(vol.
34S, no. 9; newsletter by h.s.)
BRUINS CONCEDE SEMIS DUE TO ROSTER VIOLATIONS; PIRATES HEAD TO FINALS
(AP) WALL, New Jersey: The Bruins admitted to using ineligible players in Sunday's Semifinals against the Coastal Pirates and have conceded the game as a result.
The concession came just days after the Pirates filed a protest with League officials citing that two non-rostered players appeared on the Bruins eight-man squad for the Playoffs.
Speaking on behalf of the Bruins and GoodSports General Manager Dan Pepe, new hockey league director Bill Tuttle announced the decision Wednesday night. In a brief, prepared statement, Tuttle said: “The Bruins have admitted to roster violations and have conceded the game. The Pirates will play the Finals against the Bulldogs this Sunday at 7pm.”
Captain Russ Nicolosi was informed of the decision by phone moments after the announcement. A text-message response from the Cap'n the following day read simply, “Sounds fine.”
This dispute arose after two players who neither appeared on the written roster or had ever played for the Bruins during the season, suited-up for the Semifinals match. In keeping with protocol, the Pirates made both referees aware of the discrepancies before the game, but neither acted on it.
League rules prohibit the changing of rosters after the second week of the season and require that players appear in at least four games — half of the season — to be eligible for the Playoffs.
One of the two non-rostered players scored four points that night, including a game-tying goal towards the end of the 1st period. After trailing briefly 1-0, the Bruins scored four consecutive times and went on to win the disputed game 5-2.
Although the Pirates were the No.1 seed in Sunday's game, they nearly lost to the reigning A-division Champion Bruins during their regular-season meeting. In that game, the Bruins led for 42:00-minutes until the Pirates staged a two-goal comeback, including a dramatic gamewinner in the final :02 seconds of regulation.
The Pirates have the opportunity to win back-to-back Championships if they win Sunday. Premium seats and luxury boxes are still available.
FOR THE RECORD*
Attendance (players): Russ, Tim, Lyden, Toscano, LeMatty, Kevin, Gucci, Glenn, Mike, Marty (sub). Net: Harris
Scratches: Dan.
Scoring: n/a
*The accuracy of these stats are not guaranteed since they have not been reviewed by Brooks.
date of game: 9.07.08
