Ice Bears Edge RiverHawks

November 18, 2011 - SPHL (SPHL)
Augusta RiverHawks News Release


The Augusta RiverHawks managed to battle back from an early 2-0 deficit, but it would not be enough as they would fall to the Knoxville Ice Bears 5-3 Friday night in Knoxville, Tennessee. It was the first meeting of the season between the top two teams in the Southern Professional Hockey League standings, and snaps an nine-game unbeaten streak for the RiverHawks.

The Ice Bears' duo of Emery Olauson and Kevin Swider have been dominant throughout the beginning of the 2011-12 season, and tonight was no different. Olauson scored three goals including two in the first 48 seconds of the game and added an assist. Meanwhile the former SPHL scoring champion Swider contributed four assists to the effort.

Olauson's two early markers got the RiverHawks against the wall early and forced Coach Brad Ralph to make a quick goaltending change, as he sent BJ O'Brien in to replace starter David Wilson. The move paid immediate dividends as O'Brien gave the RiverHawks the opportunity to tie the game in the second period with a pair of goals, before the Ice Bears regained the lead before the second frame ended.

The one-goal lead lasted through much of the third period until RiverHawks' forward Dustin Cloutier would score the game tying goal with just under seven minutes remaining. However, the game would remain knotted up for just over two minutes as Olauson would complete the hat-trick with the game winning goal. Tyler Fletcher scored into an empty net in the final minute to provide the insurance marker.

The win moves the Ice Bears to a record of 7-2, good for 14 points and second place in the SPHL. They remain three points back of the RiverHawks who own a record of 8-2-1 for 17 points, but the Ice Bears have two games in-hand.

The RiverHawks play on the road in Fayetteville on Thanksgiving Day. Fans in Augusta can catch the games at the Official Live Watch Party at Somewhere in Augusta at 2820 Washington Rd. and enjoy a burger and beer for just $10. The RiverHawks are back in action on Phoenix Refrigeration Ice at the James Brown Arena Friday, November 25th as they play the Pensacola Ice Flyers. The puck drops at 7:35pm. Tickets for the game are available through the RiverHawks' office and the James Brown Arena box office. Additional information on the Team, tickets, and schedule are available on the RiverHawks' home on the web, www.augustariverhawks.com or by calling 706-993-2645.



SPHL Stories from November 18, 2011


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