Gators blast Pilots 3-1
December 31, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Lafayette, LA - The Louisiana IceGators rang in 2005 in style with a 3-1 victory over Pensacola Ice Pilots on New Year's Eve in the Cajundome.
The Gators opened the scoring in the 1st period with two goals from defensemen to take a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. At 7:52, Randy Dagenais scored his 5th of the season as his slap shot deflected off Cam Keith past netminder Fred Cloutier to open the scoring. Chris Thompson and David Bararuk assisting on the goal. At 10:01, Chris Heid scored his first goal as an IceGator, his blast from the left point beat Cloutier up high for a 2-0 Gators advantage, Thompson and Bararuk again combined for the assists. Pensacola went 0-4 on the power play in the period.
The Gators maintaineda two goal cushion through two periods as the teams traded late goals. At, 17:13 Dagenais scored his 2nd of the night and 6th of the year on a power play blast from the slot, Heid and Bararuk working the puck up the middle to Dagenais for the tally. Tyler Beechey scored his 14th of the season at 18:36 to cut the lead to 3-1 after 40 minutes of play.
Neither team could score in the 3rd period as Louisiana ends it's 3 game losing streak with a 3-1 victory. For the night each team has 28 shots on net. The IceGators were 1-7 on the power play while stopping all 10 Pensacola power play opportunities. With the win, the Gators record improved to 14-12-3, 31 points and 4th place in the South Division.
Coming Up
Sunday, January 2, 2005 at Mississippi Sea Wolves at 5:05pm:
For the first time since November 13, the Gators and Wolves will hook up. The last time these two teams played, rookie Nathan Marsters made his pro debut stopping 43 of 44 Mississippi shots and going a perfect 4-4 in the shootout to earn a 2-1 IceGators victory. This game will mark the beginning of a long and winding road for the Gators in January, as Louisiana will play only one home game during the month. The Gators will play 11 times on the road during the next 29 days including a trip to San Diego on January 15, 2005.
ECHL Stories from December 31, 2004
- Escobedo Traded; Guzior Activated - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- Gators blast Pilots 3-1 - Louisiana IceGators
- 'Blades close out 2004 portion of season with 4-3 victory over Charlotte - Florida Everblades
- Chiefs Come From Behind to Beat Toledo - Johnstown Chiefs
- Losing Streak Ends in 7-4 Win - Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz
- Dexter is named the first Victoria Salmon Kings Team Captain - Victoria Salmon Kings
- 'Blades team up with Red Cross to help tsunami victims - Florida Everblades
- Titans Can't Solve Bullies in 3-1 Loss - Trenton Devils
- Bullies Tangle Up Titans 3-1 - Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies
- Martin Back With Storm - Toledo Walleye
- ECHL Today - ECHL
- Marks wins 700th in 3-2 victory over Gwinnett - Greenville Grrrowl
- Checkers drop close on to Pensacola 2-1 - Charlotte Checkers
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