Damaged Admirals Drop Game, Season Series Against Elmira

ELMIRA, NY. - The Elmira Jackals (14-38-7-1) took advantage of a shorthanded Norfolk Admirals (21-34-4-0) bunch on Friday, snagging a 4-2 victory.

With Paul Rodrigues, Tanner Hildebrandt and John Dunbar all suffering injuries in the Admirals loss to Elmira on Thursday, the crew went in with just seven healthy forwards and six healthy defenseman, dressing a season-low 13 players for the second time this season.

Elmira's Justin Kea recorded the only goal in the first 20 minutes of play, making a hard-working play to enter the zone, gather the puck along the wall, step in and fire upon Philippe Desrosiers.  It was the eighth of the year and first of the night for the former Buffalo Sabres draft pick.

Both teams traded goals in the second period, first allowing Norfolk to tie the game.  On the man advantage T.J. Foster made a play from the circle to the left of Jason Kasdorf to feed Nick MacNeil on an in-tight chance.  While MacNeil's opportunity was turned aside the rebound was kicked to Foster, who extended his team lead in points with his 19th goal of the year.

However, with just 46 seconds left in the middle frame Sebastien Sylvestre put the home team back on top.  A lapse of communication by Norfolk in neutral ice allowed the third-year pro to move in all alone on Desrosiers and slide one through his legs.

In the third the Admirals knotted up the score once again, this time coming in the form of Tommy Giroux's first professional goal.  Just signed yesterday and participating in his second professional game, the University of Quebec-Trois-Rivieres product banged home a rebound in front after a deceptive pass in front by defenseman Frankie Simonelli.

Unfortunately for Norfolk that was their only mark of the third and goals from Greg Amlong and Jason Kea pushed Elmira ahead for the win.

Jason Kasdorf picked up his second win in as many nights in net, stopping 39 of 41.  Philippe Desrosiers was on the losing end once again allowing four goal on 26 shots.

The Admirals will now have a rare off Saturday and pick things back up on Sunday against the Manchester Monarchs at 3 P.M in New Hampshire.  Broadcasts of the game will be available on ECHL.TV, 102.1 FM The Tide and at Buffalo Wild Wings on Laskin Road at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

Following the team's week-long road trip the team will return home for St. Hat Trick's Day Weekend on Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18.

Friday, March 17 the team will have drink specials for a 7:30 puck drop and Saturday, March 18 is Sell Out The Scope Night, plus Pucks and Paws, as folks are allowed to bring their dog to the game for just a $5 donation to a local animal shelter.  Additionally, there is a cap giveaway sponsored by BB&T, green ice and green jerseys to encompass the holiday flare.  Following the game the team will be auctioning off the green jerseys to benefit Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Tickets for both games are on sale now on Ticketmaster.com and at the Norfolk Scope Arena box office.