Trax Top Slammers 4-3

January 11, 2004 - SPHL (SPHL)
Alabama Slammers News Release


[Macon Ga.]— Behind a three point night from Ryan Rivard and David Deeves, the Trax skated away with a narrow 4-3 victory over the Alabama Slammers Sunday afternoon. The game certainly had a little bit of everything.

The game started off as your typical Sunday stroll in the park. Macon scored first when Luke Murphy tried to pass across the slot to Steve Zoryk on the power play. Instead of reach Zoryk, Slammer's captain Ryan Prentice's stick and skidded past goalie Jamie Ronayne.

Jaroslav Kresec tied the game up late in the first period for the Slammers. Everything looked good as both teams finished the first period relatively quiet.

The Trax started the second period on the power play, but were not able to convert. Right past the half way mark of the game, referee Ron Shostak injured his ankle while skating down the ice. Both teams were sent to the locker room as the officials had to figure out what to do.

The Trax came out of the 35 minute break with a short bench. Art Mnatsakanov was kicked out of the game after he was called for an instigation penalty and Andrew Dickson stayed in the locker room due to dehydration.

Alabama proved to be the team that benefited from the break. Less than two minutes after the restart, Doug Lawrence found a streaking Jeff Mead who put the Slammers in the lead. That was the last time the Slammers would see a lead on the night.

Ryan Rivard scored his first of two goals at the 16:49 mark of the second period. With the teams tied at two after 40 minutes, the final 20 minutes would be big.

The Trax took the lead when Andrew Katzberg netted his second goal of the year 7:22 into the final period. Ryan Rivard scored his eleventh goal of the season, which proved to be the game winner. Alabama cut the lead to one when Jaroslav Kresec put a wrist shot past Geoff Faulkner.

Slammers goaltender Jamie Ronayne made 22 saves in the loss, while Macon's Faulkner stopped 28 shots in the win.

The Slammers return to home ice on Thursday to take on first place Jacksonville. Thursday is "Thirsty Thursday" night when the Barracudas come for a 7:05 pm puck drop. Fans can enjoy $1 draft beers during the game.

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 328-7825.



SPHL Stories from January 11, 2004


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