Havoc Drop Thanksgiving Game at Home to Knoxville 5-3
November 23, 2018 - SPHL (SPHL)
Huntsville Havoc News Release
HUNTSVILLE - The Havoc held a two-goal lead early in the third period and looked to have the game well in hand, until the Knoxville Ice Bears scored four times in the final 15 minutes to win 5-3.
It was Huntsville's fifth consecutive loss of the young season.
"Another tough loss at home tonight," said Havoc Head Coach Glenn Detulleo. "We had a good first half of the game, but our own mistakes and lack of discipline cost us. Fortunately, we have a quick turnaround and get right back at it in less than 24 hours."
The Ice Bears (4-4-2) jumped out to an early lead by scoring 67 seconds in to the game. It would take another 30 minutes of playing time before Huntsville (4-5-1) would even up the score. Trevor Gerling, parked on the Ice Bears goalie's blind side, took a centering pass from Pat Condon and popped it over the keeper's pad to tie the game midway through the second period.
The score also triggered an outpouring of generosity from the Havoc faithful as they tossed more than 400 stuffed animals on to the ice for the Toys for Tots program after the home team's first goal.
With a little more than two minutes remaining in the second period, Huntsville's Tyler Piacentini backhanded a shot from just in front of Knoxville keeper Michael Santaguida to take the lead for the Havoc. Ryan Salkeld doubled the lead three minutes into the final frame by pick-pocketing the puck from behind the Ice Bears net and scoring a quick wrap-around goal.
In the first two periods, 13 penalties were called on both teams. In the third, the officials only called one, but it proved costly. Sy Nutkevitch was sent to the penalty box to serve a five-minute major for elbowing and the Ice Bears took advantage, tying the game on two quick goals, then scoring the go-ahead with 9:32 left on the clock.
A late empty-netter capped the scoring for the Ice Bears, who escaped the Rocket City with a 5-3 win.
The loss extends Huntsville's losing streak to five. The longest winless streak they had last season was three.
Salkeld continues his point streak to seven games (5g, 2a). Nutkevtich also recorded a pair of assists, tallying six over the past four games.
The Havoc could not score on the powerplay Thursday night despite seven opportunities. They also outshot the Ice Bears 36-27.
Next Game
Huntsville hopes to snap the losing skid on Friday, Nov. 23, when the team hosts the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs on Stuart Stefan Night. The team will retire the jersey of the SPHL All-Star, Havoc record-holder, and current Havoc assistant coach. Stuart Stefan Bobblehead ticket packages are available on the Havoc website and special Stu Stefan jerseys will be auctioned off after the game.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. on PharmacyFirst Ice in the Von Braun Center.
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