RENEGADES NOTES

Inconsistent defense frustrating to Goudie

Any discussion of the first half of Richmond's season in the Southern Professional Hockey League usually starts and ends with the defense. It's the worst in the SPHL, allowing nearly four goals a game.

The forwards and defensemen have been guilty in more than a few games of allowing the opposition to roam freely around the ice and get off uncontested shots from point-blank range.

Richmond coach Brian Goudie has been particularly frustrated by the play of his defenders.

"One night, they'll be unreal and the next night, they don't show up," Goudie said after practice yesterday at the Coliseum. "Mentally, all the guys back there can skate and play the game. I know they can do it. I've watched them do it.

"But the consistency is not there. Hopefully, when Vandy [Dan Vandermeer] gets back, maybe things will settle down back there, and he'll show them how simple it really is."

Vandermeer, who has been out since breaking a bone in his right forearm Oct. 31, is scheduled to see the doctor this morning regarding clearance to play again. It's possible he could return as early as tomorrow night (7:35) against Fayetteville at the Coliseum.

Jason Price has been moved to defense the past four games, but may return to forward when Vandermeer comes back.

In spite of problems, postseason a possibility

Despite the defensive shortcomings, the Renegades have managed to remain in contention for one of the four playoff spots in the six-team league. Richmond (16-14-1, 33 points) is in third place, behind Knoxville (18-8-4, 40) and Huntsville (18-10-2, 38).

The Renegades have done it without Vandermeer, who was their leading scorer and top defender a year ago, and No.1 goalie Ryan Senft, who went down with a season-ending knee injury Nov. 28.

"You're never completely satisfied," Goudie said, "but with the injuries, losing Vandy three games into the season, and losing Senfter, and some other stuff, it's been a patching-up process for sure."

Richmond also got rid of its top scorer at the time, center Tom Kotsopoulos, for "actions detrimental to the team" by suspending him indefinitely Nov. 20.

Newcomers make scoring contributions

The two newest additions to the roster, forwards Mike O'Sullivan and Bill Zalba, have made immediate contributions.

Zalba, who has two goals in two games, signed a three-game tryout contract Saturday. O'Sullivan (one goal and three assists in four games) signed a regular contract Dec. 30.

Zalba has enough pro games (260) under his belt to be considered a veteran under SPHL rules. O'Sullivan spent all or parts of four seasons with Huntsville before joining Richmond.

"Zalba has some poise with the puck," Goudie said. "He's a big guy, strong. O'Sullivan works, works, works. For a small guy, he takes a hit and does what he needs to do." - John Packett