FireAntz Edge IceGators in Thriller
March 13, 2016 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.--What was supposed to be a four-point weekend for the Louisiana IceGators turned into a weekend of disappointment and heartbreak for the team.
One night after giving up a game-winning goal with 2.8 seconds left, the IceGators wound up on the losing side of a goalie duel, falling to the Fayetteville FireAntz 1-0. Fayetteville goalie Parker Van Buskirk was phenomenal, stopping all 36 Louisiana shots. IceGator netminder Brad Barone stopped 28 of Fayetteville's 29 shots.
The IceGators return to action next Friday night when they travel to play the Macon Mayhem. Game time is set for 7:35 p.m. EDT.
"Another tough one," IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli said after the game. "We came out firing off the hop, but we took our foot off the gas for a bit. We played well in the third, but overall, this is another example of the importance of putting together a full 60 minutes. Give credit to Van Buskirk and Barone. They were both great tonight."
The game's lone goal came at the 16:08 mark of the second period. Fayetteville's Josh McQuade fired a shot, which deflected off Barone's glove and into the net. Graeme Strukoff assisted.
The IceGators are now forced to reexamine how a weekend that should have pushed them closer to a playoff berth turned into a disaster.
"Overall, it was a horrible weekend for us," Omicioli said. "Now, we're back to where we were five weeks ago. It's very disheartening, but until we find some heart and work ethic from all 18 of our players, we will continue to ride this roller coaster. Facts are facts, and this league is too solid for us to take a period of hockey off."
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SPHL Stories from March 13, 2016
- McLean Backstops Ice Flyers to 3-0 Win, Earns First Shutout - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- FireAntz Edge IceGators in Thriller - Louisiana IceGators
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