Gators Lose to Mississippi on Christmas Day
Published on December 25, 2010 under SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
LAFAYETTE, LA - The Louisiana IceGators entered Saturday's game in need of a win desperately. The 'Gators have been on a six game losing streak that has covered almost three weeks. On the night that Santa brings joy to the world he was not able to bring a victory to the IceGators. The Mississippi Surge defeated the IceGators 5-3.
The Surge began the opening period with five of the first six shots. During that stretch the Surge were able to sneak the puck past 'Gators goalie, Scot Darling, when Jeff Grant (MIS) scored his seventh goal of the season. With 11:33 left in the period, Beau McLaughlin was called for holding. This put the Surge on a power play but the 'Gators were the team able to capitalize. C.J. Tozzo (LOU) scored the shorthanded goal to tie the game at 1-1. Just before the end of the first period, Tanner Hlookoff (MIS) scored his first goal of the season and gave the Surge a 2-1 lead at the end of the first period.
The second period began quietly but quickly turned troublesome for the IceGators. At the 13:42 mark, Shawn McNeil (LOU) was called for tripping and a minute later Dennis Sicard (LOU) was called for roughing. This gave the Surge a two-man advantage and they would capitalize. Matt Zultek (MIS) scored his 19th goal of the season. Then with less than four minutes left in the period Jason Cassells (MIS) scored his eighth goal of the season on a shorthanded goal and gave the Surge a 4-2 lead.
The 'Gators found themselves in a hole to begin the third period and knew they had to quickly respond if they were going to get back into the game. Kirill Kitsyn (LOU) scored with help from Nick Vandenbeld (LOU) and Tozzo less than a minute into the period. Just after the 14:00 mark, Tozzo pulled the 'Gators within one when he scored his second goal of the game. The 'Gators found themselves down one with seven minutes left in the game and from that point forward outshot the Surge 8-2; however, the 'Gators were unable to score and the second shot on goal by Michael Richard scored on an empty net.
"We dug a big hole," answered interim Head Coach Chris Valicevic after the lose to the Surge. "Tomorrow is not going to be any easier. We play the same team and they are going to play the same way. We have to find a way to turn it in our favor."
The IceGators hit the road for two games before returning home. They will first go to Mississippi to take on the Surge on December 26 and then travel to Columbus to battle the Cottonmouths on December 28. The 'Gators will then return home on Thursday, December 30 for a game against the Knoxville IceBears. Don't miss your chance to bring a group to the game and take advantage of the 10 for 10 program. Groups of 10 can purchase tickets for $10. Call (337) 704-4423 for great season ticket and mini package opportunities, as well as the 10 for 10 program.
SPHL Stories from December 25, 2010
- Gators Lose to Mississippi on Christmas Day - Louisiana IceGators
- RiverHawks Edged by the FireAntz on Christmas Day - Augusta RiverHawks
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