IceGators Beat Mayhem to Stop Slide
January 1, 2016 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
MACON, Ga.--The Louisiana IceGators resolved to pick up a pair of wins during their New Year's weekend road trip.
They're now halfway to fulfilling that resolution.
The IceGators used last weekend's disastrous home series against the Macon Mayhem as motivation during Friday night's 3-2 victory over the Mayhem at the Macon Centreplex. Blake Hietala scored the game-winning goal on a third-period power play. Goalie Adam Courchaine, who returned to the IceGators this week following a stint with the ECHL's Norfolk Admirals, was spectacular, stopping 18 of Macon's 20 shots.
The IceGators now head west for a Saturday-night contest against the Mississippi RiverKings at the Landers Center in Southaven. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.
"This was our best game of the season," IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli says. "We put together a full 60-minute effort, and it paid off in the end. Our goal was to get pucks to the net and outwork our opponent. I felt we did that to a 'T.' We out shot (the Mayhem) 42-20 on the road. That's a huge accomplishment."
The Mayhem started the game by picking up where they left off last weekend, jumping out to a 2-0 in the first period. Nick Grasso scored a power play goal off assists from former IceGators Jake Trask and Shawn Skelly 4:36 into the contest. Daniel Gentzler tacked on another score 10 minutes later.
The IceGators bounced back in the second period, tying the score less than nine minutes into the frame. Nicholas Kuquali scored his first goal of the season three-and-a-half minutes into the frame off assists from Luke Sandler and Tyler Barr to put Louisiana on the board. Geordie Wudrick knotted the score at the 8:26 mark of the period, scoring off assists from Dylan Hood and Benjamin Rubin.
The game-winning goal came 9:56 into the third period. The IceGators took advantage of a power play opportunity resulting from a slashing call against Skelly, taking the lead on a Blake Hietala goal. It's only the fifth time that the IceGators have scored a goal during a man advantage all season. Brad Bourke and John Daniels assisted on the play.
"Before the game, I spoke to the team about starting the new year with a fresh, clean start," Omicioli said. "Our goal was to start out the new year undefeated, and we did just that."
Now, Omicioli says his team can't get complacent and must continue to play with the same fire.
"We have to channel this work ethic and bring it on a daily basis," Omicioli said. "If we do that, we will be very difficult to beat. We have an opportunity to bring the same energy against Missisippi. If we play the same way, I'm confident we will come out of the weekend with four points."
SPHL Stories from January 1, 2016
- IceGators Beat Mayhem to Stop Slide - Louisiana IceGators
- Aldoff, Pawlick Make History as Ice Flyers Win 4-2 - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Rivermen Take over First Place, Beat Huntsville 3-2 Friday - Peoria Rivermen
- Mayhem Fall to Ice Gators - Macon Mayhem
- Rivermen Game Notes vs Huntsville - Peoria Rivermen
- Mayhem See Win Streak End - Macon Mayhem
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