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Schabes Leads AlabamaTo 3-2 Shootout Victory Over Trax

February 29, 2004 - SPHL (SPHL)
Alabama Slammers News Release


[Macon, Ga.]— Alabama rookie forward Justin Schabes scored two goals for the second consecutive game to lead the Slammers to an exciting 3-2 shootout victory. With the win, Alabama takes over sole possession of second place in the WHA2.

Alabama scored early in the first period after Trax goalie Andy Kollar lost his footing in the crease. Mike Craigen dumped the puck into the empty net for his ninth goal of the season.

The Trax fought back to tie the score before the end of the opening period. John Gurskis had the goal of the night as he carried the puck into the Alabama zone untouched. Slammers goalie Jamie Ronayne left a tiny opening above his shoulder on the short side; Gurskis found it and put the puck through the tiny opening.

The middle frame showed only one goal, scored by the Trax. David Deeves picked up his 23rd goal when he lit the lamp at the 6:46 mark. Kelvin Solari and Craig Miller were awarded the assists.

Alabama finally tied up the game very late in the third period when Justin Schabes found the net at the 17:34 mark. Kollar made the initial save but the puck rolled up his shoulder, down to the ice and into the net.

Overtime was the usual up and down action in the WHA2. Doug Lawrence was called for a tripping penalty with 21 seconds remaining in overtime. Trax Coach Tommy Stewart elected to pull his goalie for the extra attacker. The Trax not only failed to score but Alabama almost scored on the open end off a clearing attempt as time expired.

Since 65 minutes was not enough the game was decided in a shootout. The first two rounds had the goalies standing tall between the pipes. Schabes opened up the third round carrying the puck into the zone and deked Kollar down and out. The Trax were unable to answer in the bottom of the third and Alabama picked up two points for their effort.

The Slammers return home for a "Thirsty Thursday" game at the Pelham Civic Complex on Thursday, March 4 at 7:05 p.m., when they host the Jacksonville Barracudas. They also host the Lakeland Loggerheads that weekend, on Friday, March 5 at 7:05 p.m. The first 1,000 fans on Friday will receive a free giveaway, courtesy of Hooters.

Tickets for March 4th and 5th, as well as all regular season Alabama Slammers games, are available online at www.slammershockey.com, at all TicketMaster outlets, or by calling Ticketmaster at (205) 715-6000.

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