IceFlyers Shoot Down IceGators
December 12, 2015 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
LAFAYETTE, La.--The momentum the Louisiana IceGators gained in last Sunday's home victory over Fayetteville was squandered Friday night.
The IceGators posted one of their sloppiest performances of the season, committing 14 penalties and surrendering three power play goals en route to a 5-2 loss to the Pensacola IceFlyers. John Clewlow led Pensacola with two goals, while Corey Banfield recorded a goal and an assist.
The IceGators and IceFlyers face each other again next Friday in the Pensacola Civic Center. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.
"We played undisciplined, sloppy hockey, and it cost us yet another game," said IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli. "We looked great to start the game. Unfortunately, six straight minutes of penalties got (Pensacola) back in the game. We had 34 minutes of penalties, so we played more than half the game short-handed."
The IceGators started the game strong, taking a 1-0 lead on a Geordie Wudrick goal 2:24 into the contest.
It was all downhill from there, as Pensacola recorded the next five goals while the IceGators became familiar with the penalty box.
Corey Banfield tied the game on a power play goal 9:08 into the first period. Clewlow scored back-to-back goals in the first 6:32 of the second period to put the IceFlyers ahead 3-1. Joe Caveney added another power play goal midway through the middle frame to give Pensacola a 4-1 lead heading into the second intermission. Steven Bergin added an extra insurance goal in a power play with 6:35 left in regulation.
Louisiana made a last-ditch effort to get back into the game. Benjamin Rubin, playing in his first game with the IceGators since returning to the team after a trade, scored with 2:18 left in the game on a power play with an extra attacker on ice. However, the IceGators failed to sustain their comeback.
The team also played without goalies Adam Courchaine and Eric Levine, who were both called up this week to play in the ECHL.
"Tonight was a true testament of how valuable the guys who are called up are to this team," Omicioli said.
Despite this, Omicioli notes that his team must learn how to play a cleaner style of hockey and how to stay out of the penalty box.
"We're going to figure out how bad those penalties cost us on Monday when we skate," Omicioli said. "This team plays like Jekyll and Hyde, and we need to figure out how to be consistent. We will get better."
SPHL Stories from December 12, 2015
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- RiverKings Take Game Two in Peoria in a Shootout - Mississippi RiverKings
- Rivermen Game Notes vs Mississippi - Peoria Rivermen
- IceFlyers Shoot Down IceGators - Louisiana IceGators
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