Sound Tigers Battle Wolf Pack on Marvel Night
December 26, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Bridgeport Islanders News Release
Mon, Dec. 26 vs. Hartford Wolf Pack 7 p.m. AHLlive.com
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - The Bridgeport Sound Tigers (16-11-0-0) return from their Holiday break this evening with a 7 p.m. matchup against the Hartford Wolf Pack (10-14-3-1) at Webster Bank Arena. The Sound Tigers enter the contest on a four-game slide (0-4-0-0) including a 5-3 setback in their last outing on Dec. 17th. Stephen Gionta, Scott Mayfield and Ryan Pulock all found the back of the net, but Bridgeport allowed three goals in the first period and Eamon McAdam suffered his first loss of the season in the setback. The contest also featured 136 total penalty minutes and four fights, including a goalie tilt between Stephon Williams and Kristers Gudlevskis midway through the second period. The Sound Tigers continue a three-game homestand tonight that wraps up Wednesday.
SUPERHEROES INVADE
Meet Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and Spider Man tonight for "Marvel Night!" These popular characters will be available for pictures on the concourse with fans of all ages. A special Marvel ticket package is also available for only $25, but must be purchased in advance. The package includes access to the game, a hot dog-chips-soda combo voucher and an official Storm superhero t-shirt! Call 203-345-2300 Option 7 to reserve your seats.
SEASON SERIES
Tonight's game marks the third of eight meetings between the Sound Tigers and Wolf Pack this season, and the first of four matchups at Webster Bank Arena. Bridgeport is already 2-0-0-0 against Hartford this season following a pair of road victories last month: An overtime win on Nov. 4th and a 4-2 victory on Nov. 23th. Forward Steve Bernier leads the Sound Tigers against the Wolf Pack with three points - three of his team-leading nine goals have come against Hartford.
VIEW FROM HARTFORD
Ken Gernander's club has won three straight games, but continues to occupy the cellar of the Atlantic Division with 24 points, three behind the Springfield Thunderbirds. Last time out, the Wolf Pack received goals from five different skaters, including Justin Fontaine's game-winner early in the third period, en route to a 5-4 win at Syracuse last Wednesday. Between the pipes, rookie Brandon Halverson made 28 saves and recorded his third career AHL win. Hartford is led in scoring by forward Nicklas Jensen with 10 goals and 19 points. Jensen was returned from the New York Rangers on Dec. 14th after playing his first four games with the Rangers earlier this month, including his NHL debut on Dec. 8th at Winnipeg.
EARLY SUCCESS
Rookie defenseman Devon Toews has recorded five points (one goal, four assists) in his last three games and is on a team-best three-game point streak entering tonight's contest. Overall, the Quinnipiac University product leads the Sound Tigers with 16 helpers and is second with 20 points. He also ranks third among league rookies in assists and is tied for fifth among rookies in points. Toews was drafted in the fourth round (108th) by the New York Islanders in 2014.
BOXED UP
The Sound Tigers notched a season-high 64 penalty minutes in their wild game against Syracuse on Dec. 17th. The club now ranks second in the AHL in penalty minutes per game, averaging 17.93. Bridgeport led the league during the 2015-16 regular season with 18.58 penalty minutes per contest.
GIONTA SIGNS WITH ISLES
Veteran forward Stephen Gionta signed a one-year, two-way (NHL/AHL) contract with the New York Islanders last Wednesday and was immediately recalled from Bridgeport. Gionta recorded a goal and two assists in seven games with the Sound Tigers this season, recovering from a lower-body injury he suffered in training camp with the Islanders in September.
QUICK HITS
Bracken Kearns is two goals shy of his 200th professional tally... Kyle Burroughs is fifth in the AHL with 65 penalty minutes... Bridgeport is second in the AHL with six shorthanded goals, two behind the Texas Stars... Kane Lafranchise is tied for third among AHL defensemen in shooting percentage (15.8-percent).
AFFILIATE REPORT
NHL: New York Islanders (13-14-6): Next vs. Washington - Tomorrow, 7 p.m. ET
ECHL: Missouri Mavericks (11-12-1-4): Next @ Tulsa - Tomorrow, 8:05 p.m. ET
This Wednesday: Get $1 hot dogs and $5 beers (for those 21 and older) at all Webster Bank Arena concession stands on the 1st floor presented by Hummel Bros. The Sound Tigers face-off against the Springfield Thunderbirds at 7 p.m.
For additional details or to reserve seats for any of the 2016-17 giveaway and theme nights, please call the Sound Tigers' front office at (203) 345-2300.
Executive suites and premium seat packages are also available by calling the team's front office at (203) 345-4841. If you are interested in group outings with your friends, family, co-workers, or clients an unforgettable experience at a discounted rate, call the group sales hotline at (203) 345-2300 Ext. 7.
About the Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Founded in 2001, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Hockey Club is the top minor league affiliate of the New York Islanders. Don't miss your chance to take part in the family fun entertainment happening every home game at Webster Bank Arena. For further information on ticket or sponsorship opportunities, call our office at (203) 345-2300 or e-mail info@soundtigers.com . Keep up with the latest Sound Tigers news on Facebook and on Twitter . For more team information, log on to soundtigers.com .
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