Laurie Helps Bullfrogs Hold Off Oklahoma, 9-6

The Bullfrogs kept their unbeaten streak alive by defeating the Oklahoma Coyotes, 9-6, Thursday in front of 2,461 spectators in a Roller Hockey International game in Oklahoma City.

With the Bullfrogs (8-0-1) ahead by two goals late in the fourth quarter, Oklahoma mounted two strong offensive drives but goaltender Rob Laurie made saves on both to deflect any Coyote scoring hopes. Laurie finished with 24 saves on 30 shots.

Victor Gervais led Anaheim’s offense with goals in the first and fourth quarters. He also had two assists.

“This was one of those games that could have gone either way,” Gervais said. “Fortunately, Laurie played another stellar game, and we had the strength to pull out the win.”

Mark Deazeley also scored twice for Anaheim as it converted on four of five power plays.

The Bullfrogs took control of the game early and had a 5-1 lead. Oklahoma came back late in the first half on goals by Scott Drevitch and Joe Burton to cut the margin to 5-3.

Drevitch scored twice for the Coyotes (3-6-0).

With Bullfrog Coach Grant Sonier sitting out the game because of a one-game suspension for arguing a referee’s call on June 30, interim coach Brad McCaughey picked up his first victory.

The Bullfrogs play the Coyotes tonight to conclude their two-game series.

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Several Buffalo businessmen have produced a last-second deal to present to a U.S. bankruptcy judge in an effort to keep the defending Roller Hockey International-champion Stampede from folding, league officials announced Thursday.

The group, which includes Stampede player/coach John Vecchiarelli, would be an interim owner and assume the team’s financial obligations for the rest of the season. Thursday’s home game with the Chicago Cheetahs has been rescheduled for Aug. 1.

No other games would be postponed or canceled under the arrangement, an RHI spokesman said.