An Ice meltdown in Louisiana
by Mike Wallin
Published on January 30, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
Playing a huge divisional road contest, the Indianapolis Ice were on the verge of exiting Bossier, Louisiana with two points in the Central Hockey League standings. Instead, the Ice had to settle for just one point after a third period meltdown that paved the way for a 4-3 Mudbug shootout victory.
Leading 3-1 with just under six-minutes in the third period, all seemed well for Indy. Bossier-Shreveport All-Star forward Chad Spurr changed all that in quick fashion. Spurr, a former Ice, swung the momentum to the Northeast Division leaders by scoring at the 14:02 mark. Just 1:30 later, Spurr again scored to knot the game up at 3-3.
After skating scoreless through the final minutes of regulation and through the four-on four overtime, the game went to a shootout. In the extra frame, netminders Jeff Blair of Bossier-Shreveport and Jeff Sanger of the Ice elevated their games. The two forced ten shootout rounds before Mudbug rookie Craig Soke ended the marathon.
For Soke, it completed a one goal, two assist night. On the season, Soke has compiled 15 goals and 17 assists, good for 32 points.
Ryan Carter (10), Nate Elliott (2) and Jason Baird (19) staked Indy to a 3-1 lead before the meltdown began. Sanger once again deserved a better fate, stopping 24 shots through the overtime and another 7 in the shootout. Instead, Sanger sustains his 11th loss of the season.
After tonight's loss, the Ice players need only to look in the mirror at themselves for yet another meltdown. Coming off a lackadaisical 4-2 loss two nights ago against the Mudbugs, a better effort was expected. The meltdown tonight, along with the two prior Indy losses has to raise major concerns for Ice head coach Ken McRae. With his team fighting for a playoff spot, McRae's club seems more content with going through the motions and letting the opposition dictate the play. Intensity is severely lacking and inconcistency is running rapid.
While tonight's loss can only be described as a nightmare for Indy, the 24-17-2 (50 points) Ice, get a shot to wake up from their slumber Saturday night in Austin.
Central Hockey League Stories from January 30, 2004
- An Ice meltdown in Louisiana - OSC Original by Mike Wallin
- An Ice meltdown in Louisiana - OSC Original by Mike Wallin
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- RiverKings spotlight Lupus Foundation - Mississippi RiverKings
- Bucks Beat Saints 6-2 - Laredo Bucks
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