Ice ready for Tuesday battle

Published on November 8, 2004 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Indiana Ice News Release


RIDERS ON THE STORM: An early season battle for sole possession of first place in the USHL's East Division takes place this Tuesday night at 7 p.m. from the Pepsi Coliseum when the Ice (7-5-1) hosts the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (7-3-1). Both teams enter tomorrow's clash with 15 points on the year, but the Ice will be looking for its first win this season against Cedar Rapids as the club has lost two one-goal decisions (0-1-1) to its East Division counterpart.

STILL STREAKING: With points in both games this past weekend, Todd McIlrath extended his USHL season-best point streak to nine games (5G, 12A). The talented centerman has averaged just under two points a game for his streak and is currently third in the USHL in scoring with 19 points on the year.

POWER STATION: Indiana can credit some of its early season success to the play of its power play units. The Ice has a power play goal in eight of its last nine games and ranks first in the USHL at home (8-28, 28.6%) and overall (13-59, 22.0%). Todd McIlrath (2G, 7A), Mike Beck (3G, 4A) and Tomas Klempa (2G, 4A) have been the top power play producers, while Travis Winter has chipped in with three power play goals.

THE FANTASTIC FOUR: Mike Beck (3G, 6A), Eddie Del Grosso (3G, 3A), A.J. Panchenko (G, 5A), and Jay Cascalenda (6A) are four defensemen who have the skills to produce offensively. Indy's blueline quartet rank among the top 13 defensive scorers in the league with Beck's nine points currently tied for third among USHL defensemen.

FAST AND FURIOUS: In Indiana's 3-1 win over Green Bay this past Saturday, the Ice set several speed records. Brian Gifford's goal just :59 into the contest was the fastest goal for the Ice from the start of a game this season, while Todd McIlrath's lamplighter :10 into the second period was the quickest goal from the start of a period this year.

ICE-MAKERS: Tomas Klempa has eight points (3G, 5A) in his last six games and is currently seventh in the USHL in scoring...Travis Winter is first in the USHL in shooting percentage (7-20, 35.0%)...Mike Beck leads all league defensemen in power play goals (3) and is tied for first in goals (3)....Brian Gifford registered his first multiple goal game in Saturday's win over Green Bay....Jake Maida has only allowed one goal in his two wins between the pipes this season.

ICE SMIDGENS: The Ice is 5-1-1 at home and 7-3-1 against the East Division this year... Indy travels to Kearney, NB this weekend for its first two meetings with the Tri-City Storm this season.

LAST WEEKS' RESULTS RECORD: 1-1-0

Friday, Nov. 5 (2-5 L vs. Chicago) Pepsi Coliseum

Saturday, Nov. 6 (3-1 W vs. Green Bay) Pepsi Coliseum

STEEL CRACKS ICE 5-2

* Chicago erupted for four unanswered goals to overcome Indiana...Neil Sauter and Travis Winter scored for the Ice.

ICE CALLS GAMBLERS' BLUFF 3-1

* Brian Gifford scored a pair of goals and Todd McIlrath extended his point streak to nine games with his sixth goal of the year...Jake Maida stopped 22 shots for his second win of the season.

2004-2005 INDIANA ICE STATISTICS

Record: 7-5-1 (15 points) Home: 5-1-1 Road: 2-4-0

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

SEASON RECORD: 7-5-1

Tuesday, Nov. 9 CEDAR RAPIDS 7:00 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 12 @ Tri-City 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 13 @ Tri-City 7:00 p.m.

ALL HOME GAMES AT PEPSI COLISEUM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

TUESDAY'S AND SATURDAY'S GAMES WILL AIR ON ESPN 950. FRIDAY'S GAME WILL BE BROADCAST ON SPORTSJUICE.COM

PRACTICE SCHEDULE: The Ice has a pre-game skate on Tuesday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the Pepsi Coliseum. Indiana will practice Wednesday from 2:45-4:45 p.m. from the Pepsi Coliseum, before departing for Nebraska.

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United States Hockey League Stories from November 8, 2004


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