Event Spotlight:
Boardwalk Bullies Lack Punch in Shutout Loss to Cyclones
Friday, February 8, 2002
By David W. Unkle
SJSports Staff Writer
For forty minutes, the hometown Boardwalk Bullies were able to tread water despite being out shot by the Cincinnati Cyclones (27-17) but two goals in the third period proved too much to overcome for Atlantic City in a 3-0 loss before 5,453 fans. Playing with a depleted roster, the Bullies were unable to capitalize on five power play opportunities, including two in the pivotal third period. Jeff Sirkka opened the night's scoring at 3:58 of the first period giving Cincinnati the early 1-0 lead. The Bullies peppered Cyclones' Goalie Alex Westland with ten shots in the first period but couldn't get the rebound when Westland was out of position. Cincinnati's second goal was scored by Nick Bootland at 2:46 of the third period just nine seconds after a slashing call against former Flyer, Daniel Lacroix. The Cyclone's Allan Egeland completed the scoring following a turnover in the Bullies' zone with 2:24 to go in the game. The Boardwalk Bullies could not capitalize on back-to-back Kevin Knopp penalties.
Atlantic City's Scott Matzka made a nice move on the goalie in the opening minutes of the second period and again on the power play in the third period but came up empty handed. Bullies' Goalie Shawn Degagne kept the game close stopping 26 of 27 shots in the first two periods. Turnovers and the inability to get rebounds hurt the Boardwalk Bullies all night and the team played listlessly most of the evening.
After the game, Bullies' Head Coach Mike Haviland commented: "We were a step behind all night...we didn't have the drive...I felt we could have paid the price at little more in front of the net...we started too late in the third [period] and that's a little too late...When you get behind, they guys try to do too much...we just have to move on."
"Right off the initial face-off, they [Cincinnati] played aggressive all night...their defense play extremely well...when a team is struggling, you got to keep it simple. [Cincinnati] played an extremely simple game; every time[Cincinnati] hit the red line they put the puck in deep and put pressure on our defensemen and drove to the net well...they are the type of goals that, when we are struggling, we have to try and score" said Bullies' Forward Daniel Lacroix.
On Saturday February 16 @ 7:00PM, the Boardwalk Bullies will wear and auction replica Atlantic City Sea Gulls jerseys in Turn Back the Clock Night. The first 5000 fans will receive a special poster commemorating the rich history of hockey in Atlantic City.
On Monday February 18 @ 3:00PM, spend President's Day with the Bullies for a rare mid-week afternoon game. Join the Boardwalk Bullies players for a POST-GAME SKATE! The first 1000 fans will receive a Boardwalk Bullies player photo collectible along with tons of entertainment on the Boardwalk Hall concourse.
For more information and tickets call the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies at 609.348.PUCK (7825) or log on at www.boardwalkbullies.com.
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