Knoxville Knocks out IceGators from Playoffs
April 11, 2015 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.--The Louisiana IceGators' roller coaster ride of a season has finally reached its terminus thanks to a former member of the team.
Dennis Sicard scored off a Jason Price feed with 8:10 remaining in the second overtime period to give the Knoxville IceBears a 4-3 victory, a 2-0 series win, and a berth in the President's Cup Finals against the Mississippi RiverKings.
The IceGators' offense gave one of its most potent performances of the year, launching 53 shots on goal, including 40 in regulation. However, IceBears goalie Bryan Hince provided his team a much-needed defensive boost through his spectacular play, especially in the overtime periods.
"This is tough night for us tonight," said IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli. "We were the better team, but unfortunately, they scored the last goal of the series. Hince played out of his mind. We had so many opportunities, and you have to give him credit because he played incredibly."
Friday night's game in the Knoxville Civic Center mirrored the IceGators season--up and down, high and low, and full of dramatic moments throughout.
The IceGators and the IceBears entered the first intermission tied at 1-1 after Ben Power and Jeremy Boyer traded goals in the opening frame.
The teams traded goals again midway through the second period off goals from Jake Hauswirth and Sy Nutkevitch. Louisiana took a 3-2 lead going into the second intermission thanks to a Chris Wilson score with 3:45 left in the frame.
Knoxville tied the game with 11:54 left in regulation when Eric Satim scored off a Power assist. Louisiana regained the lead when Chris Wilson went top shelf unassisted with 9:08 left in the third. Knoxville knotted the score at 4-4 with 1:09 left in regulation when Berkeley Scott, who recently returned to the IceBears from a call-up to ECHL's Quad City Mallards, put the puck past IceGator goalie Scott Diebold.
The IceGators and the IceBears each had power play opportunities in the extra frames, but neither team could capitalize on those chances.
"I'm so proud of the guys and their effort and so proud of how so many of them battled all year," Omicioli said.
Despite this pride, the abrupt end to the IceGators' season has left a bitter taste in the team's mouth.
"My first year (as head coach) ends bittersweet," Omicioli said. "I am proud of what we achieved with all we went through, but I am disappointed with not making it to the championship. Right now, I'm sick to my stomach with the way it ended. I know the guys are, as well."
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SPHL Stories from April 11, 2015
- Ice Bears' Sicard Nets Double OT Winner - Knoxville Ice Bears
- Knoxville Knocks out IceGators from Playoffs - Louisiana IceGators
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