IceBears Sweep Series against IceGators
February 6, 2016 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.--For the second night in a row, the Knoxville IceBears scored six goals against the Louisiana IceGators, defeating them 6-3 Saturday to sweep the two-game weekend series between the teams. Garrett Vermeersch repeated his performance from Friday night, scoring two goals Saturday to lead the IceBears in scoring.
The IceGators return to action Sunday when they travel to play the Columbus Cottonmouths. Game time is set for 4 p.m. EST.
"I'm not really sure how to explain the last two games," IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli said. "We have so much talent, but we're lacking heart and a commitment to defense right now. I'm baffled by our defensive play. Before, we were stingy with what we allowed while not scoring goals. Now, it's the opposite. Knoxville played their style, and they were able to find the back of the net."
John Clewlow opened the scoring, giving Knoxville a 1-0 lead 6:17 into the game.
The IceGators bounced back, scoring two goals in the final nine minutes of the frame--one from Jake Hauswirth and one in a short-handed situation from Luke Sandler--to take a 2-1 lead into the first intermission.
The IceBears dominated the remainder of the game.
Knoxville tied the game 63 seconds into the second period when Vermeersch went top shelf on a power play. Later in the period, Vermeersch helped set up an Andrew Bonazza goal to put the IceBears back in the lead with 12:19 remaining in the frame.
Less than a minute later, the IceGators tied the game at 3-3 on a Brad Bourke goal. That tie was short lived, as Knoxville's Corey Fulton recorded an unassisted goal with 7:16 left in the frame to put the IceBears ahead 4-3 heading into the final intermission.
Knoxville tacked on two insurance goals in the final minute of the game when Vermeersch and Danny Cesarz scored empty net goals.
Omicioli says his team needs to regroup quickly to salvage what's left of their weekend road trip.
"We need to get back to work in Columbus so we can walk away with two points from this trip," Omicioli said.
SPHL Stories from February 6, 2016
- IceBears Sweep Series against IceGators - Louisiana IceGators
- RiverKings Take Fifth-Straight with 4-3 Win... - Mississippi RiverKings
- Jacobson Stands Tall as Rivermen Win Shootout Saturday Night - Peoria Rivermen
- Ice Bears Sweep Weekend Series with Louisiana - Knoxville Ice Bears
- RiverKings Get Thomas from Fort Wayne - Mississippi RiverKings
- Rivermen Game Notes at Fayetteville - Peoria Rivermen
- SPHL Announces Suspension - SPHL
- Ice Bears Edge out IceGators - Louisiana IceGators
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