IceGators Beat Havoc; Move to 3rd in SPHL
January 24, 2015 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala.--The Louisiana IceGators are one step closer to achieving their goal of 20 wins in the second half of the season.
The IceGators battled back from an early 1-0 deficit to defeat the Huntsville Havoc 4-2 at the Breland Homes Ice. Jake Hauswirth led the team with two goals and an assist. Goalie Marco DeFilippo was outstanding between the pipe, stopping a remarkable 44 out of 46 shots.
The IceGators, who are now on a four-game point streak, are now tied for third place in the SPHL standings with 38 points. They meet the Havoc once again Saturday night in Huntsville. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.
"The guys gave a great battle tonight," said IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli. "We played very well through the first two periods and fought hard in the third even though we were short four guys at one point. Any time we grab the first win of a two-game series is a huge pick-up for the squad.
"I was extremely pleased with the play of (DeFilippo). He held us together during a few tough patches."
Jacob Johnstone gave Huntsville a 1-0 lead 1:12 into the game.
It was all IceGators after that.
Hauswirth and Bret Peppler scored midway through the first period to give the IceGators a 2-1 lead going into the first intermission.
Hauswirth's second goal with the only one of the second period. He scored off an assist from Jeremy Boyer at the 4:08 mark of the frame.
Stuart Stefan cut the IceGator lead to 3-2 with 5:04 left in the game. The IceGators responded with 11 seconds remaining when Clark Byczynski scored the dagger.
Byczynski was also solid defensively, recording a +2 plus-minus ratio while on the ice--his best of the season.
Tyler Barr, who played his first game since returning from a stint with the ECHL's Allen Americans, also made his presence felt on both sides of the ice, chipping in an assist, two fights, and a +1 ratio.
Omicioli says while he's happy with his team's recent performance, his players must not become complacent.
"Overall, I'm pleased to be tied for third," Omicioli said. "We're looking to move up in the standings (Saturday) with another victory."
SPHL Stories from January 24, 2015
- Shorthanded Goals Propel RiverKings Past Rivermen - Mississippi RiverKings
- IceGators Complete Weekend Sweep of Havoc - Louisiana IceGators
- Mississippi Scores 2 Shorties to Down Rivermen - Peoria Rivermen
- IceGators Beat Havoc; Move to 3rd in SPHL - Louisiana IceGators
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