Phantoms end preseason with 3-3 tie in Bridgeport
Published on October 6, 2002 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Adirondack Phantoms News Release
(MILFORD, Conn., Oct. 6, 2002) - Defenseman John Slaney had a hand in all three Phantoms goals this afternoon as Philadelphia closed its preseason schedule with a 3-3 tie against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at the Milford Ice Pavilion.
Slaney, who has captured the last two Eddie Shore Awards (AHL's top defenseman), registered a goal and two assists for the Phantoms, who finished with a 2-1-1 record in preseason play. Philadelphia had won its last two games (both shutouts) after dropping the exhibition opener vs. Albany.
Mike Lephart opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal 2:44 into the game after receiving a nice cross-ice pass from Slaney. But Bridgeport answered with goals by Matt Higgins and Jeff Hamilton to assume a 2-1 lead after the first period.
Slaney evened the score 39 seconds into the second period when his shot from the point deflected off a Bridgeport defenseman and past goaltender Steve Valiquette. Captain Mark Greig assisted on the play.
Philadelphia re-took the lead 2:12 later as Jack Baker and Slaney set up a goal by center Eric Betournay. However, Higgins netted his second goal at the 9:01 mark to make it 3-3 and cap the scoring.
Neil Little started in goal for Philadelphia and allowed all three goals on 10 shots before being replaced by Antero Niittymaki midway through the second period. Niittymaki stopped all 16 shots he faced.
Philadelphia went 2-2 vs. Bridgeport last season and will meet them four more times in 2002-03. The Sound Tigers captured the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy in 2001-02 for totaling the most points in the AHL during the regular season. They went on to represent the Eastern Conference in the Calder Cup Finals before losing to the Chicago Wolves in five games.
The Phantoms open the 2002-03 season on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 7:05 p.m., when they host the Rochester Americans at the First Union Spectrum. Tickets prices for Phantoms home games are $18, $17 and $13 for adults, and $8 for children 14 and under. The team also offers group rates, Game Plans, attractive premium area seating, birthday party and youth hockey packages, and the popular Family Value Pack. Please call the Phantoms sales office at 215-465-4522 for information, or log on to www.phantomshockey.com
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American Hockey League Stories from October 6, 2002
