Gators Ground Ice Flyers on Last Minute Goal
Published on February 8, 2012 under SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Lafayette, Louisiana - Robert Short is the hero of the night. His goal at the 18-minute mark of the third period broke open what was a scoreless game and put the IceGators on path to a 2-0 victory over the Pensacola Ice Flyers. The victory is the IceGators' third straight. It also puts them within two points of fourth place in the SPHL standings.
"I thought it was a well-played chess match," said IceGators head coach Kevin Kaminski. "Not much happened. When it did, it was either a two-on-one or the execution wasn't there or the goalie made a great save." The goaltenders were indeed spectacular during the contest. Louisiana goalie B. J. O'Brien stopped all 20 shots he faced. Pensacola goalie Corey Milan stopped the first 24 shots he saw before allowing the go-ahead goal. The second goal was an empty-netter scored by Tyler Lyon. Lyon has now scored in four straight games.
Kaminski was complimentary of his defense as well. "I think the guys left it on the ice," he said. "They paid the price. They got pucks in and out of the zone. (Phil) Crea blocked a shot with his body. It was great effort from everybody. B. J. (O'Brien) looked confident. He was composed, and nothing got by him tonight."
Kaminski credits an adjustment to the forecheck and better puck handling for the IceGators' recent successes. "We're recognizing and making smart puck decisions," he said. "We aren't forcing the puck as much, and we're not taking as many chances with the puck." He also says his men are stepping up to be leaders during practices and games. "The guys are taking the leadership role in a demanding way, but not in a demeaning way. Everyone is doing it a little bit better. We seem to be a little more resilient. We're more confident with the new system."
Kaminski wants to see the same type of play from his team this coming weekend, but he also noticed some adjustments his team needs to make. "I told them we have to go out and be road warriors," he said. "We need to play the same brand of hockey. The only things I'd like to see us do are shoot the puck more and get more traffic in front of the net."
The IceGators will hit the road for their next two games. They face the Mississippi RiverKings in Southaven on Friday before heading to Pensacola for a rematch against the Ice Flyers. The IceGators return home Tuesday night to take on the Mississippi Surge. Faceoff for that match is scheduled for 7:05 P. M.
SPHL Stories from February 8, 2012
- Gators Ground Ice Flyers on Last Minute Goal - Louisiana IceGators
- Ice Flyers Blanked By IceGators - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Pensacola's Chris Wilson Named SBK Player of the Week - SPHL
- Ice Flyers Name January Players of the Month - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Game Preview - Ice Flyers at Louisiana IceGators - Pensacola Ice Flyers
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