Stirling Turns Away Titans

Published on January 16, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
Trenton Devils News Release


TRENTON, NJ (January 16, 2004) – Though the Titans had been enjoying recent success going 5-1-1 in their last seven games, they began their brief weekend road trip against the hottest team in the ECHL, the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies. The Bullies came into Boardwalk Hall with a 10-0-1 record in their last 11 games and a five game winning streak at home.

Newcomer and Titan fan favorite, B.J. Kilbourne did not waste much time getting back into the swing of things as he mixed it up with Pierre Luc Sleigher just 5:48 into the game with both players went to the box for roughing. It was a different penalty for the Titans, however, that would prove costly. With Mathieu Brunelle in the box for interference, Luke Curtin was able to pounce on a loose puck in the high slot and shoot it over a sprawled Andrew Allen to give the Bullies a 1-0 lead. It was Curtin's fifth goal in as many games.

Brunelle would redeem himself on the Titans power play as he ripped a one-timer past Bullies goaltender Scott Stirling at 8:10 of the second period to tie the score 1-1. Scott Bertoli added the first assist and extended his scoring streak to 10 games, having tallied 9 goals and 7 assists over the duration. The rest of the second period though would prove disastrous for the Titans.

Bullies captain Stephan Rivard picked up a deflected Titans outlet pass that dropped in front of Allen's goal crease and tucked it past the goalie at 15:00 to give the Bullies a one-goal lead. A heavyweight fight then broke out with Ryan O'Keefe and Kam White going at it. Both players would be assessed five minutes for fighting, but White would also be given a match penalty and kicked out of the game for biting O'Keefe on the hand.

Though the Titans had scored three shorthanded goals in the last two games, they found themselves on the receiving end for a league leading 9th time. As PJ Martin had the puck hop over his stick at the Bullies blueline, Rivard took of the other way and fired a low slapshot that beat Allen on the near post to put the Bullies up 3-1. Rivard's goals came just 3:25 apart

The rest of the Titans five-minute power play and the majority of the third period remained uneventful as the Bullies extended their undefeated streak to twelve games in the 3-1 victory. Stirling made 28 of 29 saves for his league leading 21st win. Allen turned away 33 of 26 in the loss.

The Trenton Titans are a member of the ECHL – America's Premier "AA" Hockey League. On Saturday, January 17th, the head to Reading for a 7:05pm face-off versus the Royals. The Titans return to Sovereign Bank Arena on Friday, January 23 to take on the Wheeling Nailers at 7:30pm. For ticket information, call your Titans Ticket Representative at 609.599.9500.

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



ECHL Stories from January 16, 2004


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