IceGators Beat IceFlyers to Take SPHL Lead
November 27, 2013 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Pensacola, Fla.--The Louisiana IceGators needed some extra time Wednesday night to get themselves settled on the ice at the Pensacola Bay Center.
The IceGators fought back from an early 2-0 deficit to defeat the Pensacola IceFlyers 4-2. The victory gives the IceGators (9-3-1) sole possession of first place in the SPHL standings.
The IceGators and the IceFlyers (8-5-1) meet again Friday night in the Cajundome. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.
"I guess the boys thought the game started at 7:05 instead of 6:35," said IceGators head coach Kevin Kaminski. "The boys showed up at 7:05. They found their legs and started pressuring the puck and being physical. That created turnovers and the guys capitalized."
Pensacola dominated the first period. Brett Lutes gave the IceFlyers a 1-0 lead at the 9:51 mark of the frame on an unassisted goal. Pensacola added to that lead 72 seconds later when Ryan Salvis scored off assists from Lutes and Drew Baker.
The IceGators stole the momentum in the second period. Jake Trask scored at the 5:25 mark of the period off assists from Shawn McNeil and Adam Stuart. Four minutes later, Jeremy Boyer tied the game off a feed from Tyler Barr. Matt Robertson scored the eventual game-winner with 41 seconds left in the frame.
Louisiana capped off a very defensive third period with a Clark Byczynski short-handed empty-net goal with 40 seconds remaining in the game.
"We really smothered them in the third period," Kaminski said. "The defense had good gaps with the track pressure to only give up three shots in the period."
Kaminski also praised his goalie's effort.
"(Matt) Zenzola was very good after the first two periods. He gave us a chance to come back and win."
Kaminski says he and the team are thankful they can spend the Thanksgiving weekend in Acadiana.
"Now it's time to enjoy a happy Thanksgiving, get some rest, and get ready for Friday."
SPHL Stories from November 27, 2013
- IceGators Beat IceFlyers to Take SPHL Lead - Louisiana IceGators
- Ice Flyers Fall to Louisiana 4-2 in Battle for First - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Surge High Voltage Play Proves Too Much for RiverKings - Mississippi Surge
- Peoria Signs Familiar Face in Net - Peoria Rivermen
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