AHL Bridgeport Islanders

Sound Tigers Weekly

Published on October 9, 2006 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Bridgeport Islanders News Release


The Bridgeport Sound Tigers, top affiliate of the New York Islanders, opened their sixth season on Sunday with a 5-3 win over the East Division rival Binghamton Senators at Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena. The Sound Tigers won their only game in the opening week of the season in new Head Coach Dan Marshall's debut.

Powerful start: The Sound Tigers cashed in on three of their first four power play opportunities against the Senators to open a 3-0 first-period lead.

Mr. Setup: Blake Comeau compiled four assists, earning the primary helper on three of the goals. He had two assists on the power play, one at even strength and added a short-handed helper.

New record: Comeau's four assists set a single-game Sound Tigers' record. The previous mark of three assists was held by several players.

Spread the wealth: The Sound Tigers got goals from five different players in their opener: Peter Ferraro, Luch Aquino, Frans Nielsen, Robert Nilsson and Steve Regier all found the back of the net.

Between the pipes: Wade Dubielewicz kicked aside 32 of the 35 shots he faced, including several in a late Senators' push to tie the game.

The week ahead: The Sound Tigers visit rival Hartford on Friday (7 p.m.) and travel to Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton to play the Penguins on Saturday (7:05 p.m.).

Captain named ...

Mark Wotton, who brings 16 years of professional hockey experience to the Sound Tigers this season, was named captain at the start of the regular campaign. Jeremy Colliton and Allan Rourke were named alternate captains for the Sound Tigers.

"Mark Wotton brings character and leadership to the locker room and experience to the ice," Sound Tigers President Howard Saffan said. "He will serve as a great role model for our younger players."

In the community ...

Cruising: The Sound Tigers are scheduled to mingle with their fans in the annual Ferry Boat Cruise on Long Island Sound on Tuesday night (Oct. 10).

Adopt a Tiger: Left wing Jason Pitton, 21, and right wing Luch Aquino, 20, have been adopted for the season by local families in Westport, just a few miles from Bridgeport, in the new Adopt a Tiger program. It is designed to give younger Sound Tiger players who are away from home a chance to enjoy family life during the season. Additionally, the Adopt a Tiger program gives empty-nesters or families with children the company of a son and/or brother.

Player of the week nominee ...

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers nominate Blake Comeau for the CCM/Vector AHL Player of the Week award for the first week of the season. Comeau compiled four assists in Sunday's win at Binghamton. The 20-year-old Comeau, who played in seven playoff games with Bridgeport last season, was a +2 in his regular-season Sound Tigers' debut Sunday.

Off Ice and Personal with ...

Matt Koalska

Koalska, 26, is a 5-foot-11, 190-pound centerman. Born in St. Paul, Minn, he was selected by the Nashville Predators in the fifth round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. Koalska played at the University of Minnesota and scored the game-tying goal with less than a minute left in regulation in the 2002 NCAA Championship game, won by Minnesota. He is now in his third season with the Sound Tigers. Koalska had 19 goals and 30 assists for 40 points in 75 regular season games with the Sound Tigers a year ago.

On the jersey: Wears No. 24

Shoots: Left

Hometown: St. Paul, Minn.

When he first laced up the skates: Koalska says he was two or three years old when he hit the ice for the first time. "As soon as I could walk," is when Koalska says he started to skate.

Best cities he's traveled to for hockey games: Koalska says the rich sports history in the cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh make them two of his favorite places go on the road.

In the offseason: Koalska stays in shape by playing tennis and also hits the golf courses. He reunites with former college hockey teammates in a summer softball league. "It gives us a chance to see each other once a week," he said.

Teams he roots for: The Minnesota Twins and Vikings

Among his hobbies: Watching movies and fishing.

Food of choice: Polish tacos made by his dad. The ingredients are a secret and Koalska says they're "unbelievable."

Schedule and ticket information ...

The Sound Tigers play their first home game Oct. 20 against Hartford at 7 p.m. For tickets, including group discounts, call the Sound Tigers at 203-334-4625 or visit soundtigers.com.

Check out the Bridgeport Islanders Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Hockey League Stories from October 9, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central