a minute later, and Derek Army's laser from the left circle ended the period tied, 1-1.

Two quick goals, 45 seconds apart, late in the second frame by Riley Brace and Cody Wydo, were enough to seal a 3-1 victory at home for Wheeling.

Norfolk (25-31-4-1) will finish out their five-game road trip on Wednesday where they compete against the eighth place Eastern Conference and East Division rival, Elmira Jackals (32-26-3-1). Elmira currently owns the series but not by much, as they won four of seven prior matchups. The last time the teams met was in January where they split a weekend set in Norfolk.

Both teams desperately need a victory on Wednesday. After losing each of their Sunday afternoon matchups, Elmira, who lost to the Manchester Monarchs, tries to hold onto the eighth seed, and Norfolk, who fell to the Wheeling Nailers, is still trying to make a climb to a playoff berth of their own.

Norfolk forwards will most likely face Shane Owen between the pipes for Elmira. He is ranked 16th in top goalies in the league with a saving percentage of 0.919%.

The Admirals return home and host the Reading Royals (31-23-5-3) this weekend on green ice to celebrate St. Paddy's day. Norfolk will face former Admiral, Michael Pelech, and the Royals will reunite with their former points leader, Robbie Czarnik.

The Royals have won four of their past five games, and one of which, they defeated Norfolk, 3-2, and they have climbed to sixth in the Eastern Conference. Admirals forwards will likely face Martin Ouellette in the crease who is ranked 6th among all goalies and leads his team in GAA, SAV%, Wins, and Minutes.

Check out the Norfolk Admirals Statistics

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