Ice Bears Slither to Playoff Victory
March 29, 2013 - SPHL (SPHL)
Knoxville Ice Bears News Release
Knoxville, TN - The Knoxville Ice Bears took game 1 of the SPHL Quarterfinals against the Columbus Cottonmouths 3-0 in front of a thunderous crowd of 3,047.
A physical first period saw most of the time spent in the neutral zone. Columbus took a tripping penalty 11:08 into the period, and Knoxville took advantage of the opportunity. The Ice Bears set up a play from the point with a pass from Peter Neal to Jon Higgins. Higgins then sent a bullet towards the net and Matt Pierce who batted the puck out of the air with his stick to beat Columbus goaltender, Andrew Loewen.
The physicality continued in the second period from both sides. Knoxville was assessed two penalties that were killed off thanks to goaltender Bryan Hince and tenacious pursuit by the Ice Bears defense.
Penalties dominated the first half of the third period, with both teams being awarded a power play opportunity. With 6:34 remaining in the game, Knoxville provided relentless pressure that resulted in multiple scoring chances. Brett Valiquette grabbed a rebound in front then skated around the back to try a wraparound.
Valliquette sent the puck through the pads of Loewen that sat in the crease. Rookie Ben Souders found the puck and flipped it in the back of a wide open net.
Souders sealed the victory with :27 remaining with an empty net goal to make the score 3-0. The second goal of the night caped his first multi-goal game in his first playoff game.
Game 2 is Saturday in Columbus at 7:30. The Ice Bears will be back on home ice next Sunday, March 31 for game three (if necessary) of the quarterfinals against Columbus. Come join the Ice Bears at Buffalo Wild Wings in Turkey Creek for the official away game viewing party. Follow the Ice Bears on Twitter and like them on Facebook for details about the possibility of game three. If the Ice Bears host game 3, tickets will go on sell at midnight for Sunday's game.
To order tickets call 865-656-4444 or visit www.knoxvilletickets.com.
SPHL Stories from March 29, 2013
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- Ice Bears Slither to Playoff Victory - Knoxville Ice Bears
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- Fayetteville's Andrew Smale Named Easton Defenseman of the Year - SPHL
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