Evansville IceMen Weekly

Published on January 23, 2012 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Evansville IceMen News Release


THE ICEMEN MAJESTICS: It was yet another perfect personified, exemplified week for the torrid second place Evansville IceMen of the Central Hockey League Turner Conference as the hometown team swept through their latest week with three consecutive victories to stay within striking distance of a single point from first place which is currently the eminent domain of the IceMen principal archrivals, the Fort Wayne Komets. Through 35-games, the IceMen have compiled a lustrous record of 35(23-9-3) totaling 49-points with 3-games in hand on the Fort Wayners 38(24-12-2) 50-points. Evansville actually has attained the best winning percentage in both the Turner and Berry Conferences at .700. The IceMen launch the new week 4-points better than third place resurgent Missouri 38(21-14-3)45-points, though the IceMen also have 3-games in hand on the Mavericks who are 6(5-1-0) in their last 6-starts and 11(9-2-0) through their last 11-offerings. Missouri has won 7-in succession at home. The IceMen have gained a 6-points advantage over fourth place Quad City 38(21-16-1)43-points with 3-games in hand on the Mallards as well. The Quad Citians have dropped 4-in a row, scoring 2-GF in the process. Evansville's advantage over fifth place Rapid City 35(20-13-2) 42 points has grown to 7-points. Riding the crest of a 6-game win streak, which equals the longest in the CHL thus far this season, the IceMen get set for a rigorous regimen consisting of 4-games in 5-nights this week. They will travel to Independence, MO for a Tuesday night date with the Mavericks before returning home for a pair of Ford Center appearances, Thursday night against Dayton and Friday night against Bloomington before culminating the week's workload with a Saturday night date at Dayton in an encore engagement against the Gems.

PRIMO PREMIUM PROMOS THIS WEEK: When the IceMen play host to Dayton this Thursday night and Bloomington on Friday night, they will be presenting some more of their top-drawer promotions for one and all. Thursday night, will be "Seize the Deal" night with Evansville and the Tri-State gaining the opportunity to obtain IceMen tickets at very special discounted prices. Then on Friday night, the world famous Russian Bar Trio will be at the Ford Center to entertain. It will also be "Union Night" and "College Night."

"ICEMEN LIVE PRESENTED BY COORS LIGHT:" Due to travel conflicts, "IceMen Live Presented by Coors Light" will present a special Wednesday night edition, January 25th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm live from Show-Me's East. The weekly IceMen radio show is regularly scheduled on Monday nights. The "Voice of the IceMen, " Terry Ficorelli hosts the show in front of a live studio audience on flagship radio station WEOA-AM 1400 and 1400amweoa.com.

AND STILL UNDEFEATED IN NEW YEAR!: Fashioning 3-more consecutive victories the past week, including back-to-back shutouts against conference foe Quad City, the IceMen, remarkably, remain undefeated in the new calendar year of 2012, having extended their streak to a season's best 9-in row at 9(8-0-1), garnering 17 of a possible 18-points in the process. The kinetic "Kromminator" contingent also is riding the rising rapids of a 6-game win streak which equals the longest in the CHL this season. Their last setback was back on December 31st on home ice where they trembled to Wichita, 7-5. Evansville's 9-total defeats match the least in the league. Longest win streaks of the season; 6-in row and 5-consecutively; longest undefeated streaks; 9(8-0-1) and 7(6-0-1) with the latter mirroring the initial 7-games of the current campaign. The IceMen have not sustained a losing month thus this season; October 2(1-0-1); November 11(8-3-0); December 13(6-6-1); January 9(8-0-1).

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES!: After 35-games, the IceMen record stands at 35(23-9-3) 49-points. One year ago after 35-games, the IceMen record, 35(11-19-5) 27-points. The Coach Kromm crew has more than doubled the total number of wins with 12-more; 22-more points and 10-less losses. Only two games past the halfway point of this season, the IceMen have already collected 2-more overall wins than all of last year. Their final record last season; 66(21-32-13) 55-points.

IN THE ZONE AT HOME: Registering two more home triumphs the past week, a 3-0 shutout victory verdict Friday night against Quad City followed by a dramatic 3-2 OT triumph topping Tulsa on Sunday, the IceMen have advanced their home win streak to a season-high 5-consecutively. In the process, they have elevated their home mark to a gaudy 18(13-4-1) which is the best of the Turner Conference and second best overall in the CHL. Evansville's 13-home victories are already two more than they achieved all of last season when they mustered 11-home successes in an overall mark of 30(11-13-6). Longest home win streaks this season have been 5-in succession and 4-in a row.

ROAD GLORY STORY: When they blanked the Mallards in the Quad Cities back on Tuesday night, 2-0, the IceMen extended their unblemished skein in foreign territory to 4-games; 4(3-0-1), winning their last 2-consecutively. For the season, the IceMen road record has improved to a stellar 17(10-5-2) which is third best overall in the CHL. Their last setback abroad was back on December 17th in Fort Wayne where they bowed to the Komets, 7-4. Evansville's 10-road wins already equal its entire road victory output of last year when the IceMen were 36(10-19-7) in hostile territory. The longest road win streak of the season has been 4-in a row; the longest unbeaten skein 6(5-0-1).

CONFERENCE CAPSULE: The IceMen continue to flourish both in their own Turner Conference as well as outside their conference boundaries against Berry Conference adversaries. Within their own Conference, their record stands at 31(20-8-3); against the Berry Conference 4(3-1-0). The IceMen have exceeded their win output from all of last season within the Turner Conference and have matched the total number of wins that they gathered all of last season against the Berry.

STINGY AND STELLAR: During their 9-game unsullied streak, the IceMen have been utterly brilliant defensively. In those 9-games, they have allotted a meager 13-GA for a GAA of a minuscule 1.44. In winning 6-consecutively, the IceMen have allowed only 5-GA for a GAA of an extraordinary 0.83. Concerning their 5-game home ice victory streak, the men of Evansville pro hockey renown have permitted a mere 6-GA for a GAA of 1.20. And in their 4-game unbeaten streak abroad, they have surrendered 6-GA for a GAA of 1.50.

TOP CROP CRAFTSMEN: Todd Robinson is tied for 2nd in the CHL in scoring with 35(10-41-51); Nicklas Lindberg 34(10-30-40) is tied for 11th; Brian Bicek 35(22-16-38) is 17th. Robinson's 41-assists and 19-PPA both top the CHL while Bicek's 22-goals rank league-wide #2 and his 4-SHG lead the loop. Bicek's +16 rating ranks as third best in the CHL. Mario Boilard's 135-PIM and 11-majors pace the league. Philippe Plante's 4-SHA tie for the CHL leadership. In CHL defense scoring; Steve Makway leads the league with 34(4-23-27); Matt Gens is 4th 35(7-18-25); Philippe Plante is 12th 34(8-11-19). Gens and Plante share the league leadership in GWG with 3. Makway's 23-assists top all CHL defensemen. In CHL rookie scoring, Malcolm Gwilliam is tied for 14th with 35(8-9-17). In the goaltending department, Bryan Gillis is ranked 4th with a GAA of an ever-evaporating 2.36 with his .925 SPCT ranked #2 in the league. Gillis 15-victories rank 4th best in the loop while his 2-shutouts tie him for runner-up. Gillis leads the CHL with 4-OT wins.

THE "GREAT GILLY" IN GOAL: Rookie phenom Bryan Gillis has been extraordinary in the IceMen goal all season long especially prominent and predominant during the IR status of Pier-Olivier Pelletier. The Halifax, NS native posted back-to-back shutouts the past week in spurring his team to a two-game home-and-home series sweep of conference rival Quad City. His shutout streak endured for over 175-minutes or the equivalent of nearly 3-consecutive games. Gillis is currently on a personal 8-game win streak in which he has grudgingly surrendered a measly 9-GA for a GAA of a microscopic 1.13. For the season, his record is a sterling 19(15-3-1); at home: 11(8-2-1) and on the road: 8(7-1-0).

"POCKET ROCKET" IN THE SOCKET: Explosive left wing Brian Bicek has had lightning coming out of his skate blades in recent action for the home team. Recently completing an IceMen team season-best 5-game goal-scoring streak; 5(6-3-9), "Ice-Bice-Baby" in his last 10-games; 10(11-5-16) and in his last 17-games; 17(16-9-25). The erstwhile WMU standout is currently on a 6-game point-scoring scourge with 6(6-4-10).

"OB" IN OT: Third year defenseman Jake Obermeyer emerged as an improbable but electrifying scoring hero for the torrid IceMen Sunday at the Ford Center against Tulsa. The former Robert Morris U. standout delivered the TBG and ultimate GWG, with great drama, suspense and spine-tingling, thrilling theater with less than :01 remaining in the 5:00 overtime period to complete the IceMen late comeback from a 2-1 deficit, producing a magical 3-2 OT triumph. Obermeyer's third goal of the season marked the third time this season that an IceMen defenseman has scored the GWG in an IceMen overtime victory. Matt Gens and Philippe Plante have also connected for Evansville extra time triumphs. Nicklas Lindberg has scored the other OT/GWG thus far this season.

MATT CAT QUICK: Veteran left wing Matt Pierce connected on one of the most thrilling goals of his pro career in Sunday's late, dramatic, spellbinding and riveting victory over Tulsa. His PPG with only 2:56 remaining in regulation time forged a 2-2 tie, setting the stage for the OT/GWG from Jake Obermeyer. It was Pierce's 8th goal of the campaign and his 3rd on the power play. His 3-GWG tie him for the club leadership with Matt Gens, Philippe Plante, Josh Beaulieu and Brian Bicek.

UNSUNG SOLID: Veteran defenseman Philippe Plante continues to be a veritable "Rock of Gibraltar" on the IceMen highly-heralded blue line. Of his 8-goals thus far this season, 4 have been brewed on the power play and 3 have been of the GWG variety. His touch-in-the-clutch has been a true key to the IceMen overall success at this juncture of the season.

SPECIAL TEAMS TITANIC: The IceMen special teams have been effectively consistent all season long. The power play is ranked a lofty circuit second, operating at 22.1 % proficiency going 32-145. It is 3 for the last 13 for a rating of 23.1%. The penalty-killing cast has been superlative. It is ranked #1 in the CHL, operating at 86.1% efficiency with the opposition being 23 for 165. To punctuate and enunciate how effective the shorthand band has been, the IceMen are 23 for the last 24; 95.8%; 35 for the last 37; 94.6% and 52 for the last 56; 92.9%.

THE MILESTONES MINT: Brian Bicek (89) is 11-goals from pro career 100 and (193) 7-points from 200. I n the IceMen 3-0 shutout triumph Friday night against Quad City, Nicklas Lindberg played in his 500th pro career game. Sean O'Connor (90) is 10-assists from pro career 100. Todd Robinson (1,185) is 15-points shy of 1,200 for his illustrious pro career.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": All 4 of the IceMen overtime victories this season have come within the final 0:47 of the 5:00 extra session, spanning from 4:13 to 4:59. The IceMen are 5(4-1) in OT this year; last year in OT they were a league-worst 9(1-8). In their last 3-games in which they have entered the third period trailing, the IceMen have rallied to stage come-from-behind victories. The IceMen remain undefeated on Sunday this year with a record of 7(6-0-1). The combined record for Friday and Sunday is 18(15-2-1). The IceMen have dominated the first period, outscoring the opponents, 45-26 overall and 25-13 at home. The IceMen are 20(18-1-1) entering the third period with the lead; 19(15-2-2) when leading after the first period and 21(17-2-2) when they score the game's FG. When the IceMen yield 2-GA or less, their record is a perfect 20(20-0-0).

THE ICEMEN GAME CALENDAR FOR THIS WEEK:

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24TH THE ICEMEN AT MISSOURI 7:00 PM

The fourth clash of the campaign for the IceMen and the Mavericks and the second in Independence where the IceMen extracted their first-ever victory in their lone previous appearance this season back on November 19th, 6-3. The IceMen are 3(2-0-1) against the Mavs this season. Missouri has won 7-consecutively at home.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26TH DAYTON AT THE ICEMEN 7:15 PM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28TH THE ICEMEN AT DAYTON 6:00 PM

The IceMen have dominated the 10-game season series to this point with an impeccable 6(6-0-0) record; at home 3(3-0-0) and in Dayton 3(3-0-0). Dating back to the last meeting of last season, the IceMen have won 7-consecutively over the Gems.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27TH BLOOMINGTON AT THE ICEMEN 7:15 PM

Through the initial seven collisions this season, the IceMen have composed a mark of 7(5-1-1). On home ice, they have a perfect 3(3-0-0) mark, winning by results of 3-2, 2-1 and 4-1.

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 23, 2012


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