Sharks Dunked In Providence

Published on November 16, 2007 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Worcester Sharks News Release


WORCESTER - The Worcester Sharks headed to Providence on Friday night having won three of their last four games, but never quite got going at the Dunkin Donuts Center, dropping a 5-2 decision to the Bruins.

More pressing, however, was the widespread concern amongst the players and spectators following the sudden collapse of Bruins goaltender Jordan Sigalet with 10:48 remaining in the game. With play continuing at the opposite end of the ice, Sigalet fell face down onto the ice in his own crease and was quickly attended to by both team trainers and medical staff standing by within the arena. Sigalet was taken to a nearby hospital but his condition was not immediately known.

Prior to the dramatic closing moments, Providence wasted no time in building an early lead. Martins Karsums began a stellar night by digging a puck out of traffic behind the net and using a gratuitous bounce off the pads of Sharks netminder Thomas Greiss to tap the puck home just 2:41 into the game. With Craig Valette in the penalty box for interference, Matt Lashoff found a seam in the Sharks penalty killing unit, threading a pass to Matt Hedricks for a backdoor finish and 2-0 Bruins lead midway through the opening period. Karsums got back in the box score three minutes later, as his slap shot from the blue line was deflected past Greiss by Vladimir Sobotka.

A Jeff Hoggan tally early in the second period gave Providence a 4-0 lead and prompted Sharks head coach Roy Sommer to make a goaltending change for the first time this season, pulling Greiss in favor of rookie Taylor Dakers. Greiss left after stopping 11 of 15 shots over 21:39. The Sharks finally got on the board just 36 seconds later. Riley Armstrong won a faceoff to the right of Sigalet, and slid the puck back to Valette, whose one-timer sailed through traffic and into the net. The goal was Valette's first of the year.

Pascal Pelletier, who assisted on the first and third Bruins goals, would give Providence a four goal lead again, cleaning up a centering feed by Sobotka at 2:56 of the third period. The second and final Worcester goal came less than two minutes later, as a wrister by Dan Spang appeared to redirect off the chest of Riley Armstrong before crossing the goal line. Spang was credited with his second goal of the season.

With 10:48 remaining, however, all focus shifted to Sigalet, and an uncomfortable, cavernous hum dominated the arena for the duration of the contest.

The Sharks return home on Saturday vs. the Pirates as the Sharks team up with the Worcester County Sheriffs Office for the 2nd Annual Canned Food Drive to benefit the Friendly House in Worcester. All fans that donate a canned food item will receive a FREE ticket voucher to a future Sharks game compliments of Price Chopper. For ticket information, contact the Sharks at (508) 929-0500.

All games can be heard live on 580 WTAG, as well as online through B2 Networks, by following the link on the Sharks website at www.sharksahl.com.

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American Hockey League Stories from November 16, 2007


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