Cottonmouths Use Big 2nd Period to Beat Rivermen
November 22, 2014 - SPHL (SPHL)
Peoria Rivermen News Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. - The Peoria Rivermen surrendered three second period goals and fought back early in the final frame but fell short to the Columbus Cottonmouths 4-2 on Saturday night at the Columbus Civic Center.
After a scoreless opening frame, the Cottonmouths struck first with 13:44 remaining in the second period when Matt Gingera completed a give-and-go with a high glove-side running wrist shot on a feed from Bryce Williamson. The Snakes increased the advantage to 2-0 3:19 later when Kyle Thomas skated to the right circle around the Peoria defense and sniped a top-shelf goal. The lead increased to 3-0 when Gingera found the puck in flurry and scored on a power play with 2:10 showing before the second intermission.
The Rivermen broke through just 2:19 into the third period on a Garrett Vermeersch rebound goal, then cut the deficit to 3-2 at 3:52 of the final stanza on a redirect at the left post by Josh Harris during a power play with assists given to Jake Trask and Mike Slowikowski. The Cottonmouths sealed the win with an empty net goal by Neilsson Arcibal with 1:08 remaining.
Kyle Rank took the loss with 22 saves over the first two periods while Andrew Loewen earned the win with 28 stops. Both teams were 1-for-5 on power plays.
The Rivermen return to home ice on Friday and Saturday to face the defending champion Pensacola Ice Flyers as the SPHL's top two teams meet. Face-off is at 7:05 each night. Friday is the annual Rivermen Great Teddy Bear Toss as fans are invited to throw a new stuffed animal for local children's charities onto the ice after the Rivermen's first goal. Fans can also take advantage of a Black Friday ticket special of $5 upper bowl and $10 lower bowl seats from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday is Batman Night with special Batman jerseys worn by the Rivermen and an appearance by the superhero.
Single game tickets for Peoria's 33rd season of professional hockey are on sale weekdays at the Peoria Civic Center. Season ticket packages and group ticket options for the 2014-15 campaign are on sale now through the Rivermen office, located at 201 S.W. Jefferson Street, or over the phone at (309) 676-1040. For the latest Rivermen news and notes, follow online at www.rivermen.net or through Facebook ( www.facebook.com/PeoriaRivermen) and Twitter ( https://twitter.com/Peoria_Rivermen).
SPHL Stories from November 22, 2014
- Cottonmouths Use Big 2nd Period to Beat Rivermen - Peoria Rivermen
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- RiverKings Clamp Down on IceGators in 7-2 Win - Mississippi RiverKings
- Ice Bears Fall 9-3 - Knoxville Ice Bears
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