Ice not content with recent success

by Mike Wallin
Published on January 18, 2003 under Central Hockey League (CHL)

The Indianapolis Ice has skyrocketed through the Central Hockey League's standings the past month. With a 24-9-6 record, (54points), the Ice reside at the top of the Northern Conference. Still, the Ice is not content with their recent accomplishments.

"Even though things have gone great for us lately, we are not content on where we are," said Kevin St. Jacques. "This is all about winning a championship. Until that happens, we have accomplished anything."

With Memphis, Oklahoma City and Tulsa all within striking distance, Ken McRae's boys know it will be a fight to the finish within the conference. Twenty-four games remain on the schedule for Indianapolis and the Ice is well aware that every game from here on out will be like a playoff game.

"We have to set a precedent that we must play a full sixty-minutes each and every game," said Bernie John. "There is a lot to shoot for in the next 24 games. We want home ice advantage throughout the playoffs and we know to get we'll have to fight for it. We have to just come out and play our game and not worry about what every other team in the conference is doing."

WEEK GONE BY

Indianapolis had the pleasure of playing three straight home games this past week and took full advantage of it. The Ice captured 5 of a possible 6 points in battling Tulsa and Wichita.

Wednesday night, Indianapolis spotted the Tulsa Oilers a 3-0 lead before the Ice even realized a game was going on. Finally, the Ice woke up in the third period and battled back for a 4-3 overtime victory. Jason Baird notched the game-winner, his 14th of the season, for the Ice.

"We had two guys going to the net, so I just hung back a bit and then went to the middle and became the beneficiary," said Baird. "It was a huge goal and a huge win."

Indianapolis got back into the game after Bryce Classen (7) scored early in the third period. The goal reduced the deficit to 3-1, however it gave a spark to the home team.

"Tonight was a prime example of what this team is all about," said Classen. "Instead of giving up being down 3-0, we all battled back. No one said die on this team."

Classen's goal not only jumpstarted the team, but was also scored in front of his parents who arrived earlier in the day after a 25 hour journey from Saskatchewan.

"Obviously, it was great to score with Mom and Dad in the stands," said Classen. "Truthfully, it as just as important to me because it was the start of our comeback."

Nate Elliott (3) and Scott Lewis (5) also scored for Indianapolis, while Shawn Silver picked up the win in goal.

Friday night, the Ice blanked Wichita 3-0 at Conseco Fieldhouse. Silver denied all 25 Thunder shots for his fourth shutout of the season. Jason Baird (15), Scott Lewis (6) and Bernie John (8) provided Indy's attack.

"We were sluggish in the first period," said Coach McRae. "The boys played with much more emotion after that. We got a wakeup call and answered it. I was very pleased with their efforts during the remainder of the game."

On Saturday night, 6036 fans jammed the State Fairgrounds Pepsi Coliseum and witnessed yet again another Ice rally against the Thunder. Trailing 3-1, Indianapolis fought back to force a shoot-out only to lose 4-3. Jared Dumba (18,19) lit the lamp twice while Jason Baird (16) also tallied for Indy. Jamie Morris sustained the shoot-out loss after making 25 saves in regulation.

"We have to learn from this," said Jared Dumba. "We gave away a point tonight. We took a few shifts off and lost our cool a bit. We can't let that happen anymore."

WEEK AHEAD

Indianapolis will enjoy some home cooking a little longer. The Fort Worth Brahmas visit the Ice this weekend for a pair of games. Friday night's contest commences at the State Fairgrounds Pepsi Coliseum before the two clubs head downtown for a Saturday night showdown at Conseco Fieldhouse. Indy leads the season series 4 games to 1.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW

Former CHL Ice players are sprinkled throughout minor league hockey. Rod Davidson is coaching the Anchorage Aces of the WCHL. The Aces are at the bottom of the league standings with a 10-27-2 record. Yvan Corbin leads the Aces in scoring (21G, 25A), Eric Landry has posted 3 points (2G, 1A and 46 PIM) while Rob Davidson has gone scoreless in 21 games with just 2 penalty minutes. Goaltender Christian Soucy is 8-17-1 with a 3.99 goals against average.

Jon Sorg is skating in Bakersfield of the WCHL and has 16 points (7G, 9A) to go along with 88 penalty minutes.

Dan Cousineau is also playing in the WCHL. Playing defense for San Diego, Cousineau has 4 assists and 73 penalty minutes.

Playing in the United Hockey League are Chris MacKenzie, Casey Harris, Peter Bournazakis, Jason Selleke, Ken Boone, Kevin Schmidt and Charlie Elezi. MacKenzie leads Port Huron in scoring with 60 points (23G, 37A). Harris is also playing for the Beacons and has 26 points (6G, 20A) and a team high 132 penalty minutes. Bournazakis has added 34 points (15G, 19A) for Port Huron.

Elezi began the year as a teammate of MacKenzie, Harris and Bournazakis, but was traded to Kalamazoo. On the year, Elezi has 1 point and 144 penalty minutes.

Selleke currently has 19 points (10G, 9A) for Fort Wayne while Komet teammate Ken Boone has been sidelined after just 4 games since sustaining a shoulder injury. Schmidt anchors the Komet blueline and has posted 3 points (1G, 2A) on the season.

Playing against Indianapolis in the CHL are Chris Richards, Blaz Emersic, Chad Spurr and Jan Jas. Richards will start at Center for the Western Conference in the CHL All-Star game. A member of the New Mexico Scorpions, Richards has 49 points (23G, 26A). Emersic will join Richards as a starting Western Conference All-Star. For the season, Emersic leads Lubbock with 35 points (18G, 17A) and a +14. Spurr has skated in 21 games for Bossier-Shreveport and has 12 points (5G, 7A).

Jas began the year skating for Knoxville of the new Atlantic Coast Hockey League before joining the San Angelo Saints. With San Angelo, Jas has posted 21 points (7G, 14A) in 34 games.

Central Hockey League Stories from January 18, 2003

• Ice not content with recent success - OSC Original by Mike Wallin
• Gorillas game day preview - Amarillo Gorillas
• El Paso Buzzards file for bankruptcy - El Paso Buzzards

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