IceGators Finally Back Home in the Dome
Published on November 11, 2010 under SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
LAFAYETTE, LA - The Louisiana IceGators (2-3) finally get a chance to come home to the Dome for the first time since the team played in the East Coast Hockey League but before that, they must play the Ice Flyers (3-3) in Pensacola on Friday at 7:05. Following that game the 'Gators are home for the first time this season and take on the Fayetteville FireAntz (3-5) for two games, first at 7:05 on Saturday and 5:05 on Sunday.
"This is a big weekend for the team," answered Head Coach Dave MacIsaac about finally returning home to the Dome. "The guys have worked hard all year for this time. We know we need to win our home games in order to have success in this league."
The Ice Flyers have met up with the IceGators twice this season. The first game went in favor of Pensacola 4-3 in overtime. In second matchup, the IceGators then defeated Pensacola 3-2 in Pensacola last Friday. Beau McLaughlin started the game off with a goal almost 13 minutes into the opening period. DJ Fimiani gave the 'Gators a 2-0 lead early in the second period but Kyle Crawford, of the Ice Flyers, cut the lead in half at the end of the second period. Shawn McNeil put the game away when he scored in the third period, giving the IceGators a 3-1 lead. Pensacola added a goal shortly before the end of the game but it wasn't enough to stop the 'Gators from winning. Scott Darling, goalie for the IceGators, had a great game with 39 saves on 41 shots.
"They know us very well and we know them," stated MacIsaac while talking about the third game in as many weeks against Pensacola. "It is hard to play a team so many times. We know what they want to do and they know what we want to do, so it will come down to who works harder. My guys will have to come out of the gates fast and put pressure on them right away just like we did last time."
Even though the IceGators are tied for the fewest goals scored in the league several players rank in the top 18 in points scored. Trevor Karasiewicz is tied for 8th with 8 points, Donald Melnyk is tied for 11th with 7 points, and Beau McLaughlin is tied for 18th with 6 points.
When the 'Gators take to the ice on Saturday and Sunday, they are going to have to keep a close eye on Chris Leveille and Robert Sich of Fayetteville. Each of these players rank 3rd in the league with 5 goals each, also tied with them is Chris Wilcox of Pensacola. Leveille and Sich are always aggressive and will take advantage of any possible attempt at a shot. Sich has attempted 46 shots on goal and Leveille 31.
As a team, though, the FireAntz have struggled. They have played the most games in the league with eight games and have scored 24 goals on the season. But Fayetteville has given up 30 goals, the most goals allowed in the league.
"We are going to have to put pressure on who ever Fayetteville puts in goal," replied MacIsaac after being asked about the two games this weekend in the Dome. "This is going to be one of those games that the team who can force their tempo will win. We just want to have them make the mistakes, and then we'll capitalize on them."
The 'Gators finally return home to the Dome after a long awaited hiatus come to an end on November 13 against Fayetteville. Don't miss a moment of the action. Call (337) 704-4423 for ticket information.
SPHL Stories from November 11, 2010
- RiverHawks Deal Havoc First Loss of Season - Augusta RiverHawks
- IceGators Finally Back Home in the Dome - Louisiana IceGators
- Gators Make Schedule Change - Louisiana IceGators
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