Surge Game Preview
Published on February 2, 2012 under SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi Surge News Release
Biloxi, MS- February 2nd, 2012 - The Mississippi Surge are hoping Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow and forecasts six more weeks of winning as the Boys from Biloxi enter their Groundhog Day contest against the Columbus Cottonmouths riding a three game win streak. Thursday's game is Gulfport Vs. Biloxi Guns & Hoses Night at the Power Plant. The Surge will pay homage to local police and fire departments and play up the Gulfport-Biloxi rivalry with a first intermission shootout to benefit the local Police Explorers program and other local charities. The city with the largest representation supporting its police and fire departments wins!
On the ice, the Surge look to carry their January momentum down the stretch. During their January "surge", Mississippi collected points in 9 out of their 11 games, posting a 7-2-2 record for the month. Their 2-1 win against the Mississippi RiverKings on Tuesday moved them into 5th place in the SPHL standings. The play of rookie goaltender Kiefer Smiley has been the backbone of the recent push, with the team winning six of his last seven starts. The Duncan, BC native ranks in the Top 5 in the SPHL in wins and Goals Against Average despite the Surge allowing the fourth most goals in the SPHL.
On the blue line, the Surge have been buoyed by the recent play of veteran defenseman Glenn Cacaro, who registered a +9 rating in the month of January and has collected assists in back-to-back games. Mark Pawlowski, a native of Mississauga, Ontario, scored the first goal of his professional career against Fayetteville last Sunday and rookie Nick Kuqali has continued his steady defensive play, with a +5 rating during the recent three game win streak. Fellow rookie James Isaacs chipped in with a goal and seven assists during the month of January.
Offensively, the Surge have been an anomaly. Mississippi began the season with a streak of 25 straight contests with at least two goals, and have registered at least a pair of goals in 33 out of their 34 games. Despite the consistency, the Surge have scored the second fewest goals in the league. The arrival of center Tyler Ruel has sparked an offensive outburst lately with the team scoring 37 goals in January, their most productive month so far.
The line of Ruel, veteran left winger Mark Versteeg-Lytwyn and rookie Shawn Skelly has been on fire in the seven games since the Ruel joined the team. Since signing with the Surge, Ruel has 3 goals and 6 assists. He and Versteeg-Lytwyn have points in six of those seven games, with Versteeg-Lytwyn jumping into the Top Ten in SPHL scoring with 11 points (6 goals, 5 assists) in that span. Michigan native Skelly has 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists) in the 7 games and leads the team with a +13 rating.
Also helping the New Year's "surge" was the line of Matt Kinnunen, Colin Reddin and Rob Campbell. Kinnunen, a center from Calgary, Alberta, posted 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) in 11 games in January. Campbell notched 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists) during the month, and both he and Kinnunen enjoyed seven game scoring streaks. Rookie Colin Reddin has points in six of his last eight contests and he and Kinnunen have current three game scoring streaks.
On Sunday against the Fayetteville FireAntz, veteran Jeff Grant registered the team's first hat trick of the season, and his first in a Surge uniform. Rookies Adam Stuart (a goal and an assist in the last 3 games) and Nick Guran (a goal and three assists in his last 7 games) have also contributed to the increased scoring.
Columbus is equally hot of late, posting a 10-2-2 record since Christmas. Their run of 5 wins in their last 6 games gives them 47 points, tying the Knoxville IceBears for second best in the SPHL. The Snakes have been stingy, using the stellar play of goaltenders Ian Vigier and Andrew Loewen as well as a league leading penalty kill to post a league-low 99 goals against.
The Surge and the Snakes have squared off four times this season, with two contests needing extra time to be decided. The Surge won the first two meetings, including a shootout thriller in Columbus in October, while the Cottonmouths have taken the last two, notching a 3-2 overtime win over the Surge in the Power Plant on December 17th. Vigier was between the pipes for both Columbus victories, and both he and Loewen are among the SPHL leaders in most goaltending categories. Defensemen Bret Tyler and Tom Maldonado are among the league's leading scorers from the blue line, and Tyler has recorded 4 assists against the Surge this season.
Second year forward Jordan Braid has led the charge against Mississippi this season with 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) in the four games against the Surge. Snakes captain Sam Bowles has two goals and two assists in three contests, including a pair of goals against the Surge on December 17th. Orrin Hergott, Brett Hammond and rookie John Sullivan have three points apiece against Mississippi.
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Gulfport vs. Biloxi - Guns & Hoses!
Join the Surge as we salute local police officers and firefighters tonight at the Power Plant against the Columbus Cottonmouths at 7:05 pm. It's Gulfport vs Biloxi rivalry night as police and fire departments from each city will take part in a Shoot-to-Win Contest during the first intermission.
Come out and make some noise and show your civic pride! The city with the loudest crowd will receive a charitable donation to that city's local Police Explorers program and fire department. Contact the Surge office today at (228) 287-7825 today for more details.
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Don't Miss a Minute of Exciting Surge Action at Hooters Biloxi Beach
Hooters Biloxi Beach is the official location for all Surge away games. Never miss a single shot, pass, check or fight. Catch the Mississippi Surge on the America One network at Hooters Biloxi Beach!
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Mardi Gras Ball on Friday Night in the Power Plant!
You're invited! Join the Surge on Friday, February 10th as they face off against the rival Pensacola Ice Flyers at 7:05. Beads, masks, throws, Krewe costumes, a first intermission on-ice Mardi Gras parade and a Surge Mardi Gras jersey auction are just part of the fun as we celebrate Mardi Gras in the Power Plant... Surge Style!
Beads are being collected after the game to benefit Gulf Coast Industries in support of the Gulf Coast Mental Health Center's Workshop for Developmentally Disabled Adults. For every ticket sold using the coupon below, $5 will be donated to GCI.
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Surge Introduce "Red in the Rink" on Sunday, Feb. 12!
In partnership with the American Heart Association of Mississippi and their Go Red for Women Program, the Surge are turning the Power Plant red on Sunday, February 12th. Mention the coupon code: HEARTS and receive a $15 ticket, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the American Heart Association.
To order tickets or to get more information on how you can support "Red in the Rink" Night and the American Heart Association, call the Surge office at (228) 287-7825.
SPHL Stories from February 2, 2012
- Groundhog Day Massacre - Mississippi Surge
- Ice Flyers' Offense Comes To Life In 8-1 Victory - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- RiverKings Players Serve as Celebrity Readers to FACS Pre-School Classes - Mississippi RiverKings
- RiverKings Acquire Boutin-Gagnon - Mississippi RiverKings
- Game Preview - Ice Flyers at Fayetteville FireAntz - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Surge Game Preview - Mississippi Surge
- Game Preview - Ice Flyers at Fayetteville FireAntz - Pensacola Ice Flyers
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