Titans Sweep Four Game Set

January 5, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Trenton Devils News Release


TRENTON, NJ - The Titans returned to ECHL play with a busy week that saw them play four games in six days.

Trenton started the week tied with the Dayton Bombers for last place in Northern Division as they skated off against the Johnstown Chiefs on Tuesday night. The Titans recent offensive explosion continued as put six goals past back-up goaltender David Currie for a 6-1 win.

The Titans kept their momentum heading into 2004 as they traveled south for a brief, two-game road trip against the Charlotte Checkers and Roanoke Express. The goals kept on coming for the Trenton squad as they posted 5-2 wins over both teams and extended their winning streak to three games.

The Titans came back to Sovereign Bank Arena the next day for a Sunday matinee game against their division rival, the Reading Royals. For the third game in a row the Titans came away with the 5-2 win and pushed the winning streak to four. After going 4-0 this week, the Titan find themselves in seventh place in the Northern Division, just two points behind the Cincinnati Cyclones and five points out of the fifth and final playoff spot.

Trenton continues their homestand with three games at Sovereign Bank Arena this week. The Titans will start up their week a bit early once again as they take on the Johnstown Chiefs on Wednesday, January 7 at 7:00pm. The Titans will then host the Dayton Bombers for two games this weekend. The two teams face-off on Friday, January 9 at 7:30pm and Saturday, January 10 at 7:00pm.

LAST WEEK:

Tuesday, December 30 vs. Johnstown W 6-1 Sovereign Bank Arena

- The second 6-1 win for Titans in three games. Mathieu Brunelle tallied a hat trick, the first of his professional career. Newly acquired goaltender, Alex Westlund, made 35 saves for his first win as a Titan. Devin Rask also added a goal and two assists.

Friday, January 2 @ Charlotte - 7:30 pm W 5-2 Cricket Arena

- The Titans had a 3-0 lead early in the third period thanks to two P.J. Martin goals and a tally by Jeff Smith. Allen England would make it interesting though with two goals in the final frame to pull the Checkers within one goal. B.J. Able and Joe Rybar, however, would both add empty netters to seal the 5-2 victory. Westlund turned away 25 shots for his second win in as many starts

Saturday, January 3 @ Roanoke - 7:00 pm W 5-2 Roanoke Civic Center

- The third win in a row for the Titans. Duncan Dalmoa scored his sixth goal of the season to stake an early 1-0 lead for the Express. Peter Fregoe would net two and Jeff Smith added another as the Titans scored three unanswered goals for a 3-1 lead. Jeremy McPherson put one in the net early in the third to pull Roanoke within one goal, but Scott Bertoli and Matt Zultek each notched a goal to nail the door shut on a 5-2 win. Allen made 36 saves for his second win in his last nine starts.

Sunday, January 4 vs. Reading - 3:00pm W 5-2 Sovereign Bank Arena

- The Titans extend the winning streak to four games on back of an eight-point effort by the top line of Scott Bertoli, Chris Pittman and Matt Zultek. Bertoli got two goals past Royals netminder Cody Rudkowsky and Zultek recorded a power play goal and three assists on the evening. Andrew Allen stopped 36 shots for his second win as many days.

THIS WEEK:

Wednesday, January 7 vs. Johnstown - 7:00 pm Sovereign Bank Arena

- The second match of the season between Trenton and Johnstown. The Titans hold a 1-0 series advantage after a 5-2 win over the Chiefs last Tuesday. The Titans are 20-5-4 all-time against the Chiefs during the regular season.

Friday, January 9 vs. Dayton - 7:30 pm Sovereign Bank Arena

- The second game of six this season. The Bombers lead the series 1-0 with a 4-3 win on 12/6/03. The Titans jumped out to an early 2-0 lead thanks to shorthanded goals by Dan Riva and Peter Fregoe, but could not hold on as Dayton scored four answered goals.

Saturday, January 10 vs. Dayton - 7:00pm Sovereign Bank Arena

- The third of six games this season. The Titans hold the all-times series edge 11-5-0.

TITANS BROADCAST INFO:

Tune into all Trenton Titans games on their flagship radio station, Money Talk 1350AM or listen in on the Titans website, www.trentontitans.com. The voice of the Titans, Mike O'Brien will bring of your Titans hockey action.

Titans Streaks:

* #19 Scott Bertoli has 11 points (5g, 6a) in his last six games

* #26 Joe Rybar has a goal and five assists in his last three games.

* #32 Matt Zultek has 7 points (3g, 5a) in his last five games and recorded his 100th point as a Titan on 1/3/04 versus the Roanoke Express

* Special team is much improved for the Titans as they have allowed only one power play goal in the last 22 opportunities.

* Conversely, the Titans have recorded power play goals in four of their last five games, while going 7-for-24 (29.2%) with the man-advantage.

In the Community:

January 5 - Tune into "Along the Boards" hosted by the voice of the Trenton Titans, Mike O'Brien. Call in with your questions or comments at 888.578.2428. Tonight's guest will be #33 Jeff Smith. "Along the Boards" can be heard weekly on Money Talk 1350AM from 7pm - 8pm live from Savoy's in Yardville, NJ

Transactions:

12/29/2003 Delete MATT HERNEISEN (F) placed on 7-day IR 12/30/2003 Add P.J. MARTIN (D) returned from Manchester 12/30/2003 Add DAN RIVA (C) returned from Binghamton(AHL) 12/31/2003 Delete MATHIEU BRUNELLE (LW) recalled by Philadelphia (AHL)

12/31/2003 Delete CHRIS HOULE (G) loaned to Philadelphia (AHL) 12/31/2003 Delete DAN RIVA (C) loaned to Binghamton (AHL)

01/04/2004 Add BRYCE COCKBURN (F) returned from Providence (AHL) Trenton Team Statistics Through Games of 01/04/2004



ECHL Stories from January 5, 2004


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