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SPHL Knoxville Ice Bears

Ice Bears Can't Match Surge's Special Teams

April 8, 2011 - SPHL (SPHL)
Knoxville Ice Bears News Release


Knoxville, TN - The Ice Bears returned to the Civic Coliseum tonight for Game 3 of the SPHL semi-final. After splitting the first two games in Biloxi, the Mississippi Surge scored on three power plays to defeat the Knoxville Ice Bears, 3-2 in overtime.

With the home ice advantage, the Ice Bears began the game with intensity. Knoxville's rookie goalie Bryan Hince stopped all 14 of the Surge's shots on goal in the first period. The Ice Bears carried the play with a physical assault on the visitors, but were bested by Mississippi goalie Bill Zaniboni, last season's goaltender of the year, until the final seconds of the first period.

With 43.6 seconds remaining in the first period, Knoxville's Jason Weeks scored the first goal of the game and his second playoff goal. Weeks was assisted by Brett Valliquette and David Segal. The period finished with the Ice Bears leading 1-0.

Tension escalated as the teams returned for the second period. The Surge's Nick Klaren beat Hince on a power play at 2:09 minutes, knotting the game at 1. Four minutes later, on another Surge power play, Michael Richard hit the net giving Mississippi the 2-1 lead.

The Ice Bears battled through 4-on-4 play, two more penalty kills and altercations with Mississippi's Chris Chambers and Jason Beeman. The second period ended with Knoxville trailing 1-2.

The third period was crucial for the Ice Bears. Hince was stellar in net, holding the Surge scoreless. With Mississippi's Shane Wagner in the box for hooking - Mike Bulawka received a pass from Weeks and rocketed the puck past Zaniboni to tie the game at 2. Bulawka's first playoff goal was also assisted by Valliquette.

Bulawka's goal sent game three into sudden death overtime.

Martin Kubaliak was penalized for interference 4:35 minutes into overtime. At 5:19 the Surge thought they finished the game, but the goal was waved because of a delay of game penalty given to Knoxville's Eric Slais, putting the Surge on a 5-on-3 power play. With the two player deficit, Beeman slipped the puck to the net to win the game 3-2.

Game 4 of the SPHL semi finals against the Mississippi Surge will be Saturday, April 9, at 7:30 in the Civic Coliseum. Come out with your beards on to cheer the Ice Bears to tie the series.

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