FireAntz's Last Second Goal Dooms IceGators
March 12, 2016 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.--It takes a lot to render Louisiana IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli speechless.
Giving up a goal to the Fayetteville FireAntz with three seconds or less in regulation twice in the same season will do it.
Four months after allowing the FireAntz to tie a game with 0.7 seconds left in regulation, the IceGators surrendered a game-winning goal with two seconds left in the third period, handing the FireAntz a 3-2 victory and throwing away at least one point in the league standings.
The two teams meet again Saturday night in Fayetteville at 7:05 p.m.
"There's not much to say tonight," Omicioli said after gathering his thoughts. "We had opportunities that we didn't execute on, and they threw the puck at the net with less than three seconds left, and not one player hit the ice to block the shot. It's just a wasted two points. I'm embarrassed of that loss, as is the entire team. On to tomorrow."
After a scoreless first period, the IceGators and the FireAntz both went on a furious offensive rush in the second period. Zac Frischmon gave the IceGators a 1-0 lead 3:41 into the frame with a goal off a Dylan Hood assist. Fayetteville jumped ahead 2-1 midway through the frame thanks to goals from Joseph Manno and Nick Lazorko. The IceGators knotted the score with 2:45 left in the period when John Daniels notched his 17th goal of the year off assists from Jake Hauswirth and newcomer David Gandara.
The game seemed to be headed to overtime as the third period clock ticked towards 0:00. Andrew Darrigo's desperation shot in the waning seconds of regulation prevented the extra period, clearing the goal line at the 19:58 mark of the final frame. Manno and Devin Stuermer were credited with assists on the game-winner.
SPHL Stories from March 12, 2016
- Rivermen Win Third Straight with Overtime Thriller Saturday - Peoria Rivermen
- RiverKings force overtime, win in shootout in Pensacola - Mississippi RiverKings
- Adams Scores Twice as Ice Flyers Fall 4-3 in Shootout - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Ice Bears Extend Home Point Streak to 10 Games - Knoxville Ice Bears
- Mayhem Rally But Lose - Macon Mayhem
- Rivermen Game Notes at Huntsville - Peoria Rivermen
- FireAntz's Last Second Goal Dooms IceGators - Louisiana IceGators
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