Huntsville Knocks off IceGators, Advance to SPHL Finals
Published on April 6, 2013 under SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Lafayette, Louisiana--The Cardiac Crocodilians flatlined Saturday night. The Huntsville Havoc scored four unanswered goals en route to a 5-1 route of the Louisiana IceGators. Nick Lazorko scored twice in the first period, while Sam Cannata scored a goal and registered an assist.
Huntsville advances to the SPHL President's Cup Finals. The Havoc will face the Pensacola IceFlyers in the championship series.
"It's disappointing and frustrating," said IceGators coach Kevin Kaminski. "We were coming off a big win, and I thought we had all the momentum and energy to win. We didn't have any of that tonight. Not even one line had it going. We weren't in synch. Everybody was doing their own thing.
"We ran out of grease. We tried to do too much. We didn't keep it simple. They capitalized on our breakdowns. I guess when you don't get enough oxygen to the brain, you don't do enough good things. We didn't do enough good things tonight."
Cannata gave the Havoc a 1-0 lead five minutes into the game off assists from Lazorko and Justin Cseter. Two minutes later, Matt Robertson tied the game with a powerplay goal. Lazorko scored twice in the final six minutes of the first period to give the Havoc a 3-1 lead heading into the first intermission.
The Havoc tacked on two more goals in the third period to ice the game. Ian Boot picked up a powerplay goal less than two minutes into the frame. Mike Gurtler added another powerplay goal midway through the period.
"You have to give the Havoc credit," Kaminski said. "They played well. They blocked a ton of shots, and they didn't give us anything at all. They played a solid smart road game."
While most of the players will be heading home in the next few days, Kaminski said next season begins for him on Monday.
""There's no offseason when you don't win the cup," Kaminski said. "Obviously, you have to reevaluate the team. Recruiting starts Monday. I'll get in contact with agents and scouts. We did some good things. It was a successful season, but it had a disappointing finish."
Kaminski also expressed his appreciation for his players' efforts throughout the year.
"I want to thank my players for all of the blood, sweat, and sacrifice they gave," Kaminski said. "I'm proud of the way they endured all of the trials and tribulations of minor league hockey. We had tons of injuries, call-ups, and guys leaving. I'm proud of what they did, but we can't be satisfied."
SPHL Stories from April 6, 2013
- Ice Bears Fall in An Epic Defensive Battle - Knoxville Ice Bears
- Huntsville Knocks off IceGators, Advance to SPHL Finals - Louisiana IceGators
- IceGators Win in 3OT, Force Game 3 against Huntsville - Louisiana IceGators
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