Havoc Run Wild over IceGators
November 1, 2014 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Huntsville, Ala. -- The Louisiana IceGators' honeymoon with the new season is now over.
After picking up two relatively easy wins last weekend, the IceGators hit their first bump in the young campaign tonight in the Breland Homes Arena, falling to the Huntsville Havoc 5-1. Four different Havoc players scored two points in the contest, with three of those players each recording a goal and an assist.
The IceGators return to action Sunday at 3:05 p.m. when they open their home schedule against the Peoria Rivermen in the Cajundome.
"We started flat and never really rebounded," said IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli. "The guys battled hard at the end, but unfortunately, [Huntsville's] goalie played very well, and we didn't capitalize on some early chances. I have to make sure as a coach to have the guys more eager and energized to play."
That flat play allowed Huntsville to take a 2-0 lead into the first intermission.
Nick Lazorko scored at the 5:17 mark off assists from Stuart Stefan and Kevin Genoa, while Mike Henderson tacked on another goal with 14 seconds remaining in frame after scoring off a Corey Bellamy feed.
The slump continued into the third period.
Colin Hekle scored 41 seconds into the third period to put Huntsville up 3-0. Bellamy and Henderson assisted on the play.
Forty-six seconds later, Mike Gurtler gave the Havoc a four-goal lead off an assist from Jacob Johnstone. Gurtler returned the favor to Johnstone a few minutes later, as Johnstone scored at the 5:57 mark off a Gurtler pass.
The IceGators' only goal of the night came at the 9:45 mark of the third period. Jeremy Boyer scored off assists from Chris Wilson and Matt Viola.
Omicioli says his team is still in the process of meshing, and that lack of familiarity with each other may have contributed to some of the woes they experienced during the game.
"As a team, we are all getting to know each other," Omicioli said. "The season is young and is still a work in progress."
Omicioli says he and his team are putting this game in the rear-view mirror and are focusing on the next task at hand.
"It's a tough loss, but now it's in the past," Omicioli said. "Now our focus is on winning the home opener and getting back on track."
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SPHL Stories from November 1, 2014
- RiverKings Come up Short in 4-1 Loss to Ice Bears - Mississippi RiverKings
- Havoc Run Wild over IceGators - Louisiana IceGators
- Ice Bears Extend Winning Streak to Three - Knoxville Ice Bears
- Murdock Leads Fayetteville to Shutout Victory over Columbus - Columbus Cottonmouths
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