Evansville Weekly

Published on January 7, 2013 under ECHL (ECHL)
Evansville IceMen News Release


RUNDOWN/LOWDOWN: The Evansville IceMen have launched the New Year 2013 as well as the second-half of their 72-game regular season schedule in grand style and grand fashion. Under the tutelage of third-year General Manager/Head Coach Rich Kromm, the men of Evansville pro hockey fame and fortune have attained triumphs in their initial two home games of the New Year including a most impressive victory verdict in game #37 to institute the season's start to the second-half schedule. In the process, the hometown team has improved its season-long record recital to 37(13-21-3) totaling 29-points. Positioned in fifth place in the ECHL Eastern Conference North Division standings, the IceMen continue to lurk in the shadows, trailing fourth place Kalamazoo 34(15-16-3)33-points by 4-points. This week, the "Icers" confront a three games' work week with the first one at home followed by the latter two being invasions into ECHL hostile territory in Upstate New York. This Wednesday night, Evansville concludes its brief two-game homestand by rekindling rancor with principal archrival Fort Wayne. Then it's on to Elmira, NY where the club will make its first-ever appearance in a weekend pair of games at the First Arena. The interdivisional combatants will tangle on both Friday and Saturday nights.

INDIANA BRAG FLAG: In their lone home game for the second week of the new calendar year, the IceMen will lock antlers with primary archenemy Fort Wayne on Wednesday night. It will be the first time the two teams have tussled truculently since back on November 17th at Fort Wayne where the visitors spirited away a masterful 5-0 shutout success on that extraordinary night. The IceMen are playing a January schedule consisting of 12-total games with 7 of those on home ice at the Ford Center while the remaining 5-outings will be far away from the homestead, he said.

"ICEMEN LIVE PRESENTED BY COORS LIGHT": It's yet another fun-filled and entertaining edition of the IceMen ever-popular Monday night radio show this week. It's "IceMen Live Presented by Coors Light!" Show host, Terry Ficorelli's special guests will be IceMen ace veteran defenseman DANIEL TETRAULT and team top scoring standout JOSH BEAULIEU. It's "IceMen Live Presented by Coors Light," Monday night from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm live from Show-Me's East and on IceMen radio flagship home "Magic 98.5 FM" WEOA and 1400 AM WEOA as well as world-wide on the internet at magic985fm and/or 1400amweoa.com.

WRAP THE RECAP: Facing a daunting assignment of 4-games for the past week with 3 of those on the docket in as many days the recently-concluded weekend, the IceMen posted a 4(2-2-0) mark. On New Year's Eve last Monday night, visiting Gwinnett trumped the navy, sky and white clad Evansvilliens, 3-1. The IceMen outshot the Gladiators, 43-24, only having Matt Schepke's goal late in the third period to account for their lone goal to avert the shutout. In their first game of the 2013 year Friday night, the IceMen were stellar in a 5-1 domination of fledgling Orlando. "The Kromminator" kinetic contingent fused a 4-goal second period powder keg and 5-unanswered goals in all to expunge an early 1-0 deficit. Josh Beaulieu (1-2-3) GWG/+3, Nathan Moon (1-1-2)PPG, Wade MacLeod (GTG), Dylan Clarke and Sebastian Wannstrom each made connection; Todd Robinson assisted twice as did Daniel Tetrault. On Saturday night in Kalamazoo, the IceMen succumbed to a four goal second period barrage, 6-consecutive goals in all as the Wings waylaid them, 7-3. The Kalamazoo special teams inflicted lethal damage delivering 4-PPG and 1-SHG. Wade MacLeod stoked two more goals with each strike generating an IceMen 1-goal lead in the opening period. Todd Robinson engineered a pair of assists as the IceMen actually outshot the Wings, 30-23. Returning home on Sunday, the IceMen came out with a vengeance in disposing of Cincinnati, 4-1. An Evansville 3-goal first period outburst solidified the triumph. Kevin Baker (FG/PPG) connected as did Anthony Nigro (1-1-2) GWG; Sebastian Wannstrom and Daniel Tetrault were the IceMen major marquee marksmen.

JANUARY JAMMIN': The IceMen have launched the New Year with a winning record of 3(2-1-0). For the season, they are 37(13-21-3) 37-points. They are 6(2-4-0) in their last 6-decisions; 11(3-7-1) in their last 11-outings. Their pre-Christmas record; 31(11-17-3)25; after Christmas; 6(2-4-0). Thus far in the second half, the record is 1(1-0-0). Longest win streak of the season is 3-in a row; longest unsullied skein is 6(4-0-2), mirroring the first 6-games In December. The longest losing spell has been 4-consecutively; longest winless span 7(0-6-1) representing the first 7-games of the present season. First half record: 36(12-21-3) 29; second half record; 1(1-0-0). The monthly returns; October 7(0-6-1); November 14(6-8-0; December 13(5-6-2); January 3(2-1-0).

HOME PERFECTO MAGNIFICO: The IceMen have broached the New Year on home ice in perfect personified exemplified fashion with plenty of passion. The past weekend, the IceMen exuded a style and profile that showed a lot of flash, dash and panache with a strong hint of bash in sweeping a pair of home games; 5-1 on Friday night at the expense of Orlando and 4-1 Sunday over Cincinnati. With a flawless and faultless 2(2-0-0) home record for the New Year, the IceMen have upgraded their Ford Center record at this stage of the campaign to 21(9-12-0), Longest home win streak has been 4-in a row; longest home losing streak has been 5-straight to start the current season.

THE ABROAD BLUES: When they trembled in Kalamazoo the past Saturday to the home standing Wings, 7-3, the IceMen saw their losing streak in enemy territory reach 3-consecutive games which represents the longest of the current season and the longest that they have incurred in over 2-years since way back in the 2010-11 season. Overall, their winless spell on the road has reached 7(0-5-2) with their last foreign ice success extracted from the Royals in Reading back on Thanksgiving weekend, November 24th, 4-2.

DIVISIONAL DOSSIER: The IceMen continue to remain respectable within their own North Division alignment. Through 21-games, they are right on the .500 barrier at 21(9-9-3). It is against the Eastern Conference Atlantic Division and South Division where the IceMen have been somewhat destitute. Their combined record for those two divisions is 16(4-12-0); Atlantic 9(2-7-0); South Division: 7(2-5-0).

HONOR ROLL GOAL: Center Todd Robinson's 15-PPA rank as 4th most in the ECHL. Defenseman Matt Gens 31-minor penalties tie him for second most in the entire ECHL. Josh Beaulieu's 4-GWG rank him in the league's top 5 in that vital department. Trent Vogelhuber's 2-SHG top the league's rookies.

CRAFTSMAN SEBASTIAN: Rookie right wing Sebastian Wannstrom has emerged as a goal-scorer extraordinaire for the IceMen. Recently re-assigned by the parent club St. Louis Blues, the parent club's second round draft pick delivered a goal in all 3 of the IceMen games the past weekend. Moreover, the major marquee marksman achieved a +1 rating in each of those trio of games. Riding the rising rapids of a personal 3-game goal-scoring streak; 3(3-0-3), Wannstrom was also a solid +3 for the week. With an uncanny scoring touch around the enemy cage, the Swedish first-year pro is 7(4-1-5) in his initial 7-IceMen games. Wannstrom is the IceMen nomination for ECHL Player of the Week.

PAUL STOPS ALL: Standout first year goalkeeper Paul Karpowich has been at the very top of his game in recent vintage. In fact the past Sunday, in his first official IceMen start of the New Year, he earned the game's #2 Star Sunday. In repelling 32 of 33-shots in his team's stellar 4-1 decision over first place Cincinnati, he elevated his season record to 13(5-7-1).

Karpowich is the IceMen nomination for ECHL Goaltender of the Week.

TAPE-TO-TAPE TODD TIMBER: Veteran center Todd Robinson is playing some of his best hockey at this juncture of the campaign. In the past 3-games in 3-days workload, he maestroed 5-magical assists including back-to-back 2-assists efforts. In his last 3-games; 3(0-5-5). "T. Rob" tops the team in assists with 27 in 29-games. For the season, he is 29(1-27-28) with 1-GWG.

ANTHONY ANTHEM: Third year center Anthony Nigro appears to be regaining his scoring form following his best week yet since joining Evansville by way of the St. Louis / Peoria connection. In 4-games, the past week, the former OHL Major Junior `A' star essayed 4-points in 4-games on 1-goal, 3-assists with a +1 rating. In Sunday's subduing of Cincinnati, he was integral and instrumental to the winning crusade. Named the game's #3 Star, Nigro connected on the game's ultimate GWG while assisting on 1-more in the 4-1 defeat of Cincinnati. It was his first goal in his first 13-games operating in Evansville.

DAPPER DAN BEDAZZLING: Thirteen-year veteran defenseman Daniel Tetrault has enjoyed three exemplary perform-ances on the IceMen blue line. In his last 3-games, the former NHL Montreal Canadiens draft pick has earned a brilliant +6 rating including his third +3 game act, by far foremost on the club, the past Friday night in the 5-1 dismissal of Orlando. For his first 3-games of the year, Tetrault is 3(1-2-3) +6.

WADE MADE MAGIC: Second year left wing Wade MacLeod has been prolific terrific in his two brief assignments to the IceMen this season through NHL parent club Columbus through its AHL Springfield associate. The past weekend, the former Northeastern U. three time scoring titlist connected on 3-more goals over a 2-game stretch including a pair of first period strikes Saturday night in Kalamazoo. In 5-IceMen games combined, MacLeod has sniped 6-goals with 2-multi-goal games; one 3-goal "hat trick" and one 2-goal masterpiece.

THE SPECIALTY SPOT: The IceMen power play is percolating and germinating. It is 3 for the last 10 for a proficiency rating of 30% which is an excellent rating. Josh Beaulieu tops the team with 6-PPG. After a humbling and sobering scenario Saturday night in Kalamazoo where the IceMen munificently allotted season's high 4-PPGA in the 7-3 outcome. However, one day later, the PK was back on high beam, totally muting Cincinnati's vaunted extra man band on all 7-advantages; 7 for 7. The IceMen have allowed the most SHGA at 9.

HISTORY IN NUMBERS: The past week was another historical hallmark for center Todd Robinson. In Friday night's 5-1 defeat of Orlando, "T. Rob" collected his 1,250th career point, accomplishing the majestic feat in his 899th pro career game. In Kalamazoo on Saturday night, he celebrated career game #900 with 2-more assists. Kevin Baker (494) is 6-games shy of pro career 500. Jason Dale (197) is 3-games away from career 200. Josh Beaulieu (296) is 4-games from 300. Beaulieu is the lone IceMen player to have played all 37-games thus far this season.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": The IceMen 4-goal second period explosion in Friday night's 5-1 triumph over Orlando represented their best scoring period of the season. Conversely, the Wings 4-goal second period eruption Saturday night in Kalamazoo against the IceMen represented the second most goals allowed in one period. In the same game, the K-Wings 4-PPG were the most surrendered by the IceMen this season. The IceMen have won their first 2-home starts of the New Year outscoring their addled and agog adversaries, 9-2. Best period this season has been the second period at home where they have outscored their beleaguered visitors, 25-17. The IceMen have played the fewest extra time games in the ECHL with only 3. In his first 11-IceMen games after that major trade with Orlando, Kevin Baker is 11(6-2-8) with 4-FG. After being outshot in 19 of their first 23-games, the IceMen have outshot their opponents in 10 of their last 14-episodes.

THE ICEMEN GAME CALENDAR FOR THIS WEEK:

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9TH FORT WAYNE AT THE ICEMEN 7:15 PM

For the first time since November 17th, the two Indiana state pro hockey rivals have a date with destiny. Evansville is 4(1-2-1) in the previous quartet of battles and 1(0-1-0) at home. The Komets are making their first appearance at the Ford Center since way back on opening night, October 13th when they sabotaged Evansville's home opener, 6-2. However, in the last collision 11/17 at Memorial Coliseum, the IceMen dominated the K's, 5-0 behind Paul Karpowich' first-ever pro shutout.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11TH THE ICEMEN AT ELMIRA 6:00 PM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 12TH THE ICEMEN AT ELMIRA 6:00 PM

In the lone previous meeting of two Eastern Conference, inter-divisional rivals on December 28th in Evansville, the Jackals surmounted 2-0 and 3-1 deficits to overcome the home standing men of the igloo, 6-3. The IceMen are making their first-ever appearance at the First Arena in Elmira, NY.

THE ICEMEN ON THE NEW "MAGIC 98.5 FM" WEOA/WEOA-AM 1400 & THE ICEMEN RADIO NETWORK:

All of the IceMen game broadcasts are on flagship stations, the all-new "Magic 98.5 FM, WEOA as well as on WEOA-AM 1400. Also, they are on the world-wide internet at 1400amweoa.com and magic985fm.com as well as the IceMen Radio Network. WLME-FM 102.7, "The Game" in Owensboro, KY; WMSK-AM 1550, Morganfield, KY and WVLN-AM 740 in Olney, IL broadcast the complete schedule of IceMen games while WITZ-AM 990 and WITZ-FM 104.7, Jasper, IN carry a select schedule of games, numbering 23-30 for the season.

THE ICEMEN DAILY UPDATES ARE EVERYWHERE ON THE AIR: The IceMen daily update reports can now be heard on 18-different radio outlets throughout the Tri-State region. Flagship WEOA-FM 98.5 and WEOA-AM 1400 program the IceMen report at 4:200 pm Monday through Friday. The Townsquare Media family of stations; WGBF-AM 1280, WGBF-FM 103.1, WKDQ-FM 99.5; WJLT-FM 105.3; WKDS-FM 106.1; WBKR-FM 92.5, Owensboro, KY and WOMI-AM 1490, Owensboro, KY present the report every afternoon in drive time between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Elsewhere, WITZ-AM 990 and WITZ-FM 104.7 in Jasper, IN; WSON-am 860 and WSON-FM 96.5 in Henderson, KY; WMSK-AM 1550, WMSK-FM 101.3 in Morganfield, KY; WRAY-AM 1250 in Princeton, IN; WLME-FM 102.7, "The Game" in Owensboro KY and WYFX-FM ESPN Radio 106.7, Mount Vernon, IN.

THE ICEMEN TICKET INFORMATION: IceMen single game tickets for all 36-home games are on sale at the Ford Center Box Office and at Ticketmaster.com or by contacting the IceMen offices for various season ticket plans and great group rates at (812) 421-GOAL (4625). Visit the IceMen website at www.evansvilleicemen.com.

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