Seals fall at the end of 2005
December 31, 2005 - SPHL (SPHL)
Florida Seals News Release
[KISSIMMEE, Fla.]-The Florida Seals looked to end a two game losing streak and end 2005 on a high note. The Columbus Cottonmouths wanted to end 2005 improving on their six game winning streak. The Cottonmouths ended up doing what they wanted to do behind a strong first period.
Columbus (14-9-3) peppered Seals goalie Terry Denike with nine first period shots, three finding the back of the net. Ryan Rutz opened up the offense for the Snakes with a redirection into the back of the net just four minutes into the game.
Just past the halfway point the Cottonmouths would score their first of two power play goals when Tylor Keller netted his tenth goal of the season. Keller put a rebound into Denike's glove as the Seals goalie lost his balance and fell with the puck into the net.
The first period ended with more offensive action as each team scored in the final two minutes. Tim Green came across the Seals (13-10-4) line and riffled a shot over the shoulder of Denike, chasing Denike to the bench. Morgan Smietana came into the game looking to provide a spark to a lifeless Seals team. It worked as with less than a minute to go the Seals scored a power play goal courtesy of Steve Zoryk.
As the first period ended with the Cottonmouths up by two, the second period would end with the same margin. The Seals scored in the first minute as Justin Keller took a great pass from David Deeves and lit the lamp for the tenth time this year. Things were rocking for the Seals on New Year's Eve as they gained all the momentum back and had the Silver Spurs Arena loud.
The tide quickly turned as the Seals spent close to six straight minutes in the penalty box. At the tail end of the back-to-back-to-back power plays, including two-two-man advantages, Lorne Misita put a Ryan Aikia rebound home in what turned out to be the game winner. Steve Zoryk added his second goal of the night with less than a minute remaining in the game but the Seals could not overcome the early deficit.
The same two teams will play the second of their three game series Tuesday night at the Silver Spurs Arena. It is a "Two For Tuesday" as fans can buy one ticket and get the second one free. The puck drops at 7:35 pm. The game can be heard on Talk Radio 1190 WAMT and seen at www.livesportsnetwork.com/sphl.
The entire Florida Seals staff, players and ownership would like to wish everybody a very Happy New Year. We hope you come out to the Silver Spurs and enjoy hockey very soon with your loved ones.
To reserve your season tickets or find out more about partnerships with the Seals, call the office at (407) 343-PUCK or go to www.floridaseals.com. Single game tickets for exciting Seals hockey start as low as $10 for an individual and $6 for groups. All home games can be seen live at www.livesportsnetwork.com/sphl.
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SPHL Stories from December 31, 2005
- Seals fall at the end of 2005 - Florida Seals
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