Trashers grind out 2-1 victory in first ever playoff game

Published on April 16, 2005 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Danbury Trashers News Release


GLENS FALLS, NY—Mike Bayrack's goal 4:52 into the first overtime lifted Danbury to a 2-1 win over the Adirondack Frostbite in the opening round of the Colonial Cup Playoffs at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Friday night. The Trashers now hold a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

All of the hype leading up to the opening game lived up to expectations as both teams fought hard defensively for three full periods and 4:52 of overtime. The fierce and physical rivalry spilled through into the first game of the series with gritty, tough play that saw just 48 shots on net combined between the two clubs.

The scoreless first period was actually quite eventful as Trashers forward Bruce Richardson broke his nose just 12 seconds into the game on an errant puck (he would return later in the period), while Michael Rupp was issued a game misconduct for boarding Adirondack's Ryan Bennett. The Frostbite were unable to take advantage of a five-minute power play as the first period was scoreless.

However the power play was kind to Adirondack in the second period as the struck first with a goal from Frank Bakrlik (Trevor Segstro, Greg Koehler) at 10:47 while Jay Murphy sat in the penalty box for a double minor high-sticking penalty.

Murphy would later make up for the penalty as he scored the equalizer from Frank Belanger and Jonathan Gagnon at 13:30 to tie the score at 1-1.

After a scoreless 3rd period that saw Adirondack outshoot Danbury 10-2, the Trashers rebounded in the extra session as Mike Bayrack scored from Alex Goupil and Bruce Richardson at 4:52 of the period. Bayrack had no problems scoring the goal as he shot into an open net, caused when Adirondack goaltender Derek Gustafson fell behind his net while trying to clear the puck.

Bayrack's game-winning goal sent the Frostbite netminder Gustafson into a tailspin as he claimed that a Trashers player ran him down. While he argued with referee Chris Cozzan to no avail, a number of Frostbite fans sent debris hurdling onto their home ice.

Scott Stirling stopped 23 of 24 shots while Gustafson turned aside 22 of 24. The Trashers now hold a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, with Game 2 set for Saturday night at the Glens Falls Civic Center starting at 7:35pm. Fans unable to attend the game may listen to the play-by-play with Phil Giubileo at DanburyTrashers.com or watch the broadband video feed courtesy of B2 Live TV for just six dollars.

Danbury hosts Adirondack in games three and four of the series at the Danbury Ice Arena on April 20th and 22nd at 7:30pm. Tickets are available at DanburyTrashers.com, by calling 866-565-PUCK or in person at the Danbury Ice Arena.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from April 16, 2005


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