Evansville IceMen Weekly

Published on January 29, 2012 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Evansville IceMen News Release


THE ICEMEN MAJESTICS: Having concluded a demanding slate date consisting of 5-games in 7-nights including 4-games in 5-nights the past week, the torrid Evansville IceMen of the Central Hockey League have surged majestically into sole possession of first place in the CHL Turner Conference standings. Attaining their best month ever in AA/CHL franchise, January 2012 will not soon be forgotten by the hometown team. Falling a mere one game shy of an unprecedented, undefeated month of January, the IceMen culminated the first month of the new calendar year with a magnificent mark of 13(10-1-2), accumulating 22 of a possible 26-points for a winning percentage of .846. In the process, second-year General Manager/Head Rich Kromm's aggregation nation elevated its overall season record to a supreme 39(25-10-4) totaling 54-points and a two-point advantage over archrival Fort Wayne 40(25-13-2) 52-points with 1-game in hand on their principal archenemies. The men in the IceMen ensemble have constructed a 6-point advantage over third place Missouri 41(22-15-4) 48-points with 2-games in hand on the Mavericks. It is a growing IceMen 7-point lead over fourth place Quad City 40(23-16-1) 47-points with 1-game in hand on the Mallards. This week, the IceMen will await the invasion of conference rivals, the Rapid City Rush for a pair of home encounters at their home of the fabulous Ford Center, downtown Evansville. The IceMen will guest the Rush both Friday and Saturday nights at 7:15 pm.

PROMISING PREMIUM PROMOS PRESENTED: To inject some special spice in the first place IceMen two-game homestand series coming up this weekend against Turner Conference rival Rapid City, the IceMen promotional department is trotting out even more excitement and entertainment at the Ford Center. Friday night has been designated "All Faiths Night" while Saturday night, "Hockey Night in EvansvilleSaturday Nitro" the notorious, popular personality "Sponge Bob Square Pants" will be on hand to perform for the many avid, rabid and loyal IceMen hockey fans in attendance.

"ICEMEN LIVE PRESENTED BY COORS LIGHT": It's another lively and entertaining evening of family fun, surprises and prizes as the "Voice of the IceMen," Terry Ficorelli emcees another weekly Monday night edition, January 30th of "IceMen Live Presented by Coors Light" live from Show-Me's from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on flagship radio home WEOA-AM 1400 and 1400amweoa.com. This week, the IceMen special guests are Todd Robinson and Matt Gens.

THE JANUARY JUGGERNAUT: Posting a 4(2-1-1) record the past work week, the IceMen have skyrocketed meteorically into sole control of first place in the Turner Conference standings with a masterful mark of 39(25-10-4) for 54-points. Evansville's extraordinary 12-game unprecedented unsullied skein; 12(10-0-2) is the best achieved in the CHL in this category thus far this season. Included in that 12-game unbeaten streak was a team season-high 6-game win streak; 6(6-0-0).When they bowed at Dayton Saturday night, 4-3, the IceMen actually were profligate of an ostensibly commanding 3-1 second period lead in the contest. It was the kinetic "Kromminator" crew's first taste of the bitter brine of defeat since the last day of the last year, 12/31/11 when at home, they trembled to Wichita, 7-5. The IceMen 25-wins are second most in the CHL; their 10-defeats match the least in the league at this hour of the season. The longest win streaks of the season have been 6-in a row and 5-straight. Longest undefeated skeins have been 12(10-0-2) and 7(6-0-1) with the latter mirroring the actual inception to the season. The IceMen have not suffered through a losing month as of yet this current campaign. October 2(1-0-1); November 11(8-3-0); December 13(6-6-1); January 13(10-1-2).

ONE YEAR LATER: After 39-games, the IceMen have compiled a glowing and gleaming record of 39(25-10-4) 54-points. One year ago after 39-games, the record was 39(13-21-5) 31-points. Thus, the finest on ice in Evansville and the Tri-State has already garnered 12-more wins, 23-more points and have sustained 11-fewer defeats as compared to 1-year ago. The IceMen have already won 4-more games than all of last year and are a mere 1-point away from equaling all of last-year's total of 55-points with still 27-games remaining.

SEVEN HEAVEN AT HOME: Achieving two more spellbinding, electrifying wins on home ice the past week; a 2-1 Thursday night triumph over Dayton and a 5-2 victory verdict one night later at the expense of Bloomington, the IceMen home ice win streak has ballooned and mushroomed to a superb 7-in a row; last 7(7-0-0). For the moment, the "Men of Ice" are 1-victory away from duplicating the league's longest home win streak of the season at 8-straight dates. For the season, the IceMen have elevated their home record to a sparkling 20(15-4-1) which is the best in the Turner Conference and second best in the entire CHL. The IceMen 15-home wins are 4-more than all of last season when they managed only 11-home toasts of on-ice success; 30(11-13-6). Longest home win streaks this season have been the present tense 7-in a row as well as a 4-game win skein.

FOREIGN ICE INSIGHT: When they were defeated Saturday night at Dayton, 4-3, the IceMen saw their 5-game road unsullied skein; 5(3-0-2) brought to a screeching halt. It was the club's first setback abroad since way back on December 17th when the "Icers" were outlasted at Fort Wayne by the Komets, 7-5. For the season, the IceMen foreign ice log looks like this; it is an outstanding 19(10-6-3) with those 10-road wins equaling last-year's output. Their 6-road setbacks rank as least in their own Turner Conference and second fewest in the entire CHL. The longest road win streak has been 4-in a row; the longest undefeated streak has been 6(5-0-1).

CONFERENCE COMPOSITION: All 4 of the IceMen games the past week were duels opposing intra-conference foes. For the season, their record within their own conference is a gaudy 35(22-9-4); against the Berry Conference: 4(3-1-0). The IceMen have a winning record against every team in their conference with exception of Fort Wayne and Rapid City.

NO GOAL PATROL PARTY: During their 12-game undefeated streak which stretched through the month of January, the IceMen, defensively, were a paragon of parsimony, allowing a minuscule 19-GA for a GAA of 1.58. Still flourishing through their impressive 7-game home win streak, Evansville has yielded a measly 9-GA for a GAA of a microscopic 1.28. Offensively, they outgoaled the adversary, 42-19 during their 12-game unblemished skein. They have outscored the beleaguered and embattled visitors on IceMen home ice, 25-9 during their 7-game win streak.

BUMPER CROP ATOP: Todd Robinson is tied for 2nd in CHL scoring with 39(11-43-54); Nicklas Lindberg is tied for 10th with 38(11-32-43); Brian Bicek is 15th with 39(23-18-41). Bicek's 23-goals tie for circuit 2nd; his 4-SHG top the loop. Robinson tops the CHL in assists with 43 and PPA with 19. Lindberg's 32-assists tie him for league-wide third most. Philippe Plante's 4-SHA tie him for the league-leadership while Bicek's +17 rating ranks third in the circuit and Lindberg's +15 rating lists him 5th best in the CHL. Mario Boilard's 144-PIM lead the league; his 12-majors tie for second; Mike Sgroi's 11-majors rank as third most. In CHL defense scoring, Steve Makway remains at the top of the heap with 38(4-27-31); Matt Gens is 4th with 39(7-19-26); Philippe Plante is 13th with 38(8-12-20). Makway's 27-assists are 8-more than runner-up Gens with his 19-helpers. Gens and Plante share the league-leadership in GWG with 3; Gens 10-PPA list him as third best. In rookie scoring, Malcolm Gwilliam is 14th with 39(9-11-20). In the seal of good goalkeeping department, Bryan Gillis has ascended to #2 with a 2.28 GAA and .928 SPCT. His 17-wins rank as tied for 3rd most; his 3-defeats are the least in the league.

HUMAN BARRICADE BLOCKADE: Rookie phenom Bryan Gillis continues to pile-up the wins in unprecedented, unparalleled fashion. The Halifax, NS prodigy has extended his personal winning streak to an amazing 10-in a row, surrendering a scant 12-GA for a GAA of a microscopic 1.16 and SPCT of a scintillating .965. His overall record of 21(17-3-1) is foremost in the CHL; at home: 13(10-2-1); on the road 8(7-1-0). Gillis win percentage is a lustrous .833. He has captured the Oakley/CHL Goaltender of the Week award twice in the past 3-weeks.

"BEAU" KNOWS GOAL: Five-year veteran left wing Josh Beaulieu is enjoying a pro career year emerging as a premiere revered cannoneer. The former Philadelphia Flyers fifth round draft choice fired 4-more goals in 4-games the past week include a pair of snipes Saturday night at Dayton. For the latter contest, it marked his fifth 2-goal game of the season, tying him with Brian Bicek for the club's top spot. Moreover, his 19-goals are second most for the first place IceMen. Beaulieu was the game's #2 Star in Friday night's 5-2 trumping triumph of Bloomington, delivering the UG/GWG, his team-high 4th GWG of the current campaign before being named the #2 Star, again the following night in Dayton.

"IRON MIKE" MIGHT: Veteran left wing Mike Sgroi has always been known notoriously for his fast fists and rock'em, sock'em hard, heavy hits. However, the past weekend, the man of measure, mettle, might and muscle eschewed his pugilism for puckism as in goal-scoring expertise and excellence. In the IceMen two games over the weekend, the great intimidator gladiator fashioned 3-points including a pair of goals; one in each contest. In fact, "Iron Mike" was hailed IceMen Star of the Game in Friday night's 5-2 verdict over Bloomington, delivering 1-goal, 1-assist. The ensuing evening in Dayton, Sgroi wired his second goal in as many nights, the game's FG despite his team's initial setback in the New Year.

POINTING THE "WAY": Rugged defenseman Steve Makway has been both titanic and gigantic on the Coach Kromm's club with his physical prowess on defense and his knack on the "Big Mack Attack" on offense. During his team's recently completed 12-game undefeated skein at 12(10-0-2), he engineered 14-points on 1-goal and 13-assists with 1-PPG. All 4 of his goals thus far this season have been via the extra man band.

"GWILL WILL & SKILL: First-year right wing Malcolm Gwilliam has really stepped up his game since his insertion on Evansville's #1 forward line with Todd Robinson and Josh Beaulieu. The past week, he delivered the ultimate TBG/GWG in his team's come-from-behind 2-1 triumph Thursday night against Dayton, being named the game's #1 Star. He has averaged a point a game in the last 15-games, mirroring his advent to that forward line with 15(8-7-15). Gwilliam had been limited to a scant single goal through the season's initial 24-games.

PENALTY-KILLING TOP BILLING: The IceMen shorthand band has been the utter model of consistency and continuity thus far this season. Ranked #1 in the CHL for the vast preponderance of the campaign, the PK outfit is operating at a league-premiere 86.2% with the opposition 25-181. The 25-PPGA also rank as the least allotted in the league. To accentuate, illuminate, elucidate and otherwise enumerate relative to the IceMen penalty-killing acumen, the IceMen are 37 for the last 40; 92.5%; 49 for the last 53; 92.4% and 66 for the last 72; 93.8%. Evansville's 8-SHG tie for second most in the league. Meanwhile the power play has been somewhat lacking fluidity and congruity in recent vintage. Ranked third in the CHL; 33-157; 21.0%, the extra man band is 2 for the last 13; 15.4% and 4 for the last 25; 16.0%.

NUMEROLOGY ANTHOLOGY: Josh Beaulieu's 19-goals in 35-games thus far this season have, remarkably eclipsed the 17-total goals that he had scored in his first 201-pro games spanning four seasons. Brian Bicek (90) is 10-goals from 100 and (196) 4-points from pro career 200. Sean O'Connor (90) is 10-assists shy of pro career 100. Todd Robinson (1,189) is 11-points away from pro career 1,200.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": Until Saturday night's 4-3 setback at Dayton, the IceMen had defeated the Gems 8-straight times dating back to the final meeting of last season. They had also won 3-in a row at Hara Arena. Pertaining to the same aforementioned, game, that loss was only the second sustained this season by the IceMen in 16-combined games against Dayton 8(7-1-0) and Bloomington 8(6-1-1); combined record is 16(13-2-1) and a perfect 8(8-0-0) at home. The IceMen are the best first period team in the CHL, outscoring the opposition, 51-29 overall; 27-15 at home and 24-14 on the road. The IceMen are undefeated on Tuesday 4(3-0-1) and Sunday 7(6-0-1) while holding a 12(10-2-0) mark on Fridays. When the IceMen yield 2-GA or less, they are perfect personified at 22(22-0-0) and when they score 4-GF or more; 15(13-2-0). The IceMen are winless in the OTSO 3(0-3) with all 3-decisions coming away.

THE ICEMEN GAME CALENDAR FOR THIS WEEK:

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD RAPID CITY AT THE ICEMEN 7:15 PM

SATURDAY, FEBRRUARY 4TH RAPID CITY AT THE ICEMEN 7:15 PM

The IceMen previously tangled in a three -games' Thanksgiving week series earlier this season in the South Dakota city, posting a 3(1-2-0) mark in the trilogy. In the two setbacks, the IceMen were limited to a grand total of 1-goal, falling in games 1 and 3 by results of 4-0 and 3-1, Evansville did lay claim to the middle game of the trio with a 7-5 victory verdict on the impetus of a season's best 5-PPG and season's best 4-PPG second stanza. Last year, in their lone sojourn to Evansville, the Rapid Citians swept a two game series in as many nights against the IceMen.

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 home 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 home 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, 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 home games are on sale at the Ford Center Ticket Office and at Ticketmaster.com or by contacting the IceMen offices for various ticket plans and great group rates at (812)421-GOAL (4625).

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Central Hockey League Stories from January 29, 2012


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