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RiverBlades Alone Atop Southwest

November 25, 2002 - ECHL (ECHL)
Arkansas RiverBlades News Release


The Arkansas RiverBlades went 2-1 this past weekend, and now stand alone atop the Southwest Division with a record of 12-6-2. The RiverBlades' 26 points lead the Southern Conference, and rank 2nd in the ECHL behind Toledo, who has 31 points.

Last week...The Riverblades weekend began with two straight home games against the Pensacola Ice Pilots on Friday and Saturday. Friday night, Maxime Gingras made 44 saves en route to his first shutout of the season, as the Ice Pilots shutout Arkansas 4-0. It was the first time since March 20th that Arkansas had been shut out, and the first time the RiverBlades were shut out at home since January 27, 2001.

The following night, Arkansas looked to get back in the win column, hosting the Ice Pilots once again. Buddy Smith tallied two goals and an assist, and Jason Saal made 32 saves to lift the RiverBlades to a 4-1 victory. Jason Bermingham added three assists for the Blades, who also got goals from Eric Long and rookie Kevin Korol. Korol, who was activated off of injured reserve prior to the game, netted the game-winning goal in his first professional game.

Korol continued his magic Sunday afternoon in Jackson, scoring two goals, including his 2nd game winner in as many nights, as the RiverBlades held on for a 5-4 victory over the Bandits. Buddy Smith racked up a goal and an assist, Ernie Hartlieb contributed two assists, and Matt Pagnutti and Mike Sandbeck each had goals for Arkansas. Eric Fortier tallied a hat trick in the losing cause for Jackson. Fortier has six goals this year, with four of them coming against Arkansas.

Who's hot...Buddy Smith has scored 5 goals in his last 5 games, and ranks third in the ECHL with 28 points. Smith trails Pee Dee's Matt Reid (29) and Reading's Brian McCullough (31) in that category. Terry Marchant has 12 points in his last 10 games, and ranks second on the team with 25 points. In addition, Marchant is tied with six other players for sixth in the ECHL in scoring. Jason Bermingham has 7 points in his last 5 games, and 14 in his last 10. Bermingham ranks third on the team with 24 points, which is also good enough for seventh in the ECHL. Kevin Korol has 3 goals in his first two professional games, scoring the game-winner in both games played.

A look ahead...The RiverBlades return to the ice after Thanksgiving to host the Baton Rouge Kingfish Friday at Alltel Arena, then travel to Baton Rouge Saturday, and Jackson on Sunday. Game times Friday and Saturday are 7:05p.m., and Sunday at 2:05 p.m. All games can be heard on the CSN radio network and on the Internet at www.RiverBlades.com.



ECHL Stories from November 25, 2002


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