Ice Flyers Drop Bomb on IceGators
February 28, 2015 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
LAFAYETTE, La.--A hot start turned into a the most disappointing loss of the season for the Louisiana IceGators.
Despite playing in front of more than 7,200 people--the largest crowd the IceGators have had since joining the SPHL in 2009--the IceGators gave up a hat trick to Nick McParland in the first period en route to a 5-1 loss to the Pensacola IceFlyers. Brett Lutes also had a stand-out game, assisting on four scores, including the three McParland goals.
The IceGators now travel to Georgia for a Saturday night match-up against the Columbus Cottonmouths. Game time is set for 7:35 p.m. EST.
"The score speaks for itself," said IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli. "We had an opportunity in front of a great crowd to show the fans how we can play. We did the exact opposite. We played with no heart. We came out, scored one goal, and thought we could skate right through Pensacola. (The IceFlyers) had a different idea, and I give them all the credit because they were the better team. For us to give up 17 shots and allow five goals is pitiful.
"I wish I could have dressed for that game. The atmosphere was electric, and the table was set to get the fans really wild, and we did the opposite."
Clark Byczynski gave the IceGators an early 1-0 off assists from Tyler Klein and Bret Peppler at the 6:26 mark of the first period.
It was all IceFlyers after that.
McParland recorded his hat trick in a span of 8:20 to put Pensacola ahead 3-1 going into the first intermission.
Corey Banfield tacked on a power play goal at the 6:25 mark of the second period, while Jon Puskar added another insurance goal ten minutes later to round out the scoring.
Omicioli says his players need to make a drastic change to their attitudes and style of play as they enter the final month of the regular season.
"We have too many players who play perimeter hockey," Omicioli said. "We need to add meat-and-potatoes guys who will make every sacrifice to win a hockey game."
SPHL Stories from February 28, 2015
- Three-Goal Third Sparks RiverKings Comeback - Mississippi RiverKings
- Ice Bears Fall to RiverKings 4-3 - Knoxville Ice Bears
- 1st-Period Explosion Leads to Rivermen Victory - Peoria Rivermen
- Flaherty's Gets Hat Trick in Ice Flyers 4-1 Win in Huntsville - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Columbus Beats Mississippi RiverKings 5-4 after Comeback Scare - Columbus Cottonmouths
- Ice Flyers Drop Bomb on IceGators - Louisiana IceGators
- Columbus beats Mississippi RiverKings 5-4 after comeback scare - Columbus Cottonmouths
- Unanswered Goals Gives Ice Flyers 5-1 Win over Ice - Pensacola Ice Flyers
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.
