Ice Bears Fashionably Late to Shootout Victory
Published on November 18, 2012 under SPHL (SPHL)
Knoxville Ice Bears News Release
Knoxville, TN - The Knoxville Ice Bears beat the Mississippi RiverKings 3-2 Saturday night in an exhilarating over-time shootout.
Although the Ice Bears would come out victorious, they were slow out of the gate. As fans enjoyed the Nashville Predators and Boy Scouts of American theme night, the RiverKings were quick to take advantage of a confused Knoxville defense, scoring twice in the first period. Matt Whitehead found the back of the net just over four minutes into the period when the puck ricocheted off a stick and landed in front of the goal for an easy shot. Teammate Todd Hosmer was able to score two and a half minutes later when the Ice Bears defense collapsed, leaving goalie Kyle Rank versus two RiverKings' skaters.
However, the Ice Bears would come out skating hard in the 2nd period. Captain David Segal motivated the team and crowd with a backhand netter 6:42 into the period. With the crowd on their feet, the Ice Bears and RiverKings traded goal opportunities but headed into intermission 2-1 Mississippi.
Knoxville's offensive possessions improved throughout the game as they dominated the RiverKings in shots 36-20. One of those shots, by Emery Olauson, would tie up the game just 0:45 into the 3rd period. The packed arena of 4,095 would remain behind their beloved Ice Bears, cheering for close scoring opportunities and a stellar defense.
The Ice Bears would go into overtime inspired by Head Coach Mike Craigen and an energetic crowd. The 3 on 3, five minute setting was an exciting yet tense atmosphere. The RiverKings beat the Ice Bears down the ice at one point for a point blank shot that would sail wide of the net. The Ice Bears would then have a lengthy two minute possession but failed to score, forcing the game into a five player shootout.
Mississippi's Randazzo would be first to shoot but Kyle Rank kicked it wide. Ice Bears' forward Eric Satim would shoot next, missing wide left. Nick Walsh followed by sneaking a shot, stick side high, past Rank to put the RiverKings up one. Olauson was next and made deceptive move to put it through Matthew Krahn's legs to tie the score.
Both Whitehead and Mark Van Vliet would fail to score, shooting wide right and ringing the pipe, respectively. Berkley Scott would try to help the Ice Bears but missed wide. Then Steven Kaunisto would ricochet off the pipe for the RiverKings' fifth shot. But Ricky Helmbrecht's number would be called when he skated determined towards the goal, mystifying Krahn with an incredible heel drag goal to win the game.
The Ice Bears will ride their momentum down to Fayetteville next Thursday, Nov. 22, to battle the FireAntz. The Ice Bears return home to play the FireAntz again on Friday, Nov. 23 for their coveted wiener dog races and black out for Black Friday. Fans are encouraged to wear black for this game as tribute to the greatest shopping day of the year.
Single game tickets are on sale now. To order call (865) 656-4444 or visit www.knoxvilletickets.com . Season, Partial Season and Flex Tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit www.knoxvilleicebears.com or call (865) 525-7825.
SPHL Stories from November 18, 2012
- Ice Flyers Fall in OT - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Tamblyn Lifts Surge in Overtime - Mississippi Surge
- IceGators Fall in Overtime to Surge - Louisiana IceGators
- Ice Bears Fashionably Late to Shootout Victory - Knoxville Ice Bears
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