Columbus Erases Deficit to Stun Louisiana, 5-4

March 18, 2014 - SPHL (SPHL)
Columbus Cottonmouths News Release


The Columbus Cottonmouths climbed out of a two-goal hole to beat the Louisiana IceGators, 5-4.

Columbus never led in the game until netting the game winner. The Cottonmouths was down 4-2 after a goal by Louisiana's Jeremy Boyer at 3:25 in the third period. Columbus tied things up at 4-4 on a power play goal by Jordan Draper at 14:05 in the third period. The Cottonmouths got the game winner at 14:11 in the third period on a goal by Draper.

Draper had four goals and one assist to lead Columbus. Draper notched his first tally 5:01 into the second period. He then added goals at 5:27 into the second.

The Cottonmouths found themselves short handed often, totaling 24 penalty minutes and allowing nine power plays. Columbus relied on a core group of players for most of its offense, as Draper, Andy Willigar and Kyle Johnson took 22 of the team's 40 shots.

Columbus also got a goal from Matt Gingera as well. In addition, Columbus received assists from Sam Bowles, who had three and Tom Maldonado and Jason Gray, who contributed two each.

The IceGators' penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled 10 minors and two majors for 30 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 19.0 minutes per game Louisiana had been spending in the box.

The IceGators were led by Shawn McNeil, who racked up one goal and two assists. McNeil scored on the power play 2:23 into the second period to make the score 2-0 Louisiana. Louisiana had gotten the advantage when the Cottonmouths' Neilsson Arcibal was sent off for unsportsmanlike conduct. Adam Stuart provided the assist. Louisiana also got points from Stuart, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Jeff Grant also scored for Louisiana. Other players who recorded assists for Louisiana were Tanner Burton, Jordan Braid, Tyler Barr, and Kirk Byczynski, who each chipped in one.

Columbus' Andrew Loewen stopped 19 shots out of the 23 that he faced. The Cottonmouths registered four goals on 10 power play opportunities. Kiefer Smiley rejected 35 shots on goal for the IceGators.



SPHL Stories from March 18, 2014


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.

OurSports Central