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IceMen Weekly News

March 30, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Evansville IceMen News Release


LAST WEEK'S RESULTS: 3(2-0-1) 7-6

FRI. MAR. 25 ICEMEN 3 AT BLOOMINGTON 4 (OT).

SAT. MAR. 26 BLOOMINGTON 0 AT ICEMEN 1.

SUN. MAR. 27 ICEMEN 3 AT BLOOMINGTON 2 (SO).

ICEMEN MATTERS: The inaugural AA/CHL season of 2010-11 was culminated on a high note for the Evansville IceMen as the first-year club rode the rising rapids of an impressive 5-game undefeated streak at 5(3-0-2). In the process, the IceMen collected 8 of a possible10-points in building momentum for their second Central Hockey League season in 2011-12. Under the astute auspices of General Manager/Coach Rich Kromm, the IceMen completed the campaign with an overall record of 66(21-32-13) totaling 55-points and a ninth place finish in the Turner Conference standings. On the final weekend of the regular season, the men of the Evansville pro hockey work force seemed to save their best for last in amassing 5 of a possible 6-points in a season-concluding 3-games in 3-days series over playoff bound third place finishing Bloomington through a mark of 3(2-0-1). Three of those 5-points were extracted in a pair of strong outings in the Illinois hamlet with a pair of points collected in their regular season home finale in a shutout triumph as well. On Friday night, the IceMen, once again, demonstrated resolve, resiliency and buoyancy, earning one point in the standings in a 4-3 OT outcome at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. In that contest, the IceMen surmounted a late 3-1 third period shortfall with 2-goals 2:43 apart with Erik Boisvert and Mario Larocque making key clutch connections. The latter's strike was the GTG at the 14:44 mark of the fateful final frame. Then on Saturday night, in the regular season home finale, before the largest crowd to ever witness a pro hockey game at Swonder Ice Arena, the IceMen, in spine-tingling, thrilling theater blanked the PrairieThunder, 1-0. Goalkeeper Matt Lundin was perfect personified with 32-saves and left wing Jeff Christian connected on the game's sole goal on a shorthanded bandit strike to cement the exciting success. In game #66 Sunday, back in Bloomington, the IceMen prevailed in the OTSO, 3-2. Matt Pierce and Brian Bicek provided the regulation time firepower before Nicklas Lindberg and Jeff Christian (SO/WG) delivered the margin of difference for the victors from Evansville. Matt Lundin was, again, super in goal, especially in the OTSO when he rebuffed the last 4-Bloomington attempts.

2011-12 ICEMEN SEASON TICKETS: With the 2010-11 CHL season complete for the IceMen, excitement abounds for the future and the continued growth, presence and visibility of professional hockey in the greater Evansville area. The Evansville IceMen presence will take on a whole new dimension, and with it, the dawning of a new era as the IceMen move into the brand new state-of-the-art downtown Evansville arena. Season ticket deposits are now being accepted for the exciting 2011-12 IceMen CHL pro hockey season. To reserve your seats now, contact the IceMen direct at (812)435-8971 or by email at icemen.operations@yahoo.com.

ICEMEN LIVE ALIVE!: The popular IceMen Monday night radio show, "IceMen Live" continues with its last regular season weekly Monday night program coming up April 4th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm live from Show-Me's East on the IceMen exclusive radio flagship home of WEOA-AM 1400 and the world-wide internet at 1400amweoa.com. Next Monday night, "The Voice of the IceMen," Terry Ficorelli welcomes special guest, General Manager / Head Coach Rich Kromm. The "IceMen Live" radio show will be continuing on a monthly programming basis throughout the off-season in a series of summer specials. The dates and times of the summer shows will be announced in the not-too-distant future.

FINAL RECORD RUNDOWN: The IceMen capped the campaign with an overall record of 66(21-32-13) for 55-points. Their first half record was 33(10-18-5) 25-points; the second half mark was 33(11-14-8) 30-points. The IceMen were unsullied in their last 5-starts; 5(3-0-2), winning their last 2-in a row. The 2-game win streak at season's end represented their first back-to-back wins since November 11th and November 12th when they demolished Arizona, 8-1 and conquered Fort Wayne, 3-2. In their last 7-games; 7(3-1-3); registering points in 6 of the last 7-games. Evansville was above the .500 plateau for the last 15-games of the season at 15(5-4-6). Moreover, the IceMen achieved their lone winning record for the month in March at 12(4-3-5), generating standing points in 9 of those 12-outings. The longest win streak of the season was 3-in a row; longest unsullied skein was 5(3-0-2). The longest losing streak of the season was 5-in a row with two 4-game losing streaks and one 3-game losing spell. The longest winless streak overall was 7(0-5-2) with two of 6-games; 6(0-5-1) and 6(0-4-2). The monthly final records: October 6(2-3-1); November 12(6-6-0); December 13(2-7-4); January 11(5-6-0); February 12(2-7-3); March 12(4-3-5).

HOMESTEAD STANDING: The IceMen completed their 30-game home schedule with a mark of 30(11-13-6) for 28-points. In the first half of the schedule, their home mark was 15(6-7-2) 14-points; in the second half; 15(5-6-4) for 14-points. Evansville emanated and culminated its home schedule with the club's two longest unblemished skeins of the season. The IceMen launched the home schedule with a 5-game undefeated streak; 5(4-0-1) and capped it with a season's best 6-game unsullied skein; last 6(3-0-3). The IceMen were unbeaten at home in March. They were 11(5-2-4) in their last 11-assignments at Swonder. The longest home win streak of the year was 3-consecutively; the longest losing streak at home was 6-in a row; the longest winless skid at home; 7(0-6-1).

TRACE TRIPS ABROAD: Evansville played 36-games on foreign this season, compiling a record of 36(10-19-7) for 27-points. The club garnered 3 of a possible 4-points the last weekend of the season through a win and regulation tie at Bloomington against the PrairieThunder. In the first half, the road record was 18(4-11-3)11-points; in the second half; 18(6-8-4) 16-points. The longest road win streak of the season was 3-consecutively while on 3-more separate occasions, they composed 3-game unbeaten streaks abroad. The longest road losing streak was 3-in succession, occurring 4-times; the longest road winless skid was 6(0-4-2); with three 5-game winless spells in hostile territory.

CONFERENCE COMPENDIUM: Playing 53 of their 66-total games within their own division, the Turner Conference, the IceMen compiled a final mark of 53(18-23-12) 48-points. Their most wins came against Fort Wayne 11(5-4-2) and Dayton 15(5-4-6). Outside conference boundaries, in match-ups against Berry Conference foes, the IceMen record was 13(3-9-1); winning the initial 3-contests before being winless in the last 10-episodes; last 10(0-9-1).

THE GF / GA WAY: The IceMen were the lowest scoring team in the CHL, producing 181-GF in 66-games for a GFA of 2.74. At home, they registered 86-times for a GFA of 2.87; on the road, 95-GF for a GFA of 2.64. Evansville was shutout three times during the regular season and was limited to under 2-GF in a single game in 23 of 66-games. At the same time, the IceMen scored 4 or more goals in a single game 21-times, posting a record of 21(12-5-4). When scoring 3 or more goals, they were 36(18-9-9). In the GA category, the IceMen ranked 17th in the CHL, surrendering 242-GA in 66-games for a GAA of 3.67. They yielded 2-GA or less in 23-games, posting a mark of 23(15-6-2). When allotting 3-GA or less, the record was 32(18-10-4). The most GF in a single game was 8; the most GA in one game was 11.

THE ENVELOPE PLEASE: The IceMen conducted their First Annual Awards Night ceremonies as a prelude to their regular season home finale the past Saturday night at Swonder. The IceMen Awards Night winners: MR. HUSTLE: MARK CODY; BEST DEFENSEMAN: MARIO LAROCQUE; COMMUNITY SERVICE: MARK CODY, JESSE BIDUKE; SCORING CHAMPION: NICKLAS LINDBERG; TEAM MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: BRIAN BICEK; THE PLAYER'S PLAYER AWARD: JEFF NELSON.

LEAGUE LEADING MEN: Center Nicklas Lindberg finished 19th in CHL league-wide scoring with 65(15-54-69). Lindberg also topped the CHL in OTSO goals with 5 as his 5/8; .625 performance percentile ranked league-wide runner-up in that department. Brian Bicek tied for the second most SHG with 5 while Lindberg's 5-SHA tied for the league-leadership. For the defense, Mario Larocque's 17-goals and 4-GWG tied him for #1 in the CHL in both categories. His total of 241-SOG also led all league defensemen as well. Overall in defense scoring, Larocque finished 8th 64(17-27-44) and ranked #2 in the loop in minor penalties with 57. Jordan Little's 51-minor penalties ranked 4th among the blue line brigade. In rookie scoring, left wing Erik Boisvert finished 4th in the league with 64(17-21-38). His 17-goals were 3rd most, his 7-PPG were 2nd and his 14-PP/points tied for the best in this year's freshmen class. Boisvert's 2-OTSO goals tied for the rookie league-lead. In the goaltending department, Matt Lundin was tied for 3rd in GPI with 45. He was 3rd in MIN: 2604:50 and 5th in SAVES: 1295.

THE SLICK NICK STICK: Eight year veteran center Nicklas Lindberg enjoyed yet another stellar season of point productivity in his campaign under the IceMen banner. His 54-assists represented a career-high and ranked 7th most in the CHL. He also topped the team in PPG with 8 and PP/Assists with 20. The Swedish ace choreographed 25-assists in the last 28-games; 28(3-25-28); last 13(2-12-14). Lindberg added one 4-point performance; five 3-point games and three 3-assists masterpieces. His 6-FG also paced the club. The IceMen scoring champion authored two 7-game point streaks for the season; 7(3-11-14) and 7(4-8-12). In the CHL's annual "Best of the Best Poll," he finished 3rd for "Most Gentlemanly Player."

"ICE-BICE-BABY": The "Pocket Rocket," Brian Bicek enjoyed his best season ever as a pro this season with the IceMen. The IceMen Team MVP finished #2 in team scoring with career-highs of 66(27-34-61). His 27-goals topped the team as did his 5-SHG while his 222-SOG were 2nd best for Evansville. Included in the WMU product's season output this year was a team-best three 2-goal games, two 3-game goal streaks and one 7-game point streak; 7(6-7-13). Bicek also tied for the team's best single game plus rating at +4. In the annual CHL "Best of the Best Poll," he finished #2 for "Fastest Skater."

THE JC DEGREE: Late season acquisition Jeff Christian was absolutely extraordinary upon his arrival in Evansville. The 40-year old, 21-year pro registered scoring points in 13 of his 15-games here on 15(8-11-19). Included in his output were 2-SHG and 2-GWG with the latter 2-delivered in the IceMen's last 2 wins the last 2-days of the season against playoff-bound Bloomington. Despite his short time with the IceMen icers, Christian delivered a 7-game point streak; 7(4-6-10) and a 5-games' assist streak; 5(3-5-8).

"THE ROCK" REVELS: Veteran defenseman Mario Larocque closed the campaign with a fostering flourish. In his last 19-games, he averaged virtually one point per game with 19(8-10-18). Larocque also connected on two 2-goal games and 5-PPG as well as a 3-game goal streak; 3(3-3-6). On two more occasions, he delivered 9-SOG in a single game, the top total for the team this year. In the CHL "Best of the Best Poll," he finished #1 in the league for "Hardest Shooter."

THE PIERCE POINT PROJECT: Left wing Matt Pierce evolved into a masterful acquisition for the IceMen during the course of the campaign. In 27-games with the hometown team, he fashioned 19-points on 11-goals, 8-assists with 3-PPG and 1-OTSO/GWG. The 4-year pro capped the campaign in a prolific terrific mode, registering 8-points in the last 8-games; 8(4-4-8).

"SAVES" THE BEST FOR LAST: Second year pro goaltender Matt Lundin closed the season with some of his finest netminding for 2010-11. The former Mercyhurst College MVP was undefeated in his last 4-starts; 4(3-0-1) with a minuscule, microscopic GAA of 1.70 and SPCT of a meteorically skyrocketing .950 with 1-shutout. Evansville's goal-gate guardian accounted for all 11-of the IceMen home wins this season; 22(11-8-3); his road record: 20(4-11-5).

"J. NEL" NATTY: Eighteen year veteran center Jeff Nelson brought down the curtain on the campaign with style and his always polished, professional profile. The winner of the IceMen Player's Player Award as voted on by his teammates, the team captain collected 6-points in his last 7-games on 7(1-5-6). Included in his overall season numbers this year: two 2-goal games and 6-PPG. He was club runner-up in the latter department.

SPECIAL TEAMS TUNE: The IceMen power play ranked tied for 17th in the CHL at 48-325 for a proficiency rating of 14.8%. The power play was 0 for the last 18; 3 for the last 28; 10.7%; 5 for the last 46; 10.9%. The most PPG scored in one game was 5-PPG back on 11/11/10 in an 8-1 demolition of Arizona. The second most was 3-PPG which the IceMen accomplished on two separate occasions. On the penalty-killing side, the IceMen ranked 10th in the CHL, operating at 82.4% efficiency; 69-393. The shorthand band really thrived throughout the season. It was 11 for the last 13; 84.6; 38 for the last 43; 88.4%; 53 for the last 60; 88.3%. Evansville scored 15-SHG which ranked #3 in the CHL while yielding 14-SHGA which were the second most allowed in the league. On two occasions the IceMen did score 2-SHG in the same game. They also allotted 2-SHGA in a game twice.

EXTRA TIME TABLE: The IceMen were tied for the league-leadership in extra time games this season with 17, comprising over 25% of their total number of games played. Three of their last 4 and 7 of their 12-games in March were decided through the extra time sessions. In all, 10 of their last 22-games were protracted to extra time. For the season, the IceMen were 17(4-13) in extra time; in OT: 9 (1-8); in the OTSO: 8(3-5).

COMPETITIVELY REPETITIVELY: The IceMen were the very essence of competitiveness in their maiden voyage CHL season. In all 33 of their 66-games were determined by a scant single goal margin. Their record in this category was 33(10-10-13). Including 7-additional games in which they surrendered an ENG in an otherwise 1-goal verdict, the IceMen saw 40 of their 66-games come down to a single goal differential.

MEMORABLE MILESTONES: Defenseman Jamie Lovell registered his 150th career point with one assist the past Saturday night in his club's 1-0 home finale shutout triumph over Bloomington. Jeff Christian concludes the season with 1,291 career points, 9-away from 1,300. Jeff Nelson (749) caps the campaign 1-assist away from pro career 750. For the second straight season, Brian Bicek did not miss a single game as he and Mark Cody were the only two IceMen players to play in all 66-games. Bicek has now played 142-consecutive games.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": In their 21-victories this season, the IceMen were outshot in 16 of those wins; 40(16-18-6); when the IceMen did outshoot the opposition, they laid claim to only 5-victories all season; 23(5-15-5). The line of Jeff Nelson-Jeff Christian-Matt Pierce was the best plus line for the club in March; Nelson led the way at +4; Christian +3, Pierce +3. The IceMen 3-2 OTSO triumph in the finale Sunday at Bloomington was their first Sunday win all season long in 7-such dates; 7(1-5-1). Until then, they had scored only 4-GF in the previous half-dozen winless Sunday decisions. In 11-games this season, the IceMen scored 5-GF or more. The IceMen scored 4-goals in a single period 3-times this season; 11-more times they scored 3-GF in a single period. Evansville's lone OT win this season came on 3/5 at home against Fort Wayne with Brian Bicek delivering the GWG. The IceMen rained 40 or more SOG in a single game on 7-different occasions this season.

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