Thrilling Comeback leaves Trax reeling as Slammers win 5-3

February 12, 2004 - SPHL (SPHL)
Alabama Slammers News Release


PELHAM, AL - Four goals in the final period, including an empty net goal by Ryan Prentice with only twenty-five seconds left on the clock, gave the Alabama Slammers a thrilling 5-3 victory at the Pelham Civic Complex over the Macon Trax on Thursday night.

Ryan Prentice's score off of assists by Bobby Quinnell and Wade Patterson capped a brilliant comeback from the Slammers, who looked down and out after Macon scored two goals during a six-minute stretch in the third period to take a 3-1 lead.

Slammer forward Jason Renard started the scoring off for the Slammers in the first period with a wrist shot from the high slot that found its way past Macon goaltender Geoff Faulkner. Renard's goal was assisted by Lawrence and Patterson.

The Trax tied the game up with the lone goal of the second period. Art Mnatsakanov found the back of the net 4:02 into the middle frame on a picture perfect play.

Macon took their first lead of the game just 32 seconds into the third period. John Gurskis took a pass from Luke Murphy and scored the power play goal. Six minutes later Andrew Dickson scored his second goal of the season to give the Trax what appeared to be a big lead.

Slammers forward Justin Schabes, who just signed today, and Hugo Belanger scored four minutes apart to tie the game at three. The momentum changed for good on a goal by defenseman Jorin Welsh late in the third period. Welsh slapped home a big rebound off a shot from Hugo Belanger to give the Slammers a 4-3 lead. For good measure Ryan Prentice added an empty net goal with just twenty-five seconds remaining in the game to seal the Slammers ‚¬â„¢ victory.

Slammers goaltender Jamie Ronayne picked up his eleventh win of the season saving 37 of 40 shots faced. Faulkner stopped 25 of 29 shots in the loss. With the win, the Slammers head into the weekend just six points back of the first place Barracudas.

The Slammers will be in action again this Friday and Saturday night, as they host the first place Jacksonville Barracudas. Game time is set for 7:05 pm. Friday is "Pack the House" night at the Pelham Civic Complex. All lower level seats are just $6 dollars. Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations, or by calling 715-6000 or online at ticketmaster.com. Groups of ten or more can order their tickets through the Slammers office by calling 328-PUCK (7825).



SPHL Stories from February 12, 2004


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