IceGators Storm Back to Beat Surge in Overtime
Published on December 30, 2012 under SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Biloxi, Mississippi--The Louisiana IceGators returned to winning form Sunday evening in typical fashion. After trailing 3-1 after the first period, the IceGators rallied in the second and third en route to an 6-5 overtime victory over the Mississippi Surge. Clark Byczynski scored the game-winner four minutes into overtime off of assists from Denny Kearney and Robert Short. Kearney gave a stellar performance, scoring two goals and recording two assists. Jordan Foreman, who returned to the Louisiana line-up following an injury, picked up a goal and an assist. Jeremy Boyer, a new face in the IceGator locker room, introduced himself by contributing two assists.
The IceGators close out 2012 at home Monday night in a New Year's Eve contest against the Mississippi RiverKings. The puck is scheduled to drop at 7:05 P. M.
IceGators Coach Kevin Kaminski breathed a sigh of relief following the game. "It was an ugly win, but a big road win," he said. "Even though we were down most of the night, the guys didn't panic, and they stuck to the game plan. They wanted the win, and when there is a will, there is a way. They found a way to win."
The IceGators way to victory traveled through their special teams play. The IceGators killed all five of the Surge's powerplays and scored three special teams goals--two on powerplays and one shorthanded.
Matt Robertson put the IceGators on the board first at the 7:31 mark of the first period. Mississippi responded aggressively, as Jeff Grant, Kyle VanderMale, and Adam Stuart each tallied a goal to gave the Surge a 3-1 lead heading into the first intermission. Kearney picked up his first goal on a powerplay very early in the second period to cut the Surge lead to one. Jay Silvia scored a few minutes later to make the score 4-2.
Shortly afterward, the IceGators took control of the game, scoring three unanswered goals in a 21-minute stretch. Shawn McNeil scored a shorthanded goal halfway through second to pull the IceGators within a goal. Foreman tied the score two minutes into the third period. Kearney gave the IceGators a 5-4 with 11:28 remaining in the period. The Surge tied the score with 48 seconds left in regulation after pulling their goalie from the game. Jarkko Leppanen scored with the extra attacker on the ice to force overtime.
Kaminski says most of the IceGators' problems came from sloppy defensive play. "We had trouble down low containing their forwards," he said. " We tried to do too much. The guys need to talk and have trust in each other to do their own jobs, and we have to fix this immediately. Less is more, and in hockey, it wins games."
SPHL Stories from December 30, 2012
- IceGators Storm Back to Beat Surge in Overtime - Louisiana IceGators
- Ice Bears Enjoy Seventh Heaven with Victory - Knoxville Ice Bears
- Pensacola blanks Surge - Mississippi Surge
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