IceGators Continue Slide, Fall to Cottonmouths
Published on January 27, 2012 under SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Columbus, GeorgiaThe Louisiana IceGators sputtered out of the gate, giving up four unanswered goals in the first half of their 5-3 loss to the Columbus Cottonmouths. The Cottonmouths' special teams were spectacular, scoring two goals on a penalty kill and another on a powerplay. This is the IceGators' second loss in as many nights.
"It was `Groundhog Day' all over again," said IceGators head coach Kevin Kaminski. "We were down 2-0 after the first. We've played 34 games, and we've only led after the first (period) eight times. We won seven of those eight. Other than that, we play catch-up hockey. And when you're down 4-0 against a very good team, it's tough to come back."
The IceGators played catch-up hockey all evening. Derek Pallardy contributed to the first two goals of the night. He scored the first goal of the nightan unassisted shorthanded scoreand, along with Orrin Hergott, assisted on Greg Beller's first goal of the night. Columbus would double its lead early in the second period. Brett Hammond picked up a powerplay goal six minutes into the second period. Less than a minute later, Beller, off of assists from Hergott and Pallardy, picked up his second goal of the night. The IceGators showed signs of life late in the second. They cut the lead to 4-2 thanks to an Alex Morton shorthanded goal and an August Aiken score. The Cottonmouths stole the Gators' momentum when David Cianfrini took a feed from Pallardy and scored a shorthanded goal with eight seconds remaining in the period. Brayden Metz tacked on another goal in the third period for the IceGators to close the gap to 5-3.
Kaminski did give his team some praise. "I give my guys credit for not quitting and battling to the end," he said. "But we have to start out of the gate better and play with the lead. Our preparation and focus have to be better."
The IceGators conclude their three-game road trip Saturday night with a rematch against the Cottonmouths in Columbus. The IceGators will return home Tuesday night to play the Pensacola Ice Flyers at 7:05p.m. Followed by a two game weekend on Feburary 3rd and 4th against the Surge and Riverkings. The Breast Cancer Jersey Auction will be held Friday, February 3rd at the game benefiting Miles Perret Cancer Center. $10 ticket specials are available. Call 704-4423 for more information.
SPHL Stories from January 27, 2012
- Ice Bears Fall in Overtime - Knoxville Ice Bears
- Ice Flyers Lose Close One to Surge - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- IceGators Continue Slide, Fall to Cottonmouths - Louisiana IceGators
- Surge win 2-1 - Mississippi Surge
- Surge Travels to Pensacola Tonight - Mississippi Surge
- Game Preview - Ice Flyers Vs. Mississippi Surge - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Sloppy Play Costs IceGators in Loss to Havoc - Louisiana IceGators
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
