ROLLER HOCKEY : Bullfrogs Beat Blades, Now Tied for First

The Bullfrogs, despite being at a two-player disadvantage for the final 42 seconds, hung on for a 6-5 victory over the Los Angeles Blades in a Roller Hockey International game Sunday in front of 4,628 at the Anaheim Arena.

The victory moves the Bullfrogs into a first-place tie with Los Angeles in the Buss Division. Each team has 12 points. Anaheim (6-0) is the only undefeated team. The Blades (6-2) play at Anaheim again Tuesday.

Victor Gervais’ goal about halfway into the final quarter broke a 5-5 tie for the Bullfrogs. His game-winning shot came moments after he stepped out of the penalty box.

The Blades took a one-player advange when the Bullfrogs’ Ken Murchison was called for hooking with 42 seconds left.

The Blades then increased the advantage another man by pulling goalie Mike O’Hara. But the Bullfrog defense, led by goalie Bill Horn, stood strong.

“The goaltending made the difference tonight,” Coach Chris McSorley said. “A win doesn’t have to be pretty. I’ll take it any way I can.”

Anaheim opened a 2-0 lead on goals by Barry Potomski and Murchison in the first quarter. But the Blades scored the next three goals. Kevin Kerr scored with about three minutes left in the first half to tie it, 3-3.

Darren Perkins and Bob McKillop scored in the third period for Anaheim as well. Kerr finished with a goal and three assists.

Mike Callahan had two goals and an assist for the Blades.

“It was an exciting game,” Blades Coach John Black said. “Anaheim played very physically and they have a good team concept.”