RIVALRY CUP REPORT

MASCOT RACE CANCELLED
Today's game was scheduled to have round two of the mascot race that pits Fleaburn up against Wild Willie. Wild Willie pulled out with a reported lower body injury.

“Wild Willie pulls out of Sunday's race vs. Fleaburn with lower body injury,” reported the Sea Dogs’ Twitter page. “Moncton and San Diego now BOTH have giant chickens as mascots!” The tweet left my jaw dropped – who knew the Sea Dogs could pull off such a great burn.

"We think he was so frustrated he may have stomped his foot in protest in Saint John and may have hurt his lower body," Wildcats general manager Bill Schurman quipped in the Telegraph-Journal. "He hasn't been the same since."

The cancellation comes last minute as both the Sea Dogs’ website and Fleaburn’s Facebook page discussed the contest earlier this week. Fleaburn won the first match on October 17.

PROMOTIONS GALORE
The Moncton Coliseum will be a promotional showcase this afternoon.

"The Sea Dogs are hot as firecrackers and we're starting to heat up, so we invited the Moncton Fire Department, which recently captured the World Combat Challenge, to drop the puck and show off some of their skills during one of the intermissions," Schurman said.

"We also know it's going to be an intense game and people can get wound up, so we're offering free blood pressure clinics being presented by local nurses in the mezzanine."

Here are some of the other events taking place tomorrow:
So many people want to be Wildcats – the scouts will be paying special attention to the Moncton North Star Timbits who will be playing a mini hockey game during the first intermission.

One lucky fan will have the chance to really stuff their stocking this holiday season – we’re giving a lucky fan the chance to win $50,000 by purchasing a 50/50 ticket and shooting to win with the scoro-board on the ice.

When the cats score their 4th goal on Sunday the dogs will be on the run –Hotdogs will then be $1 each until the end of the game.

Not to be out-dogged the Coliseum Roar Store will offer 50% off Wildtown Tee-Shirts after the Cats Score 5 goals.

Captivating pieces of art will be on display throughout the game on the mezzanine and available for bid in support of the Art on Ice School District 2 breakfast program.

World-renowned singer Naomi Striemer will be performing during the intermission at Sunday’s Game. She is Canada’s #1 downloaded artist and has worked with musicians such as Carlos Santana.

Right after the game season-ticket holders and members of the Kiddy Cats Club will have the opportunity to skate with Cats until 7:30. Enjoy great treats and delicious hot-chocolate from Tim Horton’s and Chips from our friends at Old Dutch.

"We've got a lot of things to add to the flavour of the game. If you're a true fan, you're going to want to attend this game. Even if you're not a big hockey fan, there will be lots of other entertainment around this game. Saint John is No. 2 in the national rankings and we're looking forward to hosting them for the first time this season.''

AN ERROR
Whether this was misinterpreted the wrong way or not, Saturday’s Telegraph-Journal had something wrong.

"The next home game is Feb. 6 and we've got some things up our sleeve," said Sea Dogs president Wayne Long.

That is incorrect as the next home game is on January 2, 2010. The game will be key as it will be the Saint John portion of the holiday food drive.

THE STANDINGS:
Games Played: 3 of 8
Saint John- 5.5
Moncton- 2

THE RESULTS:
September 27, 2009
Moncton 3---Saint John 4 (SO)
October 17, 2009
Moncton 2---Saint John 3 (OT)

THE POINT FORMAT:

• Head-to-head on ice: Two points for a regulation, overtime or shootout win. One point for an overtime or shootout loss. Each team can total a maximum of 16 points.
• Box office: The attendance for all eight games between the Wildcats and Sea Dogs will be calculated. Teams are awarded a half point for 70 per cent building capacity, one point for 80 per cent, two points for 90 per cent and three points for 100 per cent. Each team can earn a maximum of 12 points.
• Holiday food drive: Five points are awarded to the city that collects the most non-perishable food items during a food drive that will take place during home games against each other on New Year's Eve and Jan. 2.
• Mascot challenge: Each club will host two intermission events featuring the mascots. One point is awarded for a victory. Four total points are up for grabs in this category.
• Road trip challenge: Two points are awarded for the team that has the most fans show up at the opposition's arena wearing Wildcats or Sea Dogs apparel. These fans will parade onto the ice to be counted. It's for one designated game in each city with the dates to be announced.

SCHEDULE:
@ Saint John: January. 2 at 7 p.m. and March. 5 at 7 p.m.
@ Moncton: December. 13 at 4 p.m., December. 31 at 7 p.m., February. 6 at 7 p.m. and March. 14 at 4 p.m.