The Ice Flyers took favorably to their home ice, defeating the Louisiana
IceGators 5-4 in their inaugural home game. With the win, Ice Flyers'
goalie Chad Collins earned his 100th SPHL career win. The game took a few
wild turns, and despite Louisiana spending 55 minutes in the penalty box,
only one power play goal was scored in the contest.Pensacola struck for two goals in the first period. Kevin Floris scored at 15:10 with assists by Taylor Hustead and Lorne Misita. Three minutes later Tony Monte found the net on a pass by Joe DeBello and the Ice Flyers were up 2-0.
Late in the first period the IceGators' frustrations came to a head: Louisana's coach started tossing equipment onto the ice to protest some game calls. A Gatorade cooler, all the hockey sticks available, shoulder pads, and even medical tape found their way onto the playing surface. The game was delayed for some time since the water from the cooler spilled onto the ice, and Brent Sapergia was charged with Unsportsmanlike Conduct, Objects on Ice, and a severe Game Misconduct.
After the fracas the second period continued in the Ice Flyers' favor. Chris Rebernik found the goal twice, giving him five goals in the last two days against the IceGators. Baraniuk and Hustead picked up a point apiece, and Misita assisted on both goals.
Frank Littlejohn ensured the game wouldn't be a shutout by scoring a shorthanded goal at 9:56 for Louisiana. Ben Manny helped out on the goal. Kevin Galan countered for the Ice Flyers at 17:42, scoring an unassisted goal to make the score Pensacola 5, Louisiana 1.
Littlejohn proved he can score solo as well, tossing the puck in 8:48 into the third period. In fact, Justin St. Louis and Danny Smith both scored as well to make the game a one-goal contest. However, Chad Collins and the Ice Flyers held on to prevail, giving Collins his 100th SPHL win and improving Pensacola to 4-1.
The Ice Flyers continue their Inaugural Opening Weekend Saturday when they host the Columbus Cottonmouths at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are still available online via ticketmaster.com, or in person at the Civic Center Box Office. For more Ice Flyers' information, please visit www.pensacolaiceflyers.com.
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