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SPHL Knoxville Ice Bears

Ice Bears Sluggish Start Too Much to Overcome

November 16, 2012 - SPHL (SPHL)
Knoxville Ice Bears News Release


Knoxville, TN - (November 15, 2012) On Thursday night, the Knoxville Ice Bears ended their four game winning streak and lost their second game of the season 5-3 to the Fayetteville FireAntz.

The FireAntz took an early lead in the first when John Clewlow scored only 0:38 into the game. Clewlow's name would be called again three minutes later when he found the back of the net with 15:58 on the clock. The Ice Bears tried shaking off their flat start with plenty of great shot opportunities. Unfortunately, the FireAntz would find their way through the Ice Bears' defense when Mike Gurtler added to Fayetteville's total at 5:58 in the first and leading 3-0.

However, Tyler Fernandez would put a stop to Fayetteville's run when he took advantage of a rebound for the Ice Bears' first goal at 4:22. The Ice Bears would not get out of the first without the FireAntz adding one more with just 0:58 remaining, when Kyle McNeil got past Connor Toomey for the fourth time of the night.

After the first intermission, the Ice Bears came out to a blistering second period. Head Coach Mike Craigen was able to inspire his team as the Ice Bears put two in on Fayetteville. First, Peter Neal ripped one past Fayetteville Goalie Marco Edmond with 12:58 on the clock of the second period.

While Toomey had a tough start, he wouldn't allow another goal for the rest of the night, saving 20 consecutive shots. The defense took notice as they too began skating harder and pushing the puck up ice, helping the offense tally 14 shots.

The Ice Bears came out physical in the third, eager to tie things up when Emery Olauson scored at 5:41 in the third as the Ice Bears tried rallying and carrying their momentum to force overtime. Despite a line brawl, resulting in six game misconduct penalties, the Ice Bears didn't let up. Even with 17 shots in the final period, the Ice Bears were unable to notch a tying goal. Gurtler scored an empty net goal with 0:33 left in the game to finalize a 5-3 Fayetteville win.

The team will look to get back on the winning track tomorrow, Nov. 16 at 7:30 pm, when they travel to Columbus, GA to face the Cottonmouths. Come out and enjoy the game at Buffalo Wild Wings in Turkey Creek to cheer on the Ice Bears with your Knoxville Ice Bears family.

The Ice Bears return home Saturday, November 17 at 7:30 pm, to battle the Mississippi RiverKings. Saturday night is Nashville Predators night. The team's specialty jerseys which feature Predators' colors will be auctioned off at the end of the game.

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.

Mercedes Benz and Land Rover of Knoxville Three Stars of the Game

1st Star - John Clewlow (Fayetteville)

2nd Star - Mike Gurtler (Fayetteville)

3rd Star - Peter Neal (Knoxville)

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SPHL Stories from November 16, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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