IceGators Beat RiverKings for Second Straight Win
January 3, 2016 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
SOUTHAVEN, Miss.--For the first time this season, the Louisiana IceGators carried momentum from a victory over to their next contest.
Save for a breakdown early in the first period, the IceGators dominated the pace of play Saturday night, picking up a 5-1 victory over the Mississippi RiverKings in the Landers Center. Luke Sandler led the team with two goals and an assist.
The IceGators return to action Thursday night when they host a rematch against the RiverKings in the Cajundome. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.
"This is a great road win for the team," IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli said. "I'm so proud of the way these guys are playing and how close the team has grown together over the past week. We set out this week with a fresh start and goals for what we wanted, and we achieved exactly what we set out to do. Every individual played excellently. It's an incredible team win."
The RiverKings took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission after Linden Bahm recorded a goal at the 4:07 mark off assists from Leo Thomas and Ryan Marcuz.
The IceGators also experienced a scary moment nearly eight minutes into the game when goalie Adam Courchaine was struck in the jaw by the puck. Courchaine was carted off the ice, and Brad Barone stepped in between the pipes..
The IceGators then rallied and controlled the rest of the game.
Sandler put Louisiana ahead 2-1 after scoring back-to-back goals in the first 13:35 of the second period. Blake Hietala added another goal with 2:15 remaining in the frame to put the IceGators ahead 3-1 going into the second intermission.
Jeremy Boyer gave Louisiana a three-goal lead with 12:17 remaining in the contest when he went top shelf off assists from Sandler and Tyler Barr. John Daniels tacked on an extra insurance goal off a Blake Hietala assist with 1:09 left in the game.
Barone was phenomenal in his relief role, stopping all 24 shots Mississippi sent towards him.
The IceGators hope their newfound confidence carries over into next weekend's homestand.
"Overall, this is a great weekend for us," Omicioli said. "We needed these four points. We're looking forward to next week and keeping this streak going."
SPHL Stories from January 3, 2016
- Oh Danny Boy - Macon Mayhem
- IceGators Beat RiverKings for Second Straight Win - Louisiana IceGators
- IceGators Beat RiverKings for Second Straight Win - Louisiana IceGators
- Three Second-Period Goals Down RiverKings - Mississippi RiverKings
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