Ice Pilots Weekly

Published on December 10, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Pensacola Ice Pilots News Release


PENSACOLA, FL - The Ice Pilots return to the Hangar this week to take on the Mississippi Sea Wolves for two games on Friday and Sunday. The Ice Pilots finished last week 0-2-1 after taking on the first place Texas Wildcatters. Mike Sgroi leads the Pilots in scoring with 13 points (7g-6a) in 12 games. He recently had a four game goal scoring streak. While Mike Brodeur has been recalled to the AHL, Cam Ellsworth was acquired in a trade from Stockton and will be a nice fit between the pipes for Pensacola.

This week's Games

Friday, Dec. 14 (7:05p.m.) and Sunday, Dec. 16 vs. Mississippi (5:05 p.m.)

The rival Mississippi Sea Wolves come to Pensacola for the first time in three seasons. The Sea Wolves returned to ECHL action this year after a two year layoff due to Hurricane Katrina. The Pilots and Mississippi have already met three times this season in Biloxi with Pensacola holding a record of 1-1-1. The last meeting saw the Ice Pilots defeat Mississippi 4-3 on November 17. Since that loss to the Pilots, the Sea Wolves have won five out of their last nine games. Mississippi currently has played three more games than the Pilots and has six more points. Forward Mark Hurtubise leads Mississippi with 16 points (4g-12a) while goaltender Ryan Munce has filled in well for the Sea Wolves since being sent from Norfolk (AHL). He has three wins in five starts and a 0.925 save percentage.

Upcoming Home Games

Friday, December 14 vs. Mississippi at 7:05 p.m. (Teddy Bear Toss and Toys for Tots)

Sunday, December 16 vs. Mississippi at 5:05 p.m. (Saturn and Recycle Sunday, Toys for Tots)

Wednesday, December 26 vs. Mississippi at 7:05 p.m. (All kids 12 and under get a free hot dog)

Player Notes

Goaltender Mike Brodeur has been recalled to AHL Rockford.

Forward Bryan Esner was acquired in a trade last week from South Carolina for Derrick Byfuglien.

Goaltender Cam Ellsworth was acquired in a trade from the Stockton Thunder.

Forward Mike Sgroi had a four game goal scoring streak snapped Sunday.

Last week's Games

Friday at Texas (4-3 SO Loss)

The Ice Pilots made two third period come backs to even the score but fell to the Texas Wildcatters in a shoot out 4-3 in front of 1,287 at Ford Arena. The Pilots came out strong against the first place Wildcatters as Mike Sgroi netted his sixth goal of the season with a nice feed from Luke Erickson to put the Pilots up 1-0 after the first period. Texas took control in the second with goals from David Schulz and Brandon Benedict to take their first lead of the night, 2-1 heading into the third period. Pensacola responded as Joel Stepp scored his second goal, a power play goal of a rebound to even the score. Texas retook the lead with Dan Welch's sixth goal at 11:37 to go ahead 3-2. Tim Songin brought the Pilots back again with a one timer from the high slot to beat goaltender Anton Khudobin and it was a 3-3 game. Mike Brodeur made keys saves down the stretch to force overtime. Brodeur made 44 saves in all but Texas won the game in the shootout as it went to a sixth round and Jonathan Paiement scored to win it for the Wildcatters. Joel Stepp had a penalty shot on Khudobin but was stopped in the second period.

Saturday at Texas (3-1 Loss)

The Texas Wildcatters scored three power play goals in route to a 3-1 win over the Ice Pilots at Ford Arena. Texas took the lead in the first period and didn't look back. Midway through, second year Wildcatters forward Scott Champagne netted his fourth goal of the season for a 1-0 lead. Then at 18:11 AJ Thelen drove a shot from the point that beat Mike Brodeur to give Texas a 2-0 lead after the first period. Mike Sgroi got the Pilots on the board in the second as he continues his hot tear, gaining his seventh goal with help from Bryan Esner and Mathieu Roy on the power play to cut the lead to 2-1. The Pilots fought strong in the third but Max Taylor sealed the deal with his fourth goal of the season and despite 37 saves from Mike Brodeur, the Pilots fell 3-1 to Texas. Mike Sgroi and Matt Kassian dropped the gloves in the first period.

Sunday at Texas (5-2 Loss)

The Texas Wildcatters scored four times in the second period in route to a 5-2 win over the Ice Pilots at Ford Arena. The two clubs played a scoreless first period with each team unable to convert on their two power play chances. However, Texas took advantage of their man advantage chances in the second period as they scored twice on the power play and four overall. Matt Kassian found the back of the net 2:47 into the second with an even strength goal. Dan Welch followed on the power play with a shot from the point to make it 2-0. Ross Carlson made it a 3-0 game with a power play goal. The Pilots got on the board at 14:05 as Chris Straube fired a blast from the top of the left wing circle to cut the lead to 3-1. John McNabb answered with his 12th goal of the year 1:17 later and after two periods, Texas led 4-1. Brian McGregor cut the lead to two as Wildcatters goaltender Anton Khudobin misplayed the puck and it was a 4-2 game. Scott Champagne sealed the deal for Texas and the Wildcatters went on for the 5-2 win.

Ice Pilots Itinerary

Monday - Day Off

Tuesday - Practice at 10 a.m.

Wednesday - Practice at 10 a.m.

Thursday - Practice at 10 a.m.

Friday - Pre-Game Skate at 10 a.m.

GAME vs. Mississippi, 7:05 p.m. at Pensacola Civic Center

Saturday - Practice

Sunday - GAME vs. Mississippi, 5:05 p.m. at Pensacola Civic Center

(Practices are at the Pensacola Civic Center and are open to the public).

Broadcast Information

You can catch all the Ice Pilots action home and away on Newsradio 1620am, the flagship station for the Pensacola Ice Pilots. Ice Pilots' Broadcasts begin with the Hill-Kelly Dodge Jeep Pilots Pre-game 15 minutes prior to all games and concludes with Ice Pilots Post-Game. Also, join Head Coach John Marks and the Voice of the Ice Pilots, Anthony Langella, Jr. for the next coach's show, tonight, Monday, December 10 from 6-7 p.m. at New York Nick's in Downtown Pensacola. Tonight's guests include Bryan Esner and Cam Ellsworth. The Coach's Show also airs on Newsradio 1620. Fans can get involved by asking questions live or via phone at 437-1620.

Ticket Information

Don't miss the hard hitting, exciting action, as the Ice Pilots' next home game is Friday, December 14 at 7:05 p.m. vs. Mississippi at the Civic Center. It is Teddy Bear Toss Night and the Marines will be collecting toys for Toys for Tots. 2007-2008 Season Tickets, Mini Plans, and Military Packages are still available through the Ice Pilots office. For more information, or to reserve your seats, call (850) 432-PUCK, or visit the Ice Pilots web site at www.icepilots.com.

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