Whalers notch two wins over weekend

Published on January 29, 2004 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Plymouth Whalers News Release


The weekend of Jan. 23-25 saw the Plymouth Whalers battle the best and worst of the Ontario Hockey League's Western Conference as they continue to chase Sarnia for the top of the West Division.

Plymouth split a home-and-home series with London - the OHL's top team - losing 3-2 at the John Labatt Centre before returning home to beat the Knights, 6-4, Jan. 24 at the Compuware Sports Arena. Plymouth then defeated Saginaw, 3-2, Jan. 25 to move to within one point of Sarnia.

Even though London is the leading the league with a record of 34-9-2-2, veteran defenseman Dennis Wideman has respect for the Whalers.

"Plymouth is a solid team," Wideman said. "They've given us problems all year. It's a switch from what it's been the past two years when they dominated and we just kind of hung in there and lost by one or two goals every game."

Plymouth goaltender Paul Drew was outstanding in the defeat in London, stopping 38 of 41 shots as the game's second star. But second period goals by Corey Perry and Dave Bolland gave London a 3-1 lead. Although Gino Pisellini cut the London lead with his 12th goal of the season in the third period, Plymouth fell a goal short.

Citing indifferent play, Plymouth general manager-head coach Mike Vellucci sat out forwards Ryan Ramsay, Rane Carnegie and Sean Thompson in the third period of the loss in London.

"They weren't producing," explained Vellucci. "They had a bad two periods (and) Rammer hasn't been playing well defensively, so he sat. Rane hasn't bought into our system yet and Sean hasn't played well either.

Ramsay, Carnegie and Thompson played keys roles in the victory the next night in Plymouth. Ramsay chipped in two assists and Thompson and Carnegie scored goals. The Whalers broke open a 1-0 lead after one period with four goals in the second period to lead 5-0 late in the period.

"It doesn't matter who you are, you're not going to play if you're not producing and at least giving us 110 percent," Vellucci said. "I think it sent a message not just to them, but to everyone that you have to give 110 percent every shift and every game. They responded well and had a good game, but everybody (else) played well. That's what we have to continue to do as a team."

Jonas Fiedler led the attack with a pair of goals and a dandy fight with London's Brandon Prust. John Vigilante, Pisellini and Thompson also scored. As it turned out, the Whalers needed every goal because London didn't quit. The Knights cut the lead to 5-4 in the third period with a pair of goals by Rob Schremp and singles from Bolland and Perry to set up an exciting finish.

That set the stage for an insurance goal by Carnegie, who beat defenseman Danny Syvret deep in the London zone, then stuffed a back hand shot by goaltender Gerald Coleman with 4:16 left in regulation.

"They wanted it more than we did right from the start," London captain Danny Bois told the London Free Press. "We played pretty well in the third period, but we didn't even show up for the game until the third. With all the skill we have, I guess it's pretty easy for the guys to figure we just come in and win because that's what we normally do."

"Our power play was clicking and we capitalized on some of their undisciplined penalties," said Vellucci. "We played well - the guys worked hard and played smart and played well defensively. And Paul Drew was a big factor.

"We fought and stayed with it. We never panicked. We communicated on the bench with the guys and we stayed focused. And then Rane scored a big goal".

The Plymouth power play has been revived over a six-game span between Jan. 15 though 25 with 16 goals in 31 attempts. Through 48 games, the Whalers are second in the OHL on the power play at 57-for-240 for 23.8 percent.

Vellucci had praise for Fiedler, the game's first star in the London victory.

"He's a gamer who competes every single night," Vellucci said. "I don't know if there's ever been a time where I had to tell him to compete more or harder. He might make a mistake, but he's always competing and doing the little things. As a coach, you need those kinds of guys to win and those are the things you love to see. He fought, he scored two goals and did all the little things. It was great to see."

The line of Fiedler, John Mitchell and Vaclav Meidl and the power play continued to click in the Saginaw victory. Mitchell scored two power play goals and Fiedler scored the game-winner in the third period when he beat Saginaw defenseman Patrick MacNeill out in front of the Spirit goal and directed Mitchell's pass by goaltender Eric Fligler.

Whalers turn tables for charity

The Plymouth Whalers players are back at it again.

Join the Whalers on Tuesday, February 3rd at Bob Evans on Ford Road in Canton and Tuesday, February 10th at Bob Evans in Taylor on Eureka Rd. as they wait tables from 6- 8 p.m. to help raise money for charity.

Players will be serving food while signing autographs. There will also be a raffle to win Whalers merchandise including jerseys and autographed sticks and pucks.

Ginopolis Post Game Party

Join the Whalers players as they answer questions and sign autographs in Ginopolis On the Ice restaurant following selected Whalers games. Ginopolis also offers great food and drink specials.

Join the Whalers after the games on the following dates:
•January 31 •February 21
•February 28 •March 6

Tropicana Party Night

Wear your favorite Hawaian Shirt and get ready to party during Tropicana Party Night!

Tropicana Give-a-Ways, Special Contests, free beverage and loads of fun. Friday, January 30th vs. Owen Sound. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.!

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from January 29, 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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