Bullfrogs Lose to Oakland After Controversial Call

OAKLAND — The virtue of shootouts has been debated for years, in soccer as well as other sports, and Friday night’s game between the Bullfrogs and Oakland is a typical reason why.

When Roller Hockey International decided to use the format to break a tie at the end of regulation, rather than sudden death, there was some skepticism.

No doubt, after the Oakland Skates beat the Anaheim Bullfrogs, 8-7, on a controversial penalty shot during a shootout at the Oakland Coliseum Arena, the debate will rage on.

Goaltenders Cory Cadden of Oakland and Rob Laurie of Anaheim were locked in a tight battle all night in front of an announced crowd of 1,927. When regulation ended, 7-7, the teams traded shots.

Anaheim scored first on a shot by Todd Wetzel and Laurie responded with four consecutive saves. Bullfrog Captain Victor Gervais, whose team led 1-0, needed only to put his shot into the net to secure Anaheim’s eighth consecutive victory against no losses.

And that, according to replays and many observers, is exactly what Gervais did, beating Cadden on his glove side. But Cadden came up with the puck in his glove and held it up for officials to see. After conferring with the goal judge, officials waived off the goal.

Chris Robertson and Justin Duberman followed with scores for Oakland; Cadden stopped a shot by Joe Cook and the Skates were declared the winners.

Tempers flared. Gervais was ejected, Bullfrog Coach Grant Sonier received a game misconduct for arguing and the referees reported one of the members of the Silver family, owners of the Bullfrogs, chased the officiating crew into its dressing quarters.

Stuart Silver, son of owner Maury Silver, said later Bullfrog officials reviewed the tape and they would protest the result.

So much for shootouts. Oakland bettered its record to 3-6.

“No way was it not a goal. The puck went in, no doubt in my mind,” Sonier said of Gervais’ shot.