Blades rally past Gators 5-3
January 28, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Estero, FL. - The Florida Everblades scored two 3rd period goals to cap a come from behind effort and defeat the Louisiana IceGators 5-3 Friday night in Estero, Florida.
The Gators got on the scoreboard in record setting fashion, just 10 seconds in the game, as a turnover by Everblades goalie Rob Zepp led to an easy tap in by Wes Mason (19) and a 1-0 Louisiana lead. The goal set a team record for the fastest tally to begin a game, breaking the previous record of 12 seconds, set by Konstantin Kalmikov in 2001. Louisiana stretched the lead to 2-0 on a power play goal by Mark Rooneem (9) at 9:04. Rooneem taking a centering pass and snapping the puck home for the goal, assists going to Jade Galbraith and the newest IceGator, Jim Shepherd. The Gators could not keep the advantage as just 19 seconds after Rooneem's goal, at 9:23, Kris Vernansky picked up a loose puck in front of Kyle Kettles and tapped it into the net for his 10th of the season. Former Gator Matt Pagnutti (5) tied the score at 2 at 19:06, with a wrister from the slot as the defense missed the veteran D-man gliding in from the blue line.
The Gators took the lead back 1:54 in the 2nd period as Galbraith made another remarkable assist, this time going cross ice to Shawn Skiehar at the right circle. Skiehar then blasted a one-timer past Zepp for his 3rd of the season and a 3-2 lead. The Everblades would tie the game at 7:46 on a power play goal by Brad Church (15). The former Washington Capital's 1st round pick sliding the puck along the ice under Kettles for the tie game on Florida's 4th consecutive power play of the period.
The 3rd period belonged to Florida as the Everblades got two top shelf goals past Kyle Kettles. At 8:01 David Lundbohm (5) snapped home the go ahead goal from the right circle. Then at 10:30, Steve Saviano picked up the loose puck and buried it past a screened Kettles for the insurance goal and a 5-3 final. With their 4th loss in a row Louisiana's record is now 16-21-3, 35 points and 5th place in the South. The Gators were outshot by Florida 27-21. Power plays were 1-5 for the Gators and 1-8 for the Blades. The Gators and Everblades will meet again tomorrow night in the Germain Arena at 6:30cst. The game will be available on the internet only through www.IceGators.com, in addition to the audio feed, a videocast of the game is available via the B2-Network.
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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ECHL Stories from January 28, 2005
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