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Week One a Success

December 14, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Victoria Salmon Kings News Release


Victoria, BC – Push over? Not a chance. The Victoria Salmon Kings (6-11-3) spent the first month and a half on the road and came home looking for some respect. But, respect does not grow on trees so they decided collectively they were going earn it, and they did.

Home ice has treated the Salmon Kings well and they have worked hard, despite losing key players such as Dale Purinton (suspension), Ryan Watson (injury), Jim Gattoliat (injury) and they are still without the services of Jason Hegberg (injury) and Mike Josephson (injury).

The Salmon Kings finished the week on a four game unbeaten streak (3-0-1) and look to finish the three game set against Mississippi Sea Wolves having gained at least one point in the last 6. Visiting teams will find Vancouver Island a tough place to play on the best of nights.

Victoria remains at the bottom in the West Division of the National Conference but they are within striking distance and should not be counted out.

Week in Review

Tuesday December 7, 2004 vs. Bakersfield Condors

In front of the stellar play of Jason Stone, the Victoria Salmon Kings recorded their first ever victory at home. Salmon Kings forwards Jeff Williams and Ryan Watson scored two apiece in a game that the Condors were out-skated, out-worked and out-scored 5-2. Ryan Finnerty recorded the other marker for the fish. The was game over shadowed by a scary few minutes when Condors forward Kris Wieckowski went head first into the boards and was on the ice for some time. Wieckowski was taken to hospital and later released with a grade 2 concussion and a strained neck.

Wednesday December 8, 2004 vs. Bakersfield Condors

The rubber match ended 8-6, and proved terrible for both goaltenders statistics. Jason Stone who has been solid for the Salmon Kings had a tougher game on Wednesday but thankfully for the Victoria crowd Yutaka Fukufuji's outing was worse. Defenseman Dale Purinton broke out of his career long point scoring streak with a goal and two assists. Purtinton has been the consummate professional since coming to Victoria and he has left an indelible impression on both his team-mates and the fans. A handful of other Salmon Kings scored in a game were the crowd used the seats they paid for, very little.

Friday December 10, 2004 vs. Mississippi Sea Wolves

The Salmon Kings opened their second home series against the Mississippi Sea Wolves right where they left off. The game was much closer than the 5-1 final, the score was 2-1 until late into the third period. Both teams looked tentative and the game featured much tighter checking and more attention to the defensive aspects of the sport. The Victoria's goal scorers were Seth Leonard, Brad Dexter, Rob Voltera, Ryan Finnerty and Ryan Wade. The Salmon Kings showed the tenacity of ‘no quit' hockey as in the final minutes took it to the Sea Wolves in waves.

Saturday December 11, 2004 vs. Mississippi Sea Wolves

On Saturday, the wheels of the wagon began rattling loose. The long week for the Salmon Kings starts to show in the play, they just don't have any legs. The second game against the Mississippi Sea Wolves was the Salmon Kings fifth game in seven nights. The bumps and bruises were apparent and Mississippi was having a much easier time handling the home-town boys. But they had enough gas in the tank to come back. Down 2-0 going into the third the Salmon Kings stole the momentum and tied the game with just a little under four minutes to play. The final minute was wild. Sea Wolf forward Jeff Hutchins extended his scoring streak with less than thirty seconds to play making it 3-2. The Salmon Kings were not done though, just nine seconds left on the clock, on a set play to Ryan Wade and made no mistake, roofing the game tying goal. That was as close as they would come though. Jeff Hutchins scored his second of the game in the second minute of overtime, the final was 4-3.

Salmon Kings Record

Overall: 20GP - 6-11-3 - .375%
Home: 6GP - 3-1-2
Road: 14GP - 3-10-1
Last 10: 4-3-3
Streak: 0-1-1

Last Week's Results

Tuesday December 7, 2004 vs. Bakersfield Condors W5-2
Wednesday December 8, 2004 vs. Bakersfield Condors W8-6
Friday December 10, 2004 vs. Mississippi Sea Wolves W5-1
Saturday December 11, 2004 vs. Mississippi Sea Wolves L4-3 (OT)

Coming Up

Friday December 17, 2004 vs. San Diego Gulls @ Bear Mountain Arena 7:00p.m.
Saturday December 18, 2004 vs. San Diego Gulls @ Bear Mountain Arena 7:00p.m.
Monday December 20, 2004 vs. San Diego Gulls @ Bear Mountain Arena 7:00p.m.

Tickets

Tickets are available by phone at 250-220-7777, or online at www.selectyourtickets.com.



ECHL Stories from December 14, 2004


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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