Columbus Blows out Peoria, 4-1

March 30, 2014 - SPHL (SPHL)
Columbus Cottonmouths News Release

The Peoria Rivermen had trouble finding ways to stop the Columbus Cottonmouths, which beat Rivermen, 4-1.

The win by Columbus clinched the best of three series at 2-1.

Peoria was stymied by the Cottonmouths' netminder Andrew Loewen, who stopped 27 shots during the victory. Loewen certainly lowered his goals against average, which was 1.35 entering the contest.

Columbus' penalty kill excelled, as the Cottonmouths gave up zero goals despite allowing six power plays.

Columbus forced the Rivermen's goaltenders to work between the pipes, launching 39 shots and forcing 35 saves. Kyle Rank made 16 stops and Kevin Carr made 19. The Cottonmouths stifled Peoria's power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man.

Columbus was helped by Matt Gingera, who racked up one goal and one assist. Gingera scored 17:54 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Columbus. Jason Gray picked up the assist. Columbus also got points from Preston Shupe, who also had two goals and one assist. Sam Bowles also scored for Columbus. Other players who recorded assists for Columbus were Levi Lind, Mike Switzer, and Shayne Stockton, who each chipped in one.

The Rivermen relied on a core group of players for most of their offense, as Matt Viola, Taylor Larsen and Steve Morra took 16 of the team's 28 shots.

Peoria was led by Adam Feniak, who scored the team's only goal. Feniak scored 10:07 into the second period to make the score 2-1 Columbus. Morra provided the assist.

The Cottonmouths incurred 16 minutes in penalty time with eight minors. The Rivermen incurred 20 minutes in penalty time with 10 minors.

• Discuss this story on the SPHL message board...

SPHL Stories from March 30, 2014

Season Ends with 4-1 Loss to Snakes in Game 3 - Peoria Rivermen
Columbus Blows out Peoria, 4-1 - Columbus Cottonmouths
Huntsville Survives Mississippi RiverKings Comeback, Wins 5-3 - Huntsville Havoc
RiverKings' Cup Run Falls Short in Huntsville - Mississippi RiverKings
Dates Set for Knoxville-Pensacola Semi-Final Series, Tickets on Sale Now - Pensacola Ice Flyers
Knoxville downs Louisiana in overtime, 3-2 (OT) - SPHL
Pensacola downs Mississippi Surge in overtime, 4-3 (OT) - SPHL

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Columbus Blows out Peoria, 4-1

SPHL Stories from March 30, 2014

Other Recent Columbus Cottonmouths Stories