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BOMBERS NOTES

Money, opportunity lure three Bombers to Europe

By Debbie Juniewicz

Contributing Writer

Friday, January 25, 2008

There's more room on the Dayton Bombers bench these days.

The Bombers have lost two players to Europe in the past week. Peter Flache left the team Friday and head coach Bill McDonald got the news that Chanse Fitzpatrick was leaving Dayton Wednesday. Both players said they were going to pursue opportunities in Germany. Bobby Chaumont left to play in Norway in late December.

Extras

"I endorse the European experience, I coached there," Bombers general manager Don MacAdam said. "So, I understand the opportunity thing. But it seems like, while they may be making more money, they are selling their integrity.

"It's the timing. Peter Flache was standing by the bus door last Friday as we're leaving for a road trip telling Bill he's leaving. That disrupts the team."

The average ECHL salary this season is approximately $525 a week plus expenses with some players making more than $800 a week. European pay scales vary by level with some paying comparable wages and others being more in line with the AHL and NHL salaries.

"The money was a big part of my decision," Fitzpatrick, 23, said. "I'll be making double, maybe three times, what I made in the ECHL. But it's more than the money, it's also about the opportunity. The 10-game suspension was a setback, but I didn't see myself still in the ECHL after Christmas and, for whatever reason, I was. I wish it worked out differently, but I have to do what's best for me."

MacAdam said losing players to Europe is a problem. "There is a shortage of good players so there's a real opportunity, but it's a problem in this league because we don't have a reciprocal relationship with the International Ice Hockey Federation." The players who left were under contract with the Bombers. While Dayton won't be shorthanded as the Bombers host Johnstown tonight, there is a void.

"This obviously leaves a hole as far as talent, leadership and offense," MacAdam said.

The three forwards accounted for 29 goals and 30 assists this season. Fitzpatrick was the team's third leading scorer.

All-Star notes, numbers

Bombers rookie Matt Beaudoin posted a goal and ECHL scoring leader Yannick Tifu had an assist but it was not enough as the National Conference beat the American Conference, 10-7, in the ECHL All-Star Game on Wednesday night at Stockton Arena in California.

The National Conference also narrowly edged out the American Conference in the All-Star Skills Competition Wednesday, 26-25. Tifu did his part for the American Conference, defeating Fresno's Oren Eizenman to win the individual puck control relay.

Beaudoin helped the American Conference win the hardest shot competition as he fired in a goal at 94.9 mph, placing second in the event to Gwinnett's Jamie Milam (99.3 mph).

Kids rule

Fans 12 and under are admitted free tonight with the purchase of an adult silver level ticket at the Nutter Center box office. An autograph session with Britt Dougherty and Taylor Christie will be held after the game. The Bombers face the Johnstown Chiefs at 7 p.m.