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IceGators Open Season with Win over RiverKings

October 24, 2015 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release


Jake Hauswirth of the Louisiana IceGators
Jake Hauswirth of the Louisiana IceGators
(Louisiana IceGators)

Southaven, Miss.--The Louisiana IceGators breathed a huge sigh of relief Friday night in the Landers Center.

Despite first-game growing pains and giving up seven powerplay opportunities, the IceGators offense clicked late to give the team a 2-0 season-opening victory over the Mississippi RiverKings. Goalie Adam Courchane, in his first game as an IceGator, was superb between the pipes, stopping all 31 RiverKing shots.

The IceGators return to action next Friday, hitting the road again to play the Pensacola IceFlyers. Game time at the Pensacola Bay Center is set for 7:05 p.m.

"We were sloppy to start the game both defensively and offensively, but we didn't give (Mississippi) any real Grade-A scoring opportunites," said IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli. "I thought our physicality was excellent, and in the last 30 minutes we dominated. We kept them from shooting from the outside.

"Courchane was played excellent, and he kept (the RiverKings) off the scoresheet by being sound with his angles."

Despite the early sloppiness and missteps, the IceGators gathered themselves to put together a solid third period, outshooting the RiverKings 15-4 in the frame. IceGator newcomer Blake Hietala scored off a Geordie Wudrick feed two minutes into the period. Jake Hauswirth added an insurance goal with 12:37 left in the game off an assist from fellow IceGator veteran Boyer.

"I thought both our new guys and veterans really meshed during the last 30 minutes," Omicioli said. "They held together tremendously on the bench. It was great to see how positive everyone was and how they pushed each other. That's a true testament of a championship team."

The IceGators will use the next week to tighten up their systems leading into next Friday's rivalry game.

"It's great to grab two points," Omicioli said. "Now, we have to build on this win and get ready for Pensacola."




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Jake Hauswirth of the Louisiana IceGators
Jake Hauswirth of the Louisiana IceGators

  

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