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Turtles Bite Seals where it Hurts

January 12, 2004 - SPHL (SPHL)
Lakeland Loggerheads News Release


LAKELAND, Fla. – The Lakeland Loggerheads traveled into hostile territory last night as they visited "The Tank" in Orlando to face the Seals. Lakeland had been winless thus far this season on the road and after a 6-0 pounding from Orlando Friday night, the deck seemed stacked against them.

The Loggerheads jumped on the Seals early and kept the pressure on throughout the game earning the 2-1 victory. Forechecking aggressively and standing tall in the defensive zone, the Loggerheads controlled the pace of play and out shot Orlando 13-6 in the first period.

Jeremy Vokes put Lakeland on the board late in the first period on the power play on a beautiful tic-tac-toe passing play from Chris Harper and Rob Miller.

Curtis Sayler beat Orlando goalie David Goverde with a Seals player draped over his back on a pass from behind the net from Loggerheads Captain Rob Schweyer to put Lakeland up 2-0.

Orlando's Brad Federenko notched the Seals only goal late in the second period to make things interesting but that is as close as they would get. Lakeland's no. 1 ranked road penalty killing (85.7%) unit was put to the test as Orlando went 0-3 on the power play including one late in the 3rd period.

"We've played these guys (Seals) hard all year long," said Lakeland All Star Left Wing Chris Cerrella. "We knew it was going to be a tough game, but our guys stepped up and got the job done," added Cerrella.

The "Loggerhead Nation" was on hand as a group of 50 plus Booster Club Members made the trip to Orlando to cheer on their Loggerheads.

"Our fan support is incredible," said coach Tony Zappia. "To go into their building and hear them yelling and screaming for us is great motivation for the players."

The Loggerheads return to Orlando again on Thursday night for a 7:05pm face off with the Seals. Lakeland's next home game is Friday January 23rd at 7:05pm vs. the Macon Trax. There will be a free post-game concert featuring two local bands, "Death After Texas" and "As You Wish".

The Loggerheads face off with the Alabama Slammers, Jacksonville Barracudas, Orlando Seals, Miami Manatees and the Macon Trax in the WHA2's inaugural season. All games will be broadcast on www.irn.fm.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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