Bullfrogs Gain Home-Floor Advantage

The Bullfrogs defeated the Calgary Rad’z, 8-5, Friday in front of 3,756 at the Calgary Saddledome to clinch the best record in Roller Hockey International and the home-floor advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Bullfrogs (12-0-1) will open the playoffs Tuesday at the Anaheim Arena, playing host to the Connecticut Coasters. The winner of the first-round game will play the winner of the Aug. 31 game between the Blades and the Toronto Planets.

The Bullfrogs scored the first seven goals of the game Friday, taking a 7-0 lead into intermission. Brad McCaughey had a goal and three assists in the first half. McCaughey also scored the Bullfrogs’ only goal of the second half, at 5:33 of the third quarter.

“I was very impressed with the effort tonight,” Bullfrog Coach Chris McSorley said. “Not only are we enjoying this award (the best record in the league), but we hope the people at home that support us enjoy it as well.”

Victor Gervais and Joe Cook each scored twice for the Bullfrogs, who were outshot, 44-39. Gervais scored consecutive goals late in the first quarter and early in the second to give Anaheim a 4-0 lead.

After a goal by Bob McKillop in the second quarter, Cook extended the lead to 7-0 with goals at the 7:09 mark and with less than a minute left in the half.

Kevin Kerr scored the first goal of the game on an assist by McCaughey. Troy McIvor scored twice for Calgary.

Kerr was ejected late in the fourth quarter for slashing and roughing. He received a game misconduct penalty and likely will miss the Bullfrogs’ regular-season finale Sunday against the Oakland Skates at the Anaheim Arena.