Blades Power Through Gators 6-5
January 29, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Estero, FL - The Florida Everblades scored three power play goals in the 3rd period to cap a late comeback and defeat the Louisiana IceGators 6-5 Saturday night in Estero, Florida. The Louisiana IceGators losing streak is now five games as Florida extended it's unbeaten streak to nine.
The IceGators took a 3-2 lead after 20 minutes in a wild first period. After a Brad Chruch (16) power play at 2:11, the Gators exploded for the next three. Roger Leonard (4) with a nice move and a wrist shot from the left circle tied the game at 1. David Bararuk (12) put the Gators in front at 9:51, off a scramble in front of Rob Zepp, Bararuk was able to one hand the puck into the cage for a 2-1 lead. Chris Thompson and Wes Mason doing the dirty work in the slot to earn the assists. The Gators made it 3-1 on another "crash the net" goal at 11:05. This time Jade Galbraith and Shawn Skiehar battling in front, as Leonard (5) bangs home the rebound for his 2nd of the period and first professional multi goal game. Florida would cut the lead in half at 18:15 when David Lundbohm (6) tapped in a rebound off a Brandon Coalter two on one to make the score 3-2 after one period.
Florida tied the game 3:39 into the 2nd as Damian Surma (20) tipped a Ryan Brindley pass behind Kyle Kettles on the Everblades 2nd power play goal of the night. At 5:56 starting goalie, Rob Zepp was injured and removed from the game, a seemingly injured Craig Kowalski stepped into the pipes and received no mercy from Louisiana. Just 58 second later at 6:54, Mark Rooneem (10) went top shelf from the slot, off a pass from Jade Galbraith for a power play goal and a 4-3 lead. The Gators would add another power play tally at 17:17 when Bararuk (13) pounced on a rebound and scored to capitalize on a 5 on 3 advantage. The 5-3 lead after two periods marked the first time since January 15 that Louisiana led after 40 minutes of play.
Penalties would be the difference in the 3rd period as a series of calls lead to nearly 7 consecutive minutes of power play time for the Blades. Doug MacIver getting a 5 minute major for boarding at 4:36, a penalty that opened the flood gates for Florida. On a 5 on 3, Brad Church (17) picked up a rebound and scored to cut the lead to one at 5:22. Then just 1:03 later, Church (18) completed his power play hat trick with yet another rebound goal to tie the score at 5. After Kettles was called for delay of game at 8:50, Reggie Berg (8) fired a slap shot from the right circle past the Louisiana netminder for the game winner at the 10:04 mark of the period, ending the power play barrage. With their 5th loss in a row Louisiana's record is now 16-22-3, 35 points and 5th place in the South. The Gators were outshot by Florida 37-32. Power plays were 2-6 for the Gators and 5-9 for the Blades. This game marked the first time this season the IceGators did not get at least one point when leading after two periods.
The IceGators next home game is Wednesday, February 2 when the Pensacola Ice Pilots visit the "Frozen Swamp" This game will be a "Cheap Date Wednesday" when fans can buy one ticket and get a second one free. This will also be a "Ladies Night" complete with Margarita specials and a post game "Date-A-Gator" player auction with proceeds to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation. In addition, A Bryan Jewelers is sponsoring a "Diamond Giveaway" as the first 500 ladies 18 and older through the door will receive a Cubic Zirconium. One of the jewels is specially marked and if you take it to A Bryan Jewelers before February 11, 2005 it will be exchanged for a diamond valued at $3,000. Tickets are available at the Cajundome Box Office, and all TicketMaster outlets and online at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information call the IceGators office at (337) 234-4423.
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