Ice Pilots Weekly
January 28, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL) - Pensacola Ice Pilots News Release
PENSACOLA, FL - The Ice Pilots will take to the ice for three games this week and will start a stretch on Friday that will see them play four games in five days. Pensacola hosts rival Mississippi on Tuesday while taking on the Augusta Lynx Friday and Saturday on the road. Directly after Super Bowl Sunday, the Pilots will face-off against Columbia at the Hangar for an afternoon game next Monday and a Tuesday evening game. Bryan Esner and Bryan McGregor lead the team with 11 goals while Cam Ellsworth has been the man in goal for the Pilots, starting 18 consecutive games.
This week's Games
Tuesday, Jan. 29 vs. Mississippi at 7:05 p.m. (Pensacola Civic Center)
The Ice Pilots renew their rivalry with the Mississippi Sea Wolves on Tuesday night at the Hangar. There are six more meetings this season including this game between the two clubs. The Ice Pilots have taken two of three at home vs. Mississippi this season and are 3-2-1 overall. Jason Tejchma leads the Sea Wolves with 35 points (15g-20a). Goaltender Ryan Munce has been outstanding for Mississippi as he has led the Sea Wolves into the playoff picture. He has a 2.47 GAA, a 0.934 save percentage and two shut outs.
Friday, Feb. 1 at 6:35 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 2 at Augusta at 6:05 p.m. (James Brown Arena)
The Ice Pilots head to unfamiliar territory as they hit the road for Augusta, GA on Friday. This is the first time the Pilots will visit James Brown Arena this season. The Pilots and the Lynx have met only once so far this season with the Lynx coming away with the victory in Pensacola. Louis Goulet leads Augusta with 36 points (10g-26a). Rookie goaltender Bobby Goepfert leads the league with a 2.03 GAA.
Upcoming Home Games
Monday, February 4 vs. Columbia (Businessperson's Special at 12:05 p.m., $10 Tickets and an Autograph Session following the game)
Tuesday, February 5 vs. Columbia at 7:05 p.m. (Mardi Gras Parade on the Ice - Free Beads)
Friday, February 22 vs. Gwinnett at 7:05 p.m. (College Night, $5 tickets for students, faculty and family)
Ice Pilots Itinerary
Monday - Practice at 11 a.m.
Tuesday - Pre-Game Skate at 10 a.m.
GAME vs. Mississippi, 7:05 p.m. at Pensacola Civic Center
Wednesday - Practice at 10 a.m.
Thursday - Travel Day to Augusta
Friday - Pre-Game Skate at 10:15 a.m.
GAME at Augusta, 6:35 p.m. at James Brown Arena
Saturday - Pre-Game Skate at 10:15 a.m.
GAME at Augusta, 6:05 p.m. at James Brown Arena
Sunday - Day off
(All Practices at home are open to the public and all Times are CT).
Radio Show
Tonight join Head Coach John Marks and "Voice of the Ice Pilots," Anthony Langella, Jr. for the Coach's Show at New York Nick's in Downtown Pensacola from 6-7 p.m.. Guests will include defensemen Preston Briggs and Steve Marr.
Ice Pilots in the Community
Friday, Feb. 1 - Mardi Gras Parade in Downtown Pensacola, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 2 - Mardi Gras Parade in Navarre Beach, 1 p.m.
Good Numbers
The Ice Pilots are 2-1-0 at home vs. Mississippi this season.
Defenseman Preston Briggs has only one minus in the last 26 games (plus 7).
Bryan Esner leads the Ice Pilots with a plus 4.
The Ice Pilots are averaging 4,264 fans at their last two home games.
Cam Ellsworth has started every Ice Pilots game in goal since December 19.
Last week's Games
Saturday vs. Gwinnett (3-1 Loss)
Craig Kowalski made 33 saves and the Gwinnett Gladiators top power play scored two man advantage goals in a 3-1 win over the Ice Pilots in front of 3,837 at the Pensacola Civic Center. The two teams played a scoreless first period and Jeff Campbell, the Gladiators leading scorer, opened the scoring with a 5 on 3 power play goal to make it 1-0. It was a tightly contested contest as Gwinnett held on to the 1-0 lead heading into period number three. Jim Jackson beat Cam Ellsworth with a sharp angle shot to put Gwinnett up 2-0. It was a power play goal for the Gladiators. The Pilots answered with great puck movement by Joel Stepp and Dan Sullivan hammered in a rebound to cut the lead to 2-1. The Gladiators added a goal as Lou Dickenson fired one in to give Gwinnett a 3-1 win. The Ice Pilots were held to just one power play opportunity in the game and out shot Gwinnett 34-28 including 18-5 in the third period.
Sunday at Gwinnett (3-1 Loss)
The Gwinnett Gladiators swept the home and home series against the Ice Pilots with a 3-1 victory on Sunday at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. Bryan Esner put the Ice Pilots ahead at 3:55 of the first period as Michael Cohen sent a feed from the right wing corner to the slot and Gladiators goaltender Craig Kowalski was unable to get back in time. The goal gave Pensacola a 1-0 lead. Jeff Campbell evened the score with a power play goal on a rush from center ice as Lou Dickenson chipped in with the assist and it was 1-1 after the first 20 minutes of play. Power plays continued to hurt the Pilots as Tomas Pospisil fired in a man advantage goal to give Gwinnett their first lead of the afternoon at 2-1 at 4:17 of the second period. Just 1:39 afterwards Lou Dickenson scored his team leading 18th goal to make it 3-1 Gwinnett.
Flight Deck
The Ice Pilots have introduced the new flight deck, available at the Hangar for home games. The Flight Deck is located between sections 105 and 108 on the event level and is a perfect party area for groups, business associates and birthday parties. It can come complete with a cash bar and catered food. For more information, contact the Ice Pilots at 432-PUCK.
Broadcast Information
You can catch all the Ice Pilots action home and away on Newsradio 1620 am, 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 Pilots Post-Game presented by Wal-Mart. Also, join us for the next coach's show, tonight, Monday, January 28 from 6-7 p.m. at New York Nick's in Downtown Pensacola. 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 Tuesday, January 29 at 7:05 p.m. vs. Mississippi at the Civic Center. Group 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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