IceGators Beat Fayetteville in Defensive Battle
March 15, 2014 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Fayetteville, N.C.--One night after putting on an offensive clinic, the Louisiana IceGators demonstrated that they can also play solid defense.
The IceGators limited the Fayetteville FireAntz to only four shots in the third period and to 20 shots during the entire game en route to a 2-1 win.
The IceGators now head south to Georgia to take on the Columbus Cottonmouths in a Sunday afternoon contest. Game time is set for 4 p.m. EDT.
"This was an even more solid road win [than Friday night's]," said IceGators head coach Kevin Kaminski. "We really played stingy defense first, and the guys were committed. Even though we were down 1-0, we kept our composure and stuck to the plan, and things got better as the game went on."
Corey Toy put Fayetteville on the board first by scoring at the 1:55 mark of the first period. Yuri Cheremetiev and Nick Craven assisted on the play.
Brett Peppler tied the game on a breakaway at the 13:52 mark of the opening frame.
Matt Robertson scored the game-winner on a power play with 4:15 remaining in the second period. Kirk Byczynski and Chris Wilson assisted on the play.
"Our special teams won the game for us," Kaminski said. "We killed all three of their penalties. Peppler scored on a breakaway right after a big kill. Robertson gave us that big goal. The guys made simple outlet passes to our forwards for support, and we were relentless in on puck pursuit."
Kaminski says this victory is an example of what his team needs to do in the final week of the regular season and during the playoffs.
"We prided the little things tonight, which added up to a big win," Kaminski said. "Now, we have to demand that effort during the last three games. This is how we have to play here on in."
SPHL Stories from March 15, 2014
- RiverKings Get Revenge; Knock off Surge - Mississippi RiverKings
- Ice Flyers Edge Rivermen 2-1 On Saturday - Peoria Rivermen
- Ice Flyers Win 2-1, Set Records, Win Coffey Trophy - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Surge Fall to RiverKings 3-1, But Clinch Final Playoff Spot - Mississippi Surge
- Thunder Lose OT Battle to Havoc - Bloomington Thunder
- IceGators Beat Fayetteville in Defensive Battle - Louisiana IceGators
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