Ice Flyers Route IceGators, 6-3
February 27, 2016 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
PENSACOLA, Fla.--Everything that could wrong for the Louisiana IceGators went wrong for them on Friday.
The team's bus broke down while en route to the Pensacola Civic Center, extending a four-hour road trip to 10 hours.
The IceGators then gave up five first period goals en route to a 6-3 loss to the Pensacola IceFlyers. Adam Pawlick led the IceFlyers with two goals.
The IceGators return to action Saturday when they host the Columbus Cottonmouths in the Cajundome. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. The IceGators will attempt to break the SPHL attendance record during Saturday's game. A portion of the ticket proceeds from the game will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
"When we got to Pensacola, we only had 20 minutes to unload and get dressed," IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli said. "We were then given seven minutes to warm up. Half the team made it out onto the ice with four minutes left in the warm-up, and we picked up the pucks and played. (Pensacola) took advantage of the situation."
Take advantage they did.
Stephen Buco drew first blood two minutes into the game to put the IceFlyers ahead 1-0. Pawlick and Joe Caveney tacked on two power play goals within two minutes of each other midway through the frame to make the score 3-0. Pawlick scored again at the 16:47 mark to put Pensacola ahead 4-0. Fifty-seven seconds later, Sean Rudy scored to make the score 5-0.
The IceGators finally found their stride late in the first period.
Luke Sandler scored with 56 seconds left in the frame to make the score 5-1 going into the first intermission. Jeremy Boyer added a power play goal with 44 seconds remaining in the second period to cut the Pensacola lead to three goals. Sandler scored again 3:22 into the third period to put the IceGators within two goals of a tie.
The IceGators comeback was not meant to be. Pensacola sealed the victory with a David Segal empty net goal with 1:27 left in the game.
A frustrated Omicioli had little to say about Saturday night's game against Columbus.
"Tomorrow, our players will be happy to play with proper preparation and proper medical attention and proper stretching before going into battle," Omicioli said.
SPHL Stories from February 27, 2016
- Mayhem Prevails in Overtime - Macon Mayhem
- Rivermen Score Early, Often in 6-5 Win Saturday - Peoria Rivermen
- Frischmon, Boyer Push IceGators over Cottonmouths - Louisiana IceGators
- RiverKings Earn Point in Overtime Loss to Macon - Mississippi RiverKings
- Rivermen Game Notes vs. Knoxville - Peoria Rivermen
- Blind Student Helps Others See Mayhem Action - Macon Mayhem
- Ice Flyers Route IceGators, 6-3 - Louisiana IceGators
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