Ice complete productive weekend

Sports stats



CHL Central Hockey League

Ice complete productive weekend

by Mike Wallin
November 11, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)


The Indianapolis Ice completed a productive weekend of Central Hockey League play by taking five out of a possible six points. With the big weekend, Indianapolis improved its record to 4-4-3 (11 points) on the season.

"It's tough when you come out of the gate and start losing," said forward Greg Olsen. "Things are starting to come together around here. Defensively we are tightening up and it's just a matter of time before the offense kicks in."

The weekend started off in Indianapolis where the Ice took the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs to overtime before dropping a 3-2 decision. Jamie Morris stopped 35 Mudbug shots and Kevin St. Jacques (5) and Jason Baird (7) converted on the power-play for Indy.

After Friday night's loss, Indianapolis hopped on the bus and traveled 640 miles to Wichita, Kansas. The Ice escaped the Thunder by taking a 2-1 shoot-out victory. Once again, St. Jacques (6) lit the lamp for Indianapolis. It took six shoot-out rounds before Justin Kearns settled the affair. It was Kearns' first goal of the season. Shawn Silver stopped 23 Thunder shots to win his first game in an Ice sweater.

"I only have one move," said a joking Kearns. "Truthfully, I wasn't trying to think. I just came down the ice and shot on net. Thankfully it went in."

Indianapolis finished off the weekend by returning to the "Circle City" for a Sunday affair with the Thunder. Another close battle ensued, with the Ice coming out on top 2-1. Andrew Taylor (2) and Jason Baird (8) scored for Indianapolis. Shawn Silver again tended goal and turned aside 29 Wichita shots to earn the victory.

"The sleeper bus made it much easier," said Silver. "It's a long trip to Wichita and back. I was fortunate in that I got a lot of rest."

ICE CHIPS

The Ice continue to excel on the penalty kill. Through eleven games, the Ice have allowed just 5 goals against in 49 opportunities. Opponents have scored against the Ice on the man-advantage in only three games this season.

"Special teams win hockey games," said Andrew Taylor. "We take pride in the penalty kill. It's a huge part of our game."

Jason Baird, 15 points (8G, 7A), has at least one point in all 11 Indianapolis games. The second year skater leads the Ice in goals, assists and points and is second in the CHL in goals scored.

Justin Kearns and Nate Elliott lead the team in plus/minus with a (+1). Captain Bernie John has started the season off with a (-9).

WEEK AHEAD

Indianapolis will play just two games this weekend and will remain at home for both. On Friday the Ice entertain the Amarillo Gorillas at Pepsi Coliseum at 7:00. The sames two teams will meet downtown at Conseco Fieldhouse Saturday evening at 7:00.

The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central.

• Discuss this story on the Central Hockey League message board...

Central Hockey League Stories from November 11, 2002


The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central