Evansville IceMen Weekly

Published on January 9, 2012 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Evansville IceMen News Release


THE ICEMEN MAJESTICS: The Evansville IceMen of the Central Hockey League have reached the CHL All-Star break as the acclaimed most improved team in the league from one year ago. Under the auspices of second-year General Manager/Head Coach Rich Kromm, the IceMen have climbed into the royal and regal status of second place tying with Quad City with both teams having earned 39-points in the overall standings of the CHL Turner Cup Conference. Having played the least number of games in the league, the IceMen, through 30-games, have compiled a collective mark of 30(18-9-3) totaling 39-points. They have actually played two fewer games than have the Mallards 32(19-12-1) 39-points. Both the IceMen and Quad City trail first place Fort Wayne 32(22-9-1) 45 by a half-dozen points with Evansville also having two games in hand on their principal in-state archrivals. It continues to be a fiercely-competitive, hotly-contested conference banner chase with a mere 4-points distinguishing second from fifth place. Fourth place Rapid City 31(18-12-1) 37 is two points in arrears while fifth place Missouri 32(16-13-3) 35 is 4-points back with the IceMen also having 2-games in hand on the Mavericks. First place Fort Wayne 32(22-9-1)45 maintains a 6-points advantage over the rest of the pack. While the IceMen have compiled an undefeated New Year's record of 4(3-0-1) through the initial week of 2012, Quad City has also been flying-high. "The Greenheads" are 18(13-4-1) in the last 18-starts, having won 5-in a row at home. Meanwhile Rapid City has been fostering a flourish as well, having won 4-in a row; last 7(6-1-0); last 13(10-3-0) and winning a torrid 8-straight dates at home. With the CHL All-Star break taking center stage this week, the IceMen will be absent from game competition until this Saturday night, January 14th when they, again, rekindle rancor with principal archrival Fort Wayne at the Ford Center on "Pack the House Night" and "Star Wars Night." Sunday, the IceMen have a matinee affair in Dayton before traveling to the Quad Cities for a showdown with the "Quad Squad" the following Tuesday night, January 17th.

THE CHL ALL-STAR GAME: This week, the Central Hockey League pauses for its annual All-Star mid-season classic. This year's All-Star Game is set for this Wednesday night, January 11th in Prescott Valley, Arizona where the host team the Arizona Sun Dogs tangle with the CHL All-Stars. Representing the IceMen class will be center Todd Robinson and defenseman Matt Gens. Last year's All-Star game was hosted by the Rapid City Rush with Brian Bicek being Evansville's lone representative.

PACK THE HOUSE/STAR WARS: It promises to be one of the best Evansville hockey nights of the year this Saturday night, January 14th when the IceMen renew hostilities with archenemy Fort Wayne at the Ford Center. It will not only be an intense battle for CHL Turner Conference supremacy and sovereignty but also it is "Pack the House Night" and "Star Wars Night" with many of the Star Wars characters prominently and actively in attendance. It's the IceMen lone home appearance for this second week of their new calendar year.

"ICEMEN LIVE PRESENTED BY COORS LIGHT:" It's another fun-filled, lively and entertaining edition of the weekly Monday night radio show, "IceMen Live Presented by Coors Light," this Monday night, January 9th from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm live from Show-Me's East where KIDS EAT FREE every Monday night at "showtime." Terry Ficorelli's special guests this week will be right wing John Ronan and the IceMen newcomer, goaltender Dan Dunn. Flagship radio station WEOA-AM 1400 and 1400amweoa.com presents every radio show all year round.

FIRST WEEK SLEEK: The IceMen completed the first week of the new calendar year of 2012 unsullied with a 4(3-0-1) mark, earning 7 of a possible 8-points. In the process, they reclaimed their full, fair share of the second place position in the Turner Conference standings with an overall record of 30(18-9-3) for 39-points. The IceMen have shown extraordinary enhancement from one year ago when after 30-games, they had posted a mark of 30(10-15-5) for 25-points. To elucidate, illuminate and enumerate at this hour of the season, they have collected 8-more wins, 14-more points and 6-less losses than the IceMen team of last campaign. The IceMen are 9(5-2-2) in their last 9-decisions; last 16(8-5-3). Since inaugurating the current campaign with an extraordinary record of 9(7-1-1), the, IceMen are 21(11-8-2). The longest win streak of the season has been 5-in a row; longest unblemished skein has been 7(6-0-1), mirroring the initial 7-games of the season. The IceMen have not sustained a losing month thus far this season; October 2(1-0-1); November 11(8-3-0); December 13(6-6-1); January 4(3-0-1).

HOME HARBOR SHARPER: In the opening week of the new calendar year of 2012, the IceMen seemed even more committed to excellence in the form of a New Year's resolution. The hometown team scotched and scuttled the stigma, anomaly and ignominy of a 2-game Ford Center losing spell in a galvanizing pair of convincing conquests against fellow fractious foes from their own conference alliance. It was a Tuesday night 5-2 triumph to momentarily derail the Quad Citians express before Evansville's finest on ice dispatched Bloomington Sunday at home, 4-1. It is the IceMen's third 2-game home win streak thus far this season with their longest home win streak being 4-in succession. For the season, the IceMen home log reads; 15(10-4-1). The IceMen won 11 home games all of last season; 30(11-13-7). The IceMen are 7(4-2-1) in their last 7-dates on the homestead.

ROAD SHOW SHINE: The past weekend, the IceMen extracted 3 of a possible 4-points in a pair of encounters in Bloomington; 2(1-0-1). On Friday night, the men of IceMen ice hockey renown extinguished the Blaze, 6-2 before spiriting away 1-more hallowed point in the tight-taut race on Saturday night in a 4-3 OTSO affair. The Evansville Friday night success halted its mild 2-game losing skein and elevated their road record for the season to a superb 15(8-5-2). The longest win streak has been 4-in a row; the longest unbeaten skein 6(5-0-1).

REFERENCE CONFERENCE: The past week, all four of the IceMen appearances came against intra-conference membership. Membership does have its rewards as the IceMen were 4(3-0-1) and inviolable for the first week of the calendar year 2012. Within their own Turner Conference, their record stands at 27(16-8-2). Against the Berry Conference foes, the record is 3(2-1-0).

RAIN HIGH OCTANE: The IceMen offense has been prolific and terrific in recent action. In 4-games the past week, the IceMen ammo arsenal artillery armada struck for 18-GF for GFA of 4.50. With a stellar record of 9(5-2-2) over the past 9-games, Evansville's has engineered a mighty 38-GF for a GFA of 4.22. Through the last 11-games, the IceMen have percolated prodigiously 45-GF for a GFA of 4.10. Meanwhile, this past week, the IceMen defense became more forceful and assertive, grudgingly surrendering only 9-GA for a GAA of an avarice 2.25.

LEAGUE LAUREATES: Center Todd Robinson has skyrocketed meteorically to #2 in CHL league-wide scoring, a scant single point behind the circuit's supreme leader. Robinson is 30(10-37-47) with Nicklas Lindberg 29(9-26-35) soaring to 15th. Brian Bicek 30(17-13-30) has climbed into the top 25 league elite at #24. Robinson's 37-total assists and 19-PPA both top the loop while Bicek's 4-SHG are CHL-foremost. Mario Boilard leads the league in PIM with 112. Philippe Plante's 4-SHA tie for the league-leadership. In CHL defense scoring, Steve Makway has surged to a share of the league's top spot with 29(3-20-23); Matt Gens is 4th; 30(7-15-22); Philippe Plante is 12th 29(7-10-17). Makway's 20-assists lead all CHL defense as do Gens 3-GWG. In CHL rookie scoring, Malcolm Gwilliam ranks 14th 30(5-9-14). Mario Boilard leads the CHL in PIM with 112. Boilard's 10-majors top all rookies and ranks tied for #2 overall in the CHL. In the seal of good goalkeeping department, Pier Olivier Pelletier ranks 6th with a 2.70 GAA while his .918 SPCT ranks 4th best. Bryan Gillis is listed 13th with an evaporating 2.90 GAA and .907 SPCT.

TAPE-TO-TAPE TODD: All-Star veteran centerman Todd Robinson has been the utter beacon brilliance for the hometown team in recent action. Evansville's premiere points purveyor has been on a "Robinsonian" rampage recently. His latest scoring scourge has progressed to 8-games in averaging exactly 2-points per game with 8(3-13-16). "T. Rob" has engineered an amazing 13-multiple point performances already this season along with 1-MG. His 4-PPG also tie him for the club vanguard with John Ronan (4).

THE JOSH JUGGERNAUT: Five year left wing Josh Beaulieu gas truly found a home in the Evansville lineup as team leading scoring impresario Todd Robinson's points proficient partner. During the 3-game series the past weekend against Bloomington, the former Philadelphia Flyers draft choice collected 5-points on 3-goals and 2-assists including (2-1-3) the past Friday night in being named the game's #1 Star on the impetus of a 6-2 extinguishing of the Blaze. Beaulieu crowned his week's enormous performance by delivering the TBG/GWG/PPG in his team's 4-1 verdict over the same Blaze on Sunday. For the season, he is averaging over a point a game; 26(14-14-28). His four 2-goal games tie him for the team leadership with Brian Bicek.

BRYAN DENYIN': Rookie goaltender Bryan Gillis has returned to form in fabulous fashion the past week. The former Canadian Collegiate standout posted 3-consecutive victories for the week; 3(3-0-0). He allotted a minuscule 5-GA in those 3-starts for a GAA of a frugal-fine 1.67. Gillis has been especially effective on the road for the IceMen as his sparkling 6(5-1-0) mark would attest. For the season, the first-year human puck barricade has registered a record of 14(10-3-1) with 3-OT/wins.

TEN TALENT: High-speed left wing Brian Bicek has been the ace of the race for the Evansville aggregation nation. Though his season's best 10-game point streak was severed the past Saturday night at Bloomington, "Ice-Bice-Baby" immediately returned to his expected, excellent form the next night by stashing the game's FG and his 11th in the last 12-games in his team's 4-1 dismissal of the Blaze. In his last 12-games; the "Pocket Rocket" is 12(11-6-17); last 5-games; 5(6-2-8). His four 2-goal games tie him for the team leadership.

SWEDE SUAVE: The IceMen "smooth-move" center Nicklas Lindberg has been the epitome and embodiment of consistent point-productivity since mid-November. Evansville's second top scoring virtuoso has amassed 25-points in the last 16-games; 16(5-20-25); last 12( 5-15-20). He was the IceMen's premiere point-meister for the month of December.

THE "OC" SPREE: After a dastardly 14-games goal-scoring drought, right wing Sean O'Connor is back in tune with his strong and stellar offensive stylings. The former Fort Wayne Komets forward not only quenched his goal-scoring thirst but also delivered the ultimate GWG in his team's convincing 5-2 Tuesday night conquest over torrid Quad City. "OC" crowned his week's work with an electrifying breakaway leaping out of the penalty box Sunday to cap his club's 4-goal unanswered comeback counterattack crescendo in dispensing with Bloomington, 4-1. O'Connor is 4(2-2-4) in the last 4-games.

BACK ON THE "BIG MACK" TRACK: Veteran defenseman Steve Makway has been stout and stellar on the IceMen back line all season long. The 6-5 rearguard has ascended to a share of the CHL premiere points perch in scoring among defensemen with 29(3-20-23). All 3 of his goals have been by virtue of the power play. The past weekend in the 3-games in 3-nights series opposing Bloomington, he authored 4-assists including two consecutive 2-point evenings.

SPECIALTY SPARKLING: The IceMen special teams continue to radiate with their consistent, persistent play so far this season. The power play has been percolating a finely, fermented brew in recent vintage. Ranked a lofty #2 in the CHL, they are 29-125 for a proficiency rating of 23.2%. The 29-PPG rank as third most in the loop. The power play is 3 for the last 9; 33.3% and 8 for the last 27 for a conversion ratio of an excellent 29.6%. Meanwhile the shorthand band has been brilliant, operating at a dynamic 84.4% and a #2 league-wide rating as well; 21-135. Evansville has been electric recently holding the adversary to 2 for the last 26 for an efficiency rating of 92.3%.

A MOMENT FOR MILESTONES: IceMen rookie defenseman Karl Linden's first-ever pro goal was deemed the GWG in Friday night's 6-2 drubbing of the Blaze in Bloomington. Dan Dunn made his first-ever start in the IceMen goal Saturday night, gaining 1-point in the standings for his team through a 4-3 OTSO verdict. Nicklas Lindberg (496) is 4-games away from pro career 500. Brian Bicek (185) is 15-points shy of career 200. Bicek has played in 172-consecutive games since beginning back in the 2009-10 season in the IHL with the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Rookie center Mario Boilard became the first CHL player to eclipse the century PIM barrier this season. Philippe Plante's assist on Josh Beaulieu's GWG Sunday against Bloomington was the 300th of his 13-year pro career.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": The IceMen have a combined record against the 6th sand 7th place teams in their conference of 12(10-1-1); Dayton 5(5-0-0); Bloomington 7(5-1-1). The IceMen are 10(8-2-0) on Friday nights and a perfect 5(5-0-0) on the road. Evansville is undefeated on Sunday as well this season with a 5(4-0-1) mark with all 5-contests played at home. Their combined Friday and Sunday record stands at 15(12-2-1). When they score 4 or more, the IceMen record is 13(11-2-0). When they surrender 2-GA or less, it's perfection at 15(15-0-0). Evansville's best period has been the first stanza, outscoring the opponents, 40-25 overall and 21-12 at home.

THE ICEMEN GAME CALENDAR FOR THIS WEEK:

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14TH FORT WAYNE AT THE ICEMEN 7:15 PM

When they IceMen tangle with their archrivals, the Komets, on Saturday night, they will be in search of solving the mystery of a 5-game losing streak and trend against the K's. Three of those setbacks have been incurred consecutively at their home of the Ford Center. This downbeat note was not sounded until after the IceMen had attained unbeaten status through the initial trio of meetings this season between the two Indiana rivals.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15TH THE ICEMEN AT DAYTON 3:00 PM

In sharp contrast, the IceMen will be seeking a sixth consecutive triumph over the Gems in as many meetings thus far this season in a concerted to make a trifecta of triumphs at historical Hara Arena. The IceMen are 2(2-0-0) in Dayton with both victory verdicts achieved by replica results of 3-2 with the latter one of those brewed in overtime.

NEXT TUESDAY, JANUARY 17TH THE ICEMEN AT QUAD CITY 7:00 PM

After not seeing each other all season long until last week, the two teams will lock antlers for a second consecutive Tuesday night date with this one in Moline, IL. It's the second of five clashes on the docket for the IceMen and the torrid Mallards with both teams waging a herculean battle for CHL Turner Conference supremacy and superiority. Last Tuesday night in Evansville, the IceMen claimed a 5-2 decision from the "Quack Attack."

THE ICEMEN ON YOUR SMART PHONES AND I-PHONES: IceMen fans who own Smart Phones and I-Phones can now take the IceMen game broadcasts and Monday night "IceMen Live Presented by Coors Light" radio show wherever they go. For more information, visit the IceMen website at www.evansvilleicemen.com.

THE ICEMEN ON WEOA-AM 1400 & THE ICEMEN RADIO NETWORK: Evansville and the Tri-State, your pro hockey team plays here! All of the IceMen game broadcasts are on flagship station WEOA-AM 1400 and the world-wide internet at 1400amweoa.com and the IceMen Radio Network. WMSK-AM 1550 in Morganfield, KY also is there on the air for every game while WITZ-AM 990 and WITZ-FM 104.7, Jasper, IN carry a select schedule of games numbering between 23-30 for the season.

THE ICEMEN DAILY UPDATES ARE EVERYWHERE ON THE AIR: Continuing with their expanded coverage, the IceMen daily update report can be found on 14-different radio stations throughout the Tri-State region including flagship WEOA-AM 1400, Monday through Friday at 4:20 pm. On the Townsquare Media family of stations; WGBF-FM 103.1 at 4:40 pm; WGBF-AM 1280 at 4:50 pm; WKDQ-FM 99.5 at 4:35 pm; WJLT-FM 105.3 at 4:45 pm; WDKS-FM 106.1 at 4:35 pm; WKBR-FM 92.5 (Owensboro, KY) 4:40 pm; WOMI-AM 1490 (Owensboro, KY) 4:50 pm. Elsewhere, on WITZ-AM 990 and WITZ-FM 104.7 in Jasper, IN at 8:20 am, 12:20 pm and 4:20 pm. WSON-AM 860 and WSON-FM 96.5 in Henderson, KY at 4:30 pm as well as on WMSK-AM 1550 at 7:30 am and 4:30 pm and WMSK-FM 101.3, Morganfield, KY at 4:25 pm.

THE ICEMEN TICKET INFORMATION: IceMen single game tickets for all 33-home games are now on sale at the Ford Center Ticket Office and at Ticketmaster.com or by contacting the IceMen offices for various plans and great group rates at (812) 421-GOAL (4625).

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Central Hockey League Stories from January 9, 2012


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