Updated on December 10, 1997 at 9:09 PM

Current Press Releases of the 1997 NPSL Champion - Kansas City Attack

releasefile.html

1997-98 ATTACK Press Releases

Contact: Brad Roder

Director of Media Relations

Office: (816) 474-2255 Fax: (816) 474-8730

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Press Release Index
Dec. 8 - Salute To Champions
Dec. 8 - Countdown has begun
Dec. 1 - Hometown Heroes Program
Dec. 1 - Stanisic Purchased
Nov. 25 - Handlin Named Color Commentator
Nov. 11 - Zimmerman named NPSL Player of the Week
Nov. 10, 1997 - Single games tickets released for sale.
Nov. 10, 1997 - Weiss acquired.
Nov. 7, 1997 - Wes Wade Signs deal.
Oct. 29, 1997 - Team captain named.
Oct. 22, 1997 - "ATTACK TALK" location announced.
Oct. 22, 1997 - Attack signs top draft pic's.
Oct. 21, 1997 - Closing in on Opening day.
Oct. 16, 1997 - Carlos Zavala acquired.
Oct. 7, 1997 - Wings exibition info.

zimplrwk.html

For Immediate Release

December 1, 1997

Hometown Heroes...Kicking for a Cause

KANSAS CITY, MO -- This season, the Attack is launching a new fundraising campaign designed to honor community heroes and support local charities. It will be called Hometown Heroes... Kicking for a Cause. Through corporate and private pledges, Attack players will raise funds each time theyscore at regular season home games. Plus, a portion of ticket and merchandise sales will help each game's beneficiary.

The defending NPSL Champion Kansas City Attack players and front office staff share a commitment to developing programs that benefit the Kansas City Community. Last year alone, Attack players made over 600 free appearances at local schools and civic events. Such efforts focused on an "Attack Against Drugs," "School is a Kick," "Shooting for Your Goals," and the "Honor Roll/Perfect Attendance Program."

In order to prove their commitment to the project, every person within the Attack organization has made a personal pledge to the cause. Worthy benficiaries include: The Arthritis Foundation, The March of Dimes, Easter Seals, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Special Olympics and United Cerebral Palsy.

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For Immediate Release

December 1, 1997

Attack Purchase All Star Goalkeeper Scoop Stanisic

KANSAS CITY, MO -- Don Kincaid, president of the defending National Professional Soccer League Champion Kansas City Attack, announced the signing of three-time All Star goalkeeper Scoop Stanisic from the Harrisburg Heat. Stanisic had been in goal for the Attack when it won the NPSL Championship in 1993. Stanisic ranks fith all-time in the NPSL with 109 career wins. He was purchased for an undisclosed amount of cash and a pick in the 1997 Amateur Draft.

Stanisic, a native of Belgrade, Yugoslavia, is in his fifteenth year of professional indoor soccer, with eight years of NPSL experience between four organizations; Hershey (1988-91), Illinois (1991-92), Kansas City (1992-94) and Harrisburg (1994-97).

"After seven games, we decided that it was in the best interest of the club to sign the best goalkeeper available," Vice-President/ General Manager Zoran Savic said, "Scoop is one of the five best goalkeepers in the league, which gives us possibly the finest goalkeepeing tandem in the league when Warren (Westcoat) returns."

Following an injury to 1997 Championship Series MVP Warren Westcoat in the first game of the 1997-98 season at Wichita, the Attack had called upon rookie keeper Kevin Zimmerman to man the nets. Zimmerman went 2-5 with a 14.84 points against average, saving 117 of 162 shots faced. The Attack also recently made a trade with the Cincinnati Silverbacks for rookie keeper Blair Quinn. Westcoat has returned to Attack practices, but will be unavailable to play this weekend in Buffalo and Detroit.

Stanisic will report to the Attack immediately as the team travels to Buffalo today. He is scheduled to be in the nets for the Attack Saturday night. The Attack play at Buffalo on Saturday, December 6, and travel to Grand Rapids for a game against the Detroit Rockers on Sunday, December 7.
Stanisic's Career Stats

Yr Team GP Min SF SV 3GA 2GA 1GA PA PAA W-L
88-89 HER 36 1816:00 570 428 3 109 30 257 8.49 17-15
90-91 HER 28 1459:04 560 402 4 123 31 289 11.88 12-14
91-92 ILL 24 1357:19 496 359 3 106 28 249 11.01 13-10
92-93 KC 24 1402:02 529 372 6 129 22 298 12.75 15-6
93-94 KC 17 957:52 356 234 4 103 15 233 14.59 3-14
94-95 HAR 25 1487:45 525 367 16 123 19 313 12.62 15-8
95-96 HAR 36 1869:41 674 481 15 136 42 359 11.52 22-10
96-97 HAR 19 1093:12 349 258 10 67 14 178 9.77 11-6
NPSL Totals 209 11442:15 4059 2901 61 896 201 2176 11.41 108-83
KC Totals 41 2359:45 885 606 10 232 37 531 13.50 18-20

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For Immediate Release

November 25, 1997

Attack Adds Ex-Comet to Radio Team

KANSAS CITY, MO -- Don Kincaid, president of the defending NPSL champion Kansas City Attack, announced the addition of former Kansas City Comet Kevin Handlan as a color commentator for Attack games on KPHN 1190 AM alongside the "Voice of the Attack," Nick Vasos.

"Kevin will make a radio broadcast that is already among the best in the league even better," Kincaid said, "His knowledge of the game will mesh very well with Nick's exciting style to provide our listeners the best game coverage we can offer."

Handlan, 42, was one of the original Kansas City Comets when the team began playing indoor soccer in 1981 and was with the team through the end of the 1985 season. Originally from St. Louis, he has taken residence in Kansas City ever since his playing days. Handlan currently works as an Employee Benefits Consultant for Benefit Services, Inc., in Mission, Kansas. He and his two children, Drew, 17 and Ashley, 15, reside in Mission.

"This gives me a great opportunity to get back into the game that made me fall in love with Kansas City," Handlan said, "I'm very excited at the thought of working with Nick Vasos and the rest of the Attack organization, as well as being involved in the game, other than as a fan, for the first time since I stopped playing in 1985. It will be an honor to be recognized as a member of a championship organization such as the Attack."

Handlan's first broadcast with the team will be on Sunday, November 30, when the Attack travels to his former hometown, St. Louis, to battle the Ambush at the Kiel Center at 5:35 p.m.

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For Immediate Release

Tuesday, November 11, 1997

Attack Rookie Goalkeeper is NPSL Player of the Week!!

KANSAS CITY, MO -- The National Professional Soccer League announced today that Kansas City Attack rookie goalkeeper Kevin Zimmerman, filling in for an injured Warren Westcoat, was named the league's Player of the Week for the week ending Nov. 9. Zimmerman was forced into action after Westcoat dislocated his right elbow in the first game of the season at Wichita on November 1. In the Attack's only game of the week, Zimmerman recorded his first professional victory by notching 23 saves en route to a 6-5 win over the Detroit Rockers in Michigan on Nov. 8.

"He's really just starting to get to know the game and has been placed in a very stressful position," Head Coach Jim Schwab said, "He has responded very well so far and has proven he will be a fine keeper in this league as he matures."

Zimmerman (1-2) played collegiate soccer at Yavapai Junior College in Prescott, Arizona, and the University of Illinois at Springfield before entering the NPSL this season. Both schools are currently ranked in the top ten of their respective collegiate divisions. He is originally from Tuscon, Arizona.

The fine performance at Detroit followed Zimmerman's first full week of practice as the organization's starting goalkeeper, and lowered his points against average to the league's seventh best at 11.95 points per game.

The Attack are in action again on November 14 at the Molson Center in Montreal against the NPSL's newest addition, the Montreal Impact. Game time is 6:35 p.m. Central Standard Time, and it can be heard on KPHN 1190 AM.

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nov 7-10.html For Immediate Release
November 10, 1997

Attack Single Game Tickets on Sale Monday

KANSAS CITY, MO -- Attack President Don Kincaid announced today that single game tickets to see the defending National Professional Soccer League Champion Kansas City Attack in action during the 1997-98 season will go on sale Monday, November 10, at the Kemper Arena Box Office and through Ticketmaster.

Ticket prices are: Midfield Box- $14, Corner Reserved- $12, and Goal Line View- $10. Tickets can be purchased with cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover.

Tickets will be on sale at the Kemper Arena Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., after 9 a.m. on Saturday game days, and after 10 a.m. on Sunday game days. Tickets may also be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 816-931-3330. A service charge will be applied when calling to order tickets.

The Kansas City Attack open their home season on Friday, December 12, at 7:35 p.m. against the Detroit Rockers. Opening night will be a "Salute to Champions," as the Attack honor all of Kansas City's sports championship teams of the past, including the 1969 Spurs, 1970 Chiefs, the 1992 Blades and the 1985 Royals. The night will also be a tribute to the 1997 NPSL Championship, with the raising of the championship banner in honor of the 1997 NPSL Champion Attack.

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For Immediate release

November 10, 1997

Attack Acquire Forward Simon Weiss

KANSAS CITY, MO -- Don Kincaid, president of the defending NPSL champion Kansas City Attack, announced the signing of forward Simon Weiss today at Kemper Arena. Weiss will join the Attack on the team's road trip tomorrow to Detroit for a Saturday night contest with the Rockers.

Weiss, 25, played partial seasons with the St. Louis Ambush in 1994 and 1996-97 before making a move overseas to play Division 4 outdoor soccer with SpVg Brakel of Germany from January to May of 1997. Weiss most recently played with the Jacksonville Cyclones of the A-League over the summer of 1997.

Weiss scored five points in five games for the Ambush in 1995-96 and 11 points in nine games for the Ambush in 1996-97, playing only partial seasons both years.

Weiss attended Southwest Missouri State University and North Carolina State University before beginning his professional career with IFK Malmo of Division 3 outdoor soccer in Sweden. At North Carolina State in 1992, Weiss was the Wolfpack's leading assist man and helped the team advance as far as the NCAA Division I Quarterfinals. He is originally from Highland, Illinois.

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For Immediate Release

November 7, 1997

Wild Wes Wade Signs Three Year Contract
KANSAS CITY, MO -- Don Kincaid, president of the defending NPSL champion Kansas City Attack, announced the three-year contract extension of Wes Wade today at Kemper Arena. Wade enters his sixth season with the Attack and tenth year in professional soccer. Wade has led the Attack in assists every full year he' s been in Kansas City and is the Attack's all-time leading assist-man with 221 in his career. He earned the fifth Championship title of his career (three with San Diego Soccers of CISL, two with the Attack) last season when the Attack brought home the NPSL crown.

"Wes has been the sort of player that excites fans, plays hard every time out and helps this organization win ball-games," Kincaid said, "We had every intention of doing the things necessary to keep him with our organization."

Of the Attack's returners from the 1996-97 season, Wade is the Attack's leading scorer with 97 points (4-15-3-52) in the 1996-97 Championship season. As one of the most versatile players in the league, Wade spent last season as a defender, moving from a midfield/forward position. Despite the move, Wade was voted to the All-Star team. Wade has played every position from goalkeeper and sixth attacker to target man in his ten professional seasons. He is also the only member of the Attack to have played all forty regular season games the past three seasons. In last year's playoffs, Wade tallied 33 points, 16 assists, and 25 blocks in 13 games.

Wade is originally from Phoenix, Ariz., where he began his career in professional soccer with the Arizona Condors in 1988. Wade played two seasons with the Condors and four seasons with the San Diego Sockers from 1989-93. He joined the Attack in 1992 after playing 15 games with the Detroit Rockers that season.

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oct 29 For Immediate Release
October 29, 1997

Team Captain Koetters Inks Three Year Deal

Jeff Davis, Jack Park and newcomer Kevin Zimmerman also sign
contracts with Attack

KANSAS CITY, MO -- Don Kincaid, president of the defending NPSL champion Kansas City Attack, announced the contract extension of three players today, as well as the signing of a contract with one newcomer. Midfielder/team captain Kevin Koetters, midfielder Jeff Davis and forward Jack Park each signed contract extensions, while rookie goalkeeper Kevin Zimmerman signed his first professional contract.

Kevin Koetters, a six-year veteran with the NPSL and the Attack, agreed to terms that will keep him in Kansas City through the next three years. Koetters, who was named the team's captain when Jim Schwab was moved to Head Coach, has become one of the top players in the league, being named the team's MVP three of the last six seasons. Koetters led the team in assists during the playoffs with 17 and was second in the playoff scoring column with 49 points.

"Kevin Koetters has been one of the keys to the success of this club for the past six seasons," Kincaid said, "His personality, leadership and performance on the field are a perfect example of the quality of player our organization is looking to put on the turf."

Jeff Davis enters his fifth season in the NPSL and second with the Attack. Davis, who played three years with the St. Louis Ambush before signing with the Attack last season, was signed through the next three years, as well. Davis played in all but one game in the 1996-97 regular season , scoring 41 points.

Jack Park begins his third season with the Attack and the NPSL after playing soccer locally at Avila College, where he was an honorable mention All-American. Park adds depth to a defense that returns several outstanding members from the Attack's championship season, as well as additions.

The Attack also signed rookie goalkeeper Kevin Zimmerman out of the University of Illinois- Springfield, whose eye for the ball and quick reflexes have earned him a spot as the back-up to Championship Series MVP goaltender Warren Westcoat. Zimmerman has been signed through the year with an option in 1998. Zimmerman was a Junior College All-American at Yanarzi College in Arizona and an All-Midwest Conference selection at the University of Illinois- Springfield. This will be first year in professional soccer.

"We've had a great preseason camp, and these guys have shown the championship caliber of play that we are looking to put in an Attack uniform, Head Coach Jim Schwab said, "We're very excited to have the veterans back and we're very optimistic about the progress of our younger players."

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For Immediate Release
October 22, 1997

"Attack Talk" to be Broadcast at Fuzzy's South

KANSAS CITY, MO -- Zoran Savic, Vice-President/General Manager of the defending NPSL champion Kansas City Attack, announced today that Fuzzy's South Sports Bar and Grill would be the official host of this year's "Attack Hour" radio show.

"Attack Hour" is a weekly program devoted to the indoor soccer organization and is aired live on CNN 1190 AM each Tuesday night at 7 pm. Host Nick Vasos, the voice of the Attack, will conduct player interviews, review upcoming opponents, and talk about all the team's promotions, events, appearances and important milestones.

"We're as excited as the operators of Fuzzy's are about the idea," Savic said, "Fuzzy's is a well-established business that will provide a fun and exciting atmosphere for our fans to gather, meet players, and find out all about the Attack."

The first "Attack Hour" show will be conducted on Tuesday, October 28. Fuzzy's South, located at 1227 W. 103rd (103rd Street and State Line), was established in 1983 and is owned by Michael Runde.

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For Immediate Release
October 22, 1997

Attack Sign Top Draft Picks

KANSAS CITY, MO -- Don Kincaid, President of the defending NPSL champion Kansas City Attack, announced the signing of the Attack's top two draft picks from the 1997 Amateur Draft. Brad McTighe, the Attack's territorial choice out of Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., and Shawn Beyer, the team's first round draft pick from the University of Evansville in Indiana, each inked a deal with the Attack today.

"These are players that provide us with a very positive outlook for the future of the the Attack," Kincaid said, "Both have seen success at every level of soccer and both have the attitude and personality that are ideal for our organization."

McTighe, an Overland Park native and graduate of Shawnee Mission South, played two seasons at Eastern Illinois University, where he was named First Team All-American as a sophomore, before transferring to Creighton University for his final collegiate years. At Creighton, McTighe was a two-time All-Conference selection, making an appearance in the NCAA Division I Final Four as a junior. At Shawnee Mission South, McTighe was a four-time all-state selection and the Offensive Player of the Year in the Sunflower League as a senior.

Beyer hails from Wichita, Kansas, where he was an all-state player for Northwest High School. He attended Johnson County Community College, where he earned second team All-American honors and the University of Evansville, where he was a third team All-American (NCAA Division I) in his senior season. Beyer helped Evansville to a Missouri Valley Conference championship in 1995.

"These guys' performance so far in the preseason has shown us that they have great potential for the indoor game," Vice-President/General Manager Zoran Savic said, "If they continue to work as hard as they have and play the way we've seen, a lot can be expected of their roles with the team."

McTighe and Beyer have been working with the club throughout the preseason, including its three exhibition games. Each scored two goals and recorded two assists in the Attack's preseason schedule, helping the Attack to two victories.

"It's always an exciting thing when you are able to add this type of young talent to an experienced roster," Head Coach Jim Schwab said, "The framework for the future of this team will be built around the young players that learn from our veterans, so these two players will play a vital role in the team's development over the next few years."

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october21 For Immediate Release
October 21, 1997

Attack Closing in On Opening Day

KANSAS CITY, MO -- With opening day just two weeks away, the defending National Professional Soccer League Champion Kansas City Attack are busy preparing for another run at the league title. Training camp continues at the Kansas City Soccer Dome and Quivira Sports and Health Club twice each day in preparation for the Attack's first game on November 1 in Wichita.

Preparing to Defend the Title--
Several familiar faces have rejoined the Attack camp, including All-Stars Wes Wade and Warren Westcoat, while several new faces have been working their way toward a spot on the roster. Lee Tschantret, who played with the Hershey Wildcats of the A-League this summer, recently underwent an operation that has not allowed him to return to camp. The team's leading scorer, Goran Hunjak, was lost in the off-season, but the return of Wade, Brian Loftin, Eloy Salgado, Novica "Novi" Marojevic and team captain Kevin Koetters, as well as several newcomers, should be more than enough firepower on the offensive end of the field.

Defense will be an Attack strong point this season, returning Head Coach/player Jim Schwab and Sammy Ekeme, who was a late acquisition last season to a defense that stymied the Cleveland Crunch in the finals. Also returning will be Nate Houser, a five-year veteran of the league, and Eddie Carmean, who spent last season on the sidelines with a knee injury. As if they needed more help, the Attack also acquired All-Star defenseman Carlos Zavala from the Tampa Bay Terror in a dispersal draft last week. Zavala is nursing an injury that will keep him out two to three weeks.

Other players in camp include Eastern Indoor Soccer League playoff MVP Scott Huppe, draft picks Brad McTighe, Shawn Beyer, Jason Siqueros and Jeff Klusman, and invitee goalkeepers Kevin Zimmerman and Mike Baker. Negotiations continue with players selected from the CISL draft three weeks ago.
On the Road Again--
The Attack open the season with a nine-game road trip that extends from November 1 through December 7, travelling to Wichita for the season debut against the Wings on November 1. Kansas City's home opener will be a "Salute to Champions" night at Kemper Arena on Friday, December 12. A new banner will be raised to the rafters as the team and city celebrates last season's Championship finish.

New Deals--
The Attack recently announced its advertising agency of record for the 1997-98 season, naming Fasone-Garrett-Boehm as its advertiser for the second straight season.
The Attack are just weeks away from cyber-soccer, with an official website in the making. The web address and webmaster will be announced when the site is ready to go on-line.
Kemper Arena, the Attack's home for the last five seasons, underwent some changes this summer, including expanded seating capacity, a new East entrance, and improvements with handicapped access.
The Attack schedule also underwent some changes, including the addition of several weekend matinee games. In order to appease fan interest in weekend games, the Attack have scheduled Saturday, 1:05 pm and Sunday, 3:05 pm games for 14 of 20 home contests.

This Week--
Attack players continue to make appearances around the city, including both charitable events and school programs. Midfielder Jeff Davis will be speaking on the dangers of drug use at Prarie Star Elementary School in Leawood on Thursday, Oct. 23, as part of their Drug Awareness Week.
Kevin Koetters, Warren Westcoat and two draft picks will be on hand to sign autographs at the Dream Factory picnic on Sunday, Oct. 26 at the Benjamin Ranch.
Fuzzy the Attack Cat will be a part of the 49th annual Halloween Parade on Saturday in Independence as well as with the players at the Dream Factory picnic on Sunday.

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For Immediate Release
Thursday, October 16, 1997
Attack Acquire All-Star Defender

Kansas City, MO. -- The defending NPSL Champion Kansas City Attack just got stronger. The Attack purchased the contract of defender Carlos Zavala, a 1996-97 NPSL ALL-STAR, in a dispersal draft from the Tampa Bay Terror, President Don Kincaid announced today. Zavala was under contract with the Terror through 1999.

"We're extremely excited about taking the opportunity to pick up a young, talented defender who has proven himself in this league as an All-Star player," Vice-President/General Manager Zoran Savic said, "Much like the nucleus of our defense right now, he is the type of player that has the ability to score from a defensive position, and we feel that will blend well with our style of play."

Zavala, 27, a 5-foot-11inch, 175 pounder enters his third season in the NPSL. Last season, Zavala scored 84 points, with 30 total goals and 22 assists, while recording 52 blocks. In his rookie season with the Terror two years ago, Zavala scored 34 points on 12 total goals and 4 assists in just 22 games with the club.

Within the week, Zavala will report to the Attack training camp, which has been in full swing since October 1 at the Kansas City Soccer Dome. The Attack open their schedule with a nine-game road trip that extends from November 1 through December 7. The Attack travels to Wichita for the 1997-98 season debut against the Wings on November 1.

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For immediate release

Tuesday, October 7, 1997
Attack Dominate Wings in Exhibition

Kansas City, MO -- The defending NPSL champion Kansas City Attack defeated the Wichita Wings in a preseason exhibition game today at the Kansas City Soccer Dome, 20-4, notching their second preseason victory. Nine unanswered goals and three shutout quarters of play were the story of the one-sided Attack victory.

After falling to a 4-2 deficit early in the first quarter, the Attack's offense went on a surge, scoring eight unanswered goals before the half. Playing in just the first half of today's exhibition, Eloy Slagado, entering his second full season with the Attack, scored twice and recorded an assist and Novica Marojevic, also know as "Novi", recorded four assists.

The Attack scored just just once in the second half, but got a strong defensive showing with two shutout quarters from goalkeeper Mickey Butatovic, an invitee from Yugoslavia, and the Attack defenders. Second-year performer Jeff Davis also scored twice, including a stolen header off a Wichita goalkeeper kick that he was able to corral and kick into an open net. Manny Catano, who scored two goals in the Attack's first exhibition, and Brad McTighe, the Attack's first round draft choice from Creighton (Neb.) University, each added a goal and assist.

The Attack have two other scheduled exhibitions, both in Wichita, Kansas City travels to Wichita for a scrimmage at the Wings' Coliseum at 2 p.m. on October 10, and again for an outdoor exhibition game at Lawrence Dumont Stadium on October 12. The Attack open the 1997-98 season at Wichita on November 1. The defending champions' home opener is scheduled for December 12 against Detroit and will be celebrated as a "Salute to Champions" night at Kemper Arena.

Scoring Summary
First Quarter
Team: Goal Assisted by: Time
Wings Eddie Henderson Jonas Domingas 1:57
Attack Jeff Klusman Manny Catano 2:35
Wings Jason Olliges unassisted 3:37
Attack Rich Wolf Nate Houser 4:15
Attack Manny Catano Novica Marojevic 4:47
Attack Jeff Davis Brad McTighe 7:42
Attack Shawn Beyer Novica Marojevic 10:27
Attack Eloy Slagado Novica Marojevic 12:19

Second Quarter
Team: Goal: Assisted by: Time:
Attack Eloy Salgado Novica Marojevic 2:26
Attack Jeff Davis unassisted 7:57
Attack Brad McTighe Eloy Salgado 13:40

Third Quarter
Team: Goal: Assisted by: Time:
Attack Steve Hodes Scott Huppe 8:07

Fourth Quarter
Team: Goal: Assisted by: Time:
No goals were scored.

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