Ice fortunes turn for the better after big weekend sweep
by Mike Wallin
Published on February 7, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Indianapolis Ice
by Mike Wallin
After a dismal stretch in which the Indianapolis Ice went through a 0-4-1 drought, the fortunes of the Ice have changed drastically after a huge weekend sweep at the expense of the Fort Worth Brahmas. The Ice rallied from a 3-1 third period deficit to defeat Fort Worth 5-4 on Friday and followed by thrashing the Brahmas 5-0 on Saturday.
"Friday night's win was so important for us, it was a breakout from a slump," said Ryan Carter. "Tonight, hopefully we started a winning streak. We played with a lot of confidence and got solid contributions from everybody."
After the thrilling come from behind victory on Friday, Indy stonewalled Fort Worth on Saturday behind the stellar play of netminder Jeff Sanger. The Ice netminder stopped all 34 shots he faced to earn his CHL league leading fourth shutout of the season. Indy's defense stymied Fort Worth all night long, denying the Brahmas on all ten powerplay opportunities.
"Take away the man-advantage shots and I don't think we allowed fifteen shots on net," said a pleased coach Ken McRae. "Tonight we came to play, like we are going to need to play from here on out."
Offensively, Indy received goals from five different skaters. Jared Dumba (21), Jim Shepherd (16), Bernie John (13), Jason Baird (22) and Ryan Carter (12) all lit the lamp for Indianapolis. Baird, the Ice team leader in points, penalty minutes and plus-minus added an assist to go along with his goal. Baird on the season has 22G-40A-62Pts, 151 penalty minutes and is a plus 22.
"I really have focused on playing with more of an edge this season," said Baird. "I think I play better when I play a little more in-your-face. As long as the penalties don't hurt the team, I think I need to continue playing as I have all season."
The big weekend sweep keeps the Ice, 26-19-2 (54 points), in the fourth and final playoff spot in the Northern Conference. Indy will face-off against Memphis on the road on Tuesday before entertaining the rival RiverKings on Wednesday. Indianapolis trails Memphis by five points in the standings, however the Ice have played three fewer games.
"We don't want to change anything from what we have done over the past game and a period," said Baird. "Tuesday's game is so huge, we know, they'll know it. It should be fun."
Central Hockey League Stories from February 7, 2004
- Ice fortunes turn for the better after big weekend sweep - OSC Original by Mike Wallin
- Fort Worth Brahmas Slapshot - Fort Worth Brahmas
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