RENEGADES NOTES

'Team issue' sidelines Kiyaga for third game

Richmond will be two players short tonight when Fayetteville comes to the Coliseum to renew their heated I-95 rivalry.

Defenseman Arthur Kiyaga, who sat out both weekend games against Columbus, is not expected to play against the FireAntz because of a "team issue," according to Allan B. Harvie Jr., the club's president and general manager.

Harvie wouldn't elaborate, except to say that Kiyaga could return to the lineup sometime this weekend, when Richmond goes to Huntsville on Friday, Twin City (Winston-Salem, N.C.) on Saturday and faces Columbus at home Sunday.

"He's not hurt," said coach Brian Goudie. "There's no disciplinary action. It's administration stuff. Something to do with paperwork."

Kiyaga, a native of Uganda, has been one of the Renegades' most dependable defenders since joining the club in late October. In 14 games, he has two assists and his ice time is plus 2.

Forward Matt Rogers, who was injured in Saturday's game vs. the Cottonmouths, is not expected to play tonight either. Rogers hasn't practiced this week.

Fayetteville was four skaters short - because of visa problems, according to one source - for two games last weekend, and their status for tonight's game is uncertain. The FireAntz split with Twin City despite the manpower shortage.

Goudie is satisfied with play of goalies

Goudie was pleased with the play of his two goaltenders against Columbus, particularly Adam Dekker, who gave up three goals to the Cottonmouths but had 39 saves in the 4-3, shootout victory.

"I thought Dekker played well Saturday night," Goudie said.

It was Dekker's first start in the Southern Professional Hockey League. His only other pro experience came with the Wichita Thunder (Central League) last season.

Goudie said Dekker would likely start tonight, rather than Bryce Luker, who beat Columbus 4-2 on Friday, making 22 saves.

"Even though they both won their game, I thought Dekker was a little sharper, more consistent," Goudie said. "More square to the puck. Not as flippy floppy."

Dekker stopped a penalty shot at the end of overtime, then stoned all four Columbus snipers in the shootout.

Will rematch bring another fight night?

The last time Richmond and Fayetteville played, there were 127 penalty minutes and five fights. Could there be a repeat tonight?

"They've got a lot of guys that like to play dirty, but they don't like to do anything about it," said Richmond defenseman R.C. Lyke. "If they're still four players short in this game, maybe nothing will happen, but they'll eventually have to answer the bell.

"There will be some actions taken against those guys throughout the year, whether it's this game or the next game." - John Packett