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AHL Bridgeport Islanders

Sound Tigers Weekly

October 16, 2006 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Bridgeport Islanders News Release


The Bridgeport Sound Tigers, top affiliate of the New York Islanders, split a pair of games on back to back days in week two of the season. The Sound Tigers used a five-goal, third period rally for a dramatic 6-3 win at Hartford on Friday before falling for the first time this season, 4-1 at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Saturday. The Sound Tigers are 2-1 thus far and next play on Friday in their home opener at the Arena at Harbor Yard against Hartford at 7:30 p.m.

Quite a comeback: The Sound Tigers overcame a 3-1 third-period deficit with five unanswered goals, including four in the final 11:24, to beat Hartford.

Comeau compiles points: Rookie Blake Comeau, who had four assists in his first pro game at Binghamton last week, added two goals and three assists in the win at Hartford, giving him nine points in the first two games.

League leader: Comeau's nine points put him in a three-way tie atop the league despite having played in only three games.

Two games, two records for Comeau: Comeau's five points against Hartford set a Sound Tigers' single-game record. His four assists in the opener at Binghamton also set a single-game team mark.

One shift, two points: Steve Regier had a goal and an assist just 30 seconds apart during the five-goal third period at Hartford.

Three stars: Comeau earned first star accolades in each of the first two games. Jeff Tambellini, who had two goals and an assist in the win at Hartford, earned second star recognition.

Strong PK: Bridgeport's penalty kill held Hartford and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton each to 1-for-9 performances on the power play this week. The Sound Tigers have killed 22 of 25 opponent power plays in their first three games.

Between the pipes: Goaltender Wade Dubielewicz won at Hartford to improve to 2-0 and fellow netminder Billy Thompson got his first start in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Transaction: Goaltender Michael Mole, whom Sound Tigers Coach Dan Marshall said opened everybody's eyes in training camp, was called up from the East Coast Hockey League Pensacola Ice Pilots on Saturday. Dubliewicz was called up to the Islanders due to an injury to Rick DiPietro.

The week ahead: The Sound Tigers hit home ice for the first time when they host the Wolf Pack Friday at 7:30 p.m. After visiting defending Calder Cup winner Hershey on Saturday, they return home to host the Springfield Falcons on Sunday at 4 p.m. Sunday is "Pink Rink Night" to benefit the American Cancer Society and marks Springfield's only visit to the Arena this campaign.

In the community

Storm, the mascot, made appearances at American Cancer Society fund-raising walks in Westport and Bridgeport on Sunday. Fans will have an opportunity to help the Sound Tigers take a shot at fighting cancer during "Pink Rink Night" on Sunday (4 p.m. vs. Springfield). Several promotional activities, including a 50-50 raffle, the popular Chuck-a-Puck contest and pink stick auction of game-used sticks will raise money for the American Cancer Society. American Cancer Society fund-raising groups have an opportunity to purchase discounted tickets and be recognized by the public address announcer on the Arena's digital display boards throughout the game. Call 203-334-4625 for more information.

Storm attended the American Diabetes Association's annual walk at Penfield Beach in Fairfield on Saturday. Storm also the Ridgefield Lions squirt hockey team practice at Wintergarden Arena in Ridgefield last Thursday during a busy week of appearances.

Schedule and ticket information

The Sound Tigers play their first home game Oct. 20 against Hartford at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, including group discounts, call the Sound Tigers at 203-334-4625 or visit soundtigers.com.

View or listen to the game

Hear Phil Giubileo call all the play-by-play by visiting soundtigers.com clicking on the listen to the game link. Fans may also watch the fast-paced action on the b2 Networks by visiting soundtigers.com and clicking on the b2 link on the far right side of the main Web page.

Player of the week nominee

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers nominate Blake Comeau for the CCM/Vector AHL Player of the Week award for the second week in a row. Comeau sparked the comeback at Hartford with two goals and two assists in the third period alone. The 20-year-old had five points in the game and nine in his first two professional games. He was + 3 against Hartford and is + 5 through the first three games. Comeau's three points put him in a three-way tie atop the league despite having played only three games.

Off Ice and Personal with ...

Billy Thompson

Thompson, a 6-foot-3, 203-pound goaltender, was selected by Florida Panthers in the fifth round, #136 overall in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. The 24-year-old played parts of four seasons with Prince George of the Western Hockey League and parts of four seasons with the Binghamton Senators of the American Hockey League. He appeared in 34 games in each of the last three seasons with the Senators.

On the jersey: Wears No. 35

Catches: Left

Where he was born: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

When he first laced up the skates: Thompson started playing when he was four years old. "My dad taught me to skate on a frozen lake," he said. Thompson remembers playing a lot of street hockey when he was growing up. "I always liked being goalie back then too," he added.

Best cities he's traveled to for hockey games: Thompson says Vancouver is among his favorite places to visit.

In the off season: When the mask and pads are off, Thompson can be found playing golf or beach volleyball.

Foods of choice: Steak and mashed potatoes

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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.

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