AMBUSH BATTLE CEDAR RAPIDS RAMPAGE SATURDAY

by Jim Fossell

St. Charles, MO

The St. Louis Ambush visit the Cedar Rapids Rampage this Saturday, December 19 at 7:05 p.m. This will be the first game for the Ambush under the guidance of Tony Glavin, who was announced Monday as the team’s new Head Coach. Glavin conducted his first practice session with players on Tuesday, just four days ahead of his first game as coach. To say that Glavin has walked into a challenge would be an understatement. He has little time to evaluate his players and those of upcoming opponents, to develop game strategies, and to turn around the season of a team that has lost all six games played. It’s a challenge Glavin is prepared to tackle. “I’m certainly looking forward to that challenge,” he said. “If I didn’t think I could help these players, I wouldn’t be here.”

Saturday’s matchup has the dubious distinction of being a battle of winless teams. That could change by game time Saturday because Cedar Rapids (0-6) hosts the Chicago Mustangs (5-2) Friday night, so the Rapids will be either 0-7 or 1-6 by the time they duel the Ambush on Saturday. Statistically, the two teams appear to be closely matched. Cedar Rapids has averaged 5.3 goals per game to St. Louis’ 4.3, but the Ambush have given up an average of 8 goals per game to the Rapids’ 9.5.

St. Louis’ new Head Coach isn’t the only change on their coaching staff. Forward Freddy Moojen will now add Assistant Coach duties to his role as player and legendary former Ambush goalkeeper Jamie Swanner was announced on December 17 as the team’s new Goalkeeper Coach. Glavin, Moojen and Swanner will be put to the test quickly this Saturday in Cedar Rapids.

The Ambush return home to the Family Arena when they host the Milwaukee Wave Sunday, December 27 at 5:35 p.m.

Season, group and single game tickets are now on sale for all remaining home games. Call the Ambush office at 636-477-6363 for more information. Keep up with Ambush news anytime by visiting the team’s official web site, stlouisambush.com, the Ambush Facebook page, facebook.com/stlouisambush, or on Twitter, twitter.com/stlouisambush.