IceGators Crush Surge to End Losing Streak
December 1, 2012 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Lafayette, Louisiana--It seems the Louisiana IceGators have found their mojo again. They bounced back from an embarrassing Friday loss and dominated all 60 minutes of their 6-1 romp over the Mississippi Surge. Marc André Carre scored two goals while seven others recorded two points during the game.
"I thought it was our best performance of the year," said IceGators Head Coach Kevin Kaminski. "We talked before the game about getting a great start, and we did that. We capitalized on our opportunities."
And capitalize they did, especially on special teams. The IceGators scored three of their goals during powerplays. Louisiana also took advantage of numerous Mississippi turnovers and rebounds to put on the scoring clinic for fans in attendance. The IceGators also put on a boxing exhibition, as three fights broke out in the first three minutes of the contest.
Carre scored the first goal at 5:29 of the first period off of a rebound from a Shawn McNeil shot. Clark Byzynski scored off of feeds from Greg Brown and Matt Robertson with 34 seconds remaining in the frame. The IceGators scored their four second-period goals off only five shots. Robertson led off the scoring at the 5:03 mark off of a rebound from a Robert Short shot. One minute later, Kirk Byzynski scored on a slap shot after taking a pass from his brother, Clark. Carre picked up his second goal six minutes into the frame during a 2-on-1 opportunity after taking a feed from Matt Miller. Denny Kearney tacked on the final goal at the 7:17 mark off of a rebound from a Short shot.
The Surge's lone goal of the night came at the hands of Trent Bonnett. He ended the shutout on a screen play at the halfway mark of the second. Goalie Riley Gill, who returned for the first time since suffering a jaw injury three weeks ago, picked up where he left off, stopping 28 of 29 Surge shots.
Kaminski spoke highly of his returning goaltender. "He's our security blanket," he said. "We know we can count on him during breakdowns and in other situations. He's already won some big games for us."
Kaminski praise the rest of his team, as well. "I really thought our second effort all over the ice was there," Kaminski said. "Our puck pressure was great, and we finished a lot of checks and created a lot of turnovers."
He also noted his players' quick change in attitude. "We obviously needed a sense of urgency, and tonight we played with it. Our compete level for loose pucks was there, and our care factor was at another level. They settled down, and they played a smart game with good energy." Kaminski added, "The guys should feel awesome about this game. They should be proud. Now, here's a chance to build off the best game of the year to back on a little tear. Everyone has to be on the same page to make that happen."
SPHL Stories from December 1, 2012
- RiverKings Snap Home Losing Streak in 4-3 Win - Mississippi RiverKings
- IceGators Crush Surge to End Losing Streak - Louisiana IceGators
- Knoxville takes win 4-1 - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Louisiana wins 6-1 over Surge - Mississippi Surge
- Havoc Sneak Past 'Hawks - Augusta RiverHawks
- IceGators Fall to IceFlyers, 4-2 - Louisiana IceGators
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