Evansville IceMen Weekly

Published on February 27, 2012 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Evansville IceMen News Release


THE ICEMEN MAJESTICS: For the second consecutive week, the Evansville IceMen of the Central Hockey League have completed the sweep of an ambitious 4-games' work week. In the process, the IceMen have swelled their winning streak to an extraordinary 10-in a row and seized sole possession of the league-leadership in the CHL. Under the direction of second-year General Manager/Head Coach Rich Kromm, the IceMen 53(36-13-4) 76-points boast the league's premiere record along with a winning percentage of a sterling .717. The men donning the IceMen coat of arms have gained a 2-points lead over Berry Conference kingpin Wichita 53(36-15-2) 74-points for the overall league-leadership among the 14-teams' circuit. Moreover, they have irrigated their grip on the Turner Conference top perch by 7-points over principal archrival Fort Wayne 53(33-17-3) 69-points. This week, the IceMen confront yet another strenuous stretch of 4-games in 5-nights with 3 of those to be staged in the amiable climes and environs of their plush and posh new home of the fabulous Ford Center downtown in our town. Wichita comes back to town for a pair of encounters on Wednesday and Friday nights in Evansville before the IceMen sojourn to the Quad Cities where they will tangle with the playoff-aspiring Mallards in a Saturday night date. Sunday, the IceMen return to the homestead to guest Bloomington in a 5:00 pm affair at the Ford Center.

PREMIUM PROMOS PROUD: It's another banner week of IceMen premium, prominent promotions for their three home appearances this week at their home of the fabulous Ford Center. Wednesday night, in the opening game of a two-game homestand series against Wichita, the IceMen will host the EYHA Alumni as well as present a special post-game skate with the IceMen players on the Ford Center ice. Friday night has been designated Military Night and Girl Scout Night when the IceMen stage an encore presentation against Wichita. In addition, Card Set #5 of the IceMen trading cards sets will be given away. Sunday will be Child Abuse Prevention Night. The Boom Squad will also be here to entertain and enjoy. Bloomington will be here Sunday at 5:00 pm.

CROWDS CROWD THE FORD: When the IceMen subdued archenemy Fort Wayne on home ice Saturday night, 3-0, Evansville pro hockey established a new all-time single game attendance record with a sellout thunderous throng of 9,487. It was the IceMen second sellout of the campaign, exceeding the initial one, also on a Saturday night, January 14th, also against Fort Wayne. That night 9,403 exulted the IceMen and the hometown team's 3-1 throttling of the K's. For their 3-games home schedule the past week, the IceMen attracted 21,736 fans for a per game average of a sparkling 7,245. Furthermore for their 5-Saturday night home dates for the season, the IceMen have averaged 8,101 fans per game at the Ford Center.

"ICEMEN LIVE PRESENTED BY COORS LIGHT": It's another fun-filled, audience-interactive, entertaining IceMen radio show this Monday night. "IceMen Live Presented by Coors Light" is set for Monday night from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm live from Show-Me's East. This week, "The Voice of the IceMen of the IceMen," Terry Ficorelli's special guests will be defenseman Philippe Plante and left wing Josh Beaulieu. The Ice Men weekly show can be heard on the IceMen flagship radio home of WEOA-AM 1400 and 140amweoa.com.

THE BIG TEN: With 4-wins in 4-games the past week, the league-leading IceMen have ballooned and mushroomed their winning streak to a CHL season's best 10-in a row. Their last setback was February 8th at home against Fort Wayne when the Komets upended the home team, 4-3. For the season, the IceMen sport the circuit's supreme summit record of 53(36-13-4) 76-points. The IceMen are also 12(11-1-0) in their last dozen dates. Since the commencement of the new calendar year of 2012, the IceMen have been virtually inviolable, having incurred a scant 4-defeats through the last 27-games; 27(21-4-2). Their longest win streak of the season is their 10-consecutively currently; second longest has been 6-in a row; longest undefeated streaks have been 12(10-0-2), also the longest in the league this year. The second longest has been 7(6-0-1). The IceMen have not been saddled with a losing month through the first 5-months of the season. Their 11-victories thus far in February have eclipsed the best month ever last month when in January they registered 10-triumphs. The monthly precincts reporting: October 2(1-0-1); November 11(8-3-0); December 13(6-6-1); January 13(10-1-2); February 14(11-3-0).

HOMESTEAD STELLAR: For the past week, the CHL league-leading IceMen captured 3 more conquests in as many games on home ice. In the process, they extended their home win streak to 5-in a row which ranks as their second best this season. Their longest has been 7-consecutive home wins. Evansville's last taste of the bitter brine of home defeat came back on February 8th when the Komets clipped the IceMen, 4-3. The IceMen home record for the season stands at 28(20-7-1).

ROAD KICKS AND TRICKS WITH 6: By virtue of their late, dramatic 2-1 OT triumph Sunday at Dayton, the league-leading IceMen have advanced their foreign ice warfare win streak to 6-consecutively. This road win skein matches the longest one in the entire CHL for this year. Evansville's last road setback was incurred back on January 28th in Dayton where they perished to the Gems, 4-3. For the season, the IceMen have attained the league's foremost road log at 25(16-6-3). Previously, their longest road win streak was 4 and their longest unblemished skein abroad was 6(5-0-1). In their last 12-road dates, the IceMen have sustained a scant single setback at 12(9-1-2).

GROW FROM YEAR AGO: One year ago at this time, through 53-games, the IceMen had compiled a record of 53(17-28-8) 42-points. One year later, at a league-best 53(36-13-4) 76-points, the IceMen have garnered 19-more wins, have suffered 15-fewer defeats and have amassed 34-more points. For all of last season, the IceMen mark was 66(21-32-13) 55-points. With still 13-more games remaining, the IceMen have 15-more wins; 19-less losses; 21-more points.

CONFERENCE COMPENDIUM: The IceMen have flourished all season against both conferences comprising the CHL thus far this season. Within their own Turner Conference, the IceMen have a star-studded mark of 42(26-12-4); against the Berry Conference, the IceMen have been especially superlative, currently riding the wave of an 8-game win streak, improving their record against the Conference to a gaudy 11(10-1-0). When subtracting the IceMen record against Fort Wayne 11(4-6-1) and Rapid City 5(1-4-0) or 16(5-10-1), the IceMen record against the rest of the CHL is a scintillating 36(30-3-3).

CREASE POLICE: During their 10-game win streak, the IceMen have been the consummate defensive fortress. They outscored their beleaguered adversaries, 35-16 for a GAA of a frugal 1.60. During their 5-game win streak on home ice, the IceMen have outgoaled the opposition competition, 18-8 for a GAA of a microscopic 1.60. In the sweep of the past 4-game work week, the IceMen yielded 6-GA for a GAA of 1.50. They surrendered a grand total of a menial 1-GA in back-to-back wins in less than 24-hours to close out the week.

MAJOR MARQUEE MEN: Todd Robinson 53(20-58-78) continues to top the CHL in scoring enterprise with Brian Bicek 53(32-24-56) listed 9th and Nicklas Lindberg 52(13-38-51) ranked 16th. Bicek's 32-goals tie for #1 in the CHL; his 4-SHG lead the league outright. Robinson's 58-assists are 15-more than the rest of the league; his 27-PPA are also league-wide foremost. Bicek is #3 in the CHL with a +25 rating; his 36-minor penalties are 4th most circuit-wide. Mario Boilard is 5th in PIM with 144. For the defense; 1-Steve Makway 51(4-37-41); 2-Matt Gens 53(9-30-39); 9-Philippe Plante 52(10-21-31). Makway (37), Gens (30) are also 1-2 in the league in the assists department. Plante's 6-PPG rank #3; Gens 16-PPA tie for #1; his 150-SOG rank 3rd; Gens and Plante's 3-GWG tie for 2nd most among the blue line brigade. Plante boasts the circuit's supreme shooting percentage at 10/66 for a rating of .152. In rookie scoring, Malcolm Gwilliam is 12th with 53(16-15-31). In the goalkeeping position, Bryan Gillis is still ranked #3 in the CHL with a GAA of 2.26; his SPCT of .927 ranks circuit second. His 23-wins are third most in the league. Pier-Olivier Pelletier is 9th with a GAA of 2.60 and SPCT of .923.

T. ROB T.RIFIC: In 4-games the past week, the league's leading point meister, center Todd Robinson collected 7-points on 3-goals, 4-assists. In the process "T.Rob" extended his latest point streak to a magical 14-games which is presently the longest in the CHL; 14(9-15-24) and the longest for the entire current campaign. Robinson tops the team in PPG with 8 and multiple point games with 19.

"THE GILL" THRILL: The IceMen rookie sensation Bryan Gillis continues to leave with us a lasting, indelible impression through his goaltending fantastico. "The Great Gilly in Goal" has expanded his personal win streak to 6-in a row; last 6(6-0-0). In his last 17-starts, he has composed a magnificent mark of 17(16-1-0). His overall record of 28(23-4-1) and road record of 11(10-1-0) are both the best of the rest in the CHL.

THE BIG `O' FROM P.O.: Before a sellout record crowd of 9,487 Saturday night, goaltender Pier-Olivier Pelletier was hailed the game's #1 Star as he shutout archrival Fort Wayne at the Ford Center, 3-0. For Pelletier, it was his 5th consecutive victory and second for the week. It was also his second shutout of the current campaign with both zero stylings coming at the expense of the Komets. His initial shutout of the mighty Fort Wayners was back on opening night, October 22nd when his team defeated the K's, 5-0.

THE MALCOLM SUM: First-year right wing Malcolm Gwilliam has been a most pleasant surprise since being inserted on the starboard flank with Todd Robinson and Josh Beaulieu. Sunday at Dayton, he fired his 16th goal of the season on the power play. For the former Michigan Tech team captain and leading point producer, the touch-in-the-clutch knack on the attack has reaped bounteous benefits for his team. His 6-FG tie him for the team-leadership with Brian Bicek. He has also delivered 4-PPG.

MATT-STAT-FACT: Left Wing Matt Pierce is making his presence more prominent and pre-eminent with each passing game for his club. In front of Saturday night's sellout crowd of 9,487, he engineered 1-goal, 1-assist with his strike stoked into the vacated cage to solidify the victory. For the season, Pierce is 53(12-9-21) with 3-PPG, 3-GWG along with a strong and stellar +8 rating.

THE "JR" RADAR STAR: Veteran right wing John Ronan seems to be finding his niche and forte in the goal-cannonading department for the IceMen. The past week, the former U. of Maine standout fashioned back-to-back goal games including the ultimate GWG Saturday night in the win over the Komets. It was Ronan's 11th goal of the season with 4 of those netted against the archenemies. In fact all 3 of Ronan's GWG this season have been struck against the Fort Wayners.

OVERTIME SHINE: With their late, dramatic 2-1 OT triumph Sunday at Dayton, the IceMen have sustained their masterful sorcery of the opposition in the extra session. It was Evansville's 6th OT win in 7-such smackdowns and their 4th in OT in as many such affairs against the Gems. What a difference a year makes; last year, the IceMen had the dubious distinction of owning the league's worst OT record at 9(1-8-0).

SPECIAL TEAMS TRUMP: The IceMen special teams have been the consummate models of complete and total efficiency and proficiency this season. Take the power play; it has been torrid. It is 8 for the last 15; 53.3%; 10 for the last 20; 50%; 11 for the last 25; 44%. For the season the IceMen power play is ranked second in the league, operating at 22.1%; 47-212. Their 47-PPG tie them for second most in the IHL. Meanwhile, the shorthand band has been brilliant all season long. Ranked #1 in the CHL, the IceMen as penalty-killers have been extremely effective. The opposition is 0 for the last 12; 6 for the last 66; 91%; 12 for the last 113; 89.4%. Evansville's 10-SHG rank are third most in the CHL.

THE MILESTONES MILL: Brian Bicek's (99) next goal will be the 100th of his pro career. Bicek has played in 195-consecutive games dating back to the 2009-10 with the IHL Muskegon Lumberjacks. Matt Gens (193) is 7-points away from pro career 200. Nicklas Lindberg (293) is 7-assists shy pro career 300. Steve Makway (192) is 8-assists away from 200. Sean O'Connor (92) is 8-assists away from 100. Todd Robinson has 881-assists in 858-career games.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": The IceMen are still unsullied on Sunday; 9(8-0-1) overall; 7(6-0-1) at home and 2(2-0-0) on the road. When they score the FG, the IceMen record stands at 31(25-3-3); when they lead after the first period; 27(20-4-3) when leading after the second period; 30(27-1-2). When the IceMen outshoot the opposition, they are 22(19-3-3). When the IceMen yield 2-GA or less, their record is a perfect 30(30-0-0). When they score 4 or more; 21(19-2-0) when they score 3 or more; 40(31-6-3).

THE ICEMEN GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29TH WICHITA AT THE ICEMEN 7::15 PM

FRIDAY, MARCH 2ND WICHITA AT THE ICEMEN 7:15 PM

The two conference kingpins collided last Friday night in an epic encounter for the overall top spot in the CHL with the IceMen surmounting a daunting 2-0 early second period deficit to prevail, 4-3. It was the first time that the home team had broken through to gain the victory through the first 3-games of the 6-game season series. Evansville is 3(2-1-0) against Thunder so far this season

SATURDAY MARCH 3RD THE ICEMEN AT QUAD CITY 7:00 PM

For the fourth time the two intra-conference teams will tangle with the IceMen sweeping the first 3-games thus far; 3(3-0-0) including back-to-back shutouts from Bryan Gillis. The IceMen have outscored the Mallards, 10-2 in the 3-games thus far.

SUNDAY, MARCH 4TH BLOOMINGTON AT THE ICEMEN 5:00 PM

The 10th and final meeting of the season for the IceMen and the Blaze and the fifth one in Evansville with the series being dominated by the IceMen at 9(7-1-1). They are a perfect 4(4-0-0) at home.

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 radio show, "IceMen Live Presented by Coors Light" wherever you go! For more information, visit the IceMen web-site 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 16-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; WBKR-FM 92.5 (Owensboro, KY) 4:40 pm; WOMI-AM 1490 (Owensboro, KY) at 4:50 pm. Elsewhere, on WITZ-AM 990 and WITZ-FM 104.7 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 WMSK-AM 1550 at 7:30 am and 4:30 pm and WMSK-FM 101.3, Morganfield, KY at 4:25 pm. The latest addition is WYNX-FM ESPN Radio 106.7 in Mount Vernon, IN.

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) or visit our website at www.evansvilleicemen.com.

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Central Hockey League Stories from February 27, 2012


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