Ice Bears Top Ice Flyers 3-2 In Overtime
Published on December 3, 2009 under SPHL (SPHL)
Pensacola Ice Flyers News Release
The Ice Flyers lost to the Ice Bears 3-2 in overtime Thursday night. After falling behind 1-0 in the first period at the hands of a former teammate, the Ice Flyers rallied to take a 2-1 lead midway through the third period. Power plays would kill the Ice Flyers however, as a short-handed Pensacola team let the game-tying goal score in the third period, and the Ice Bears scored a game-winning power play goal in overtime to seal the victory. A former Ice Flyer started the scoring for Knoxville in period one.
Taylor Hustead proved his worth to Knoxville by scoring the first goal of the game with 20 seconds remaining in the first period. Hustead started the season in a Pensacola jersey, but was traded to the Ice Bears for cash considerations on November 18.
The Ice Flyers quickly rallied back after the intermission, tying the game on a Jeff Zatorski goal. The recently acquired Ice Flyer was assisted by Mike Tuomi and Baylor Dieter less than a minute into the second period. Tuomi picked up a point against his former team as well; he broke into the SPHL with Knoxville in the 2006-2007 season. Both goalies kept the score tied, and the players left the ice for the second intermission.
History was a factor again when another former Ice Bear notched a point for Pensacola in the third period. Matt Withers proudly displayed Pensacola across his chest when he slid a pass to Rob Cambell that led to a go-ahead goal nine minutes into the period. The game seemed to be destined for Pensacola, but Mike Tuomi was guilty of tripping at 17:22 and visited the other side of a penalty box he inhabited years ago. With a 5-4 advantage for Knoxville, Frank Furdero put the puck in the net on assists by Mike Bulawka and B.J. Pelkey a mere 19 seconds later to tie the game at three.
The horn sounded to signal the end of regulation with both teams still tied. Over time started, and a back-and-forth game ensued. Finally, the Ice Bears gained an advantage when Pensacola's Kevin Galan was called for hooking at 3:10. Knoxville used the power play to set up Kevin Swider with a chance to win the game at 3:54. He shot and scored, giving Tim Vitek and Mark Van Vliet each an assist, and Knoxville the win. Still, the overtime loss gives Pensacola a point, pushing the Ice Flyers into first place, one point ahead of Knoxville, Fayetteville, and Huntsville.
The Ice Flyers will stay on the road to play Huntsville at 6:35 on Friday. Pensacola will play the Havoc again on Saturday, before returning home to host the Fayetteville FireAntz on Tuesday. Tickets for the 7:05 game are still available, and fans can purchase tickets through the Civic Center Box Office, or online at ticketmaster.com. Groups of ten or more can receive discounted rates by purchasing from the Ice Flyers directly. Call the Ice Flyers at (850) 466-3111, or email jeff@pensacolaiceflyers.com.
SPHL Stories from December 3, 2009
- Ice Bears Top Ice Flyers 3-2 In Overtime - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Ice Bears' Swider Scores Overtime Winner - Knoxville Ice Bears
- Ice Flyers Mourn Passing Of Vice President - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Havoc's Mark Sibbald Named Sher-Wood Player Of The Month - SPHL
- 5 For 5 - If There Are 5,000 People In The Stands, The IceGators Will Give Away $5,000 Cash - Louisiana IceGators
- Louisiana IceGators' Owner Revamping Hockey Operation - Louisiana IceGators
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