IceGators Clinch Playoff Berth Despite Loss
March 21, 2015 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Pensacola, Fla.--The Louisiana IceGators snatched defeat from the jaws of victory Friday night.
After entering the third period leading 2-1, the IceGators gave up three goals in the final frame en route to a 4-3 loss at the hands of the Pensacola IceFlyers. Adam Pawlick and Nick McParland led the IceFlyers with a goal and an assist each.
Despite the loss, the IceGators clinched a playoff berth Friday night by virtue of the Fayetteville Fireantz losing to the Huntsville Havoc.
The IceGators and the IceFlyers meet again Saturday night at 7 p.m. in the Pensacola Civic Center.
"We gave them the game tonight," said IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli. "I have to give credit to Pensacola. We outplayed them for 40 minutes, and they won the third period. We need to play with more confidence and hold a lead, and we didn't do that tonight."
Brian Berger gave Louisiana a 1-0 lead with 18 seconds left in the first period by scoring off assists from Jake Hauswirth and Shawn McNeil.
Matt Viola tacked on a power play goal seven minutes into the second period. McNeil and Kirk Byczynski assisted on the play.
The IceFlyers cut the Louisiana lead in half when Nick Larson scored a power play goal at the 8:36 mark of the period off assists from Pawlick and Corey Banfield.
Pensacola then burst open the flood gates.
Pawlick tied the game 4:26 into the third period off a Larson assist.
Keeghan Flaherty gave the IceFlyers a 3-2 lead with 3:35 left in regulation off a McParland assist.
McParland tacked on an empty net insurance goal with one minute remaining in the game.
Louisiana's Dan Cornell scored his first professional goal with five seconds left in the game on an empty Pensacola net.
"I'm beyond aggravated with out third period," Omicioli said. "We played soft, scared hockey. I don't care who you play in this league, you will not win with that type of effort. This is, by far, the most frustrating game I've coached in my career. We gave away two points."
SPHL Stories from March 21, 2015
- Ice Bears Come up Short against Cottonmouthsx - Knoxville Ice Bears
- IceGators Hold on for 2-1 Win over Ice Flyers - Louisiana IceGators
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- Rivermen Clinch Home Ice Advantage in 1st Round - Peoria Rivermen
- Ice Flyers Fight Back to Defeat IceGators 4-3 - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- IceGators Clinch Playoff Berth Despite Loss - Louisiana IceGators
- Columbus Beats Knoxville 5-1 as Williamson Gets Hat Trick - Columbus Cottonmouths
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