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IceGators end losing streak, get ready for trip to South Carolina

February 7, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release


For the Week: 1-1-0

Season record 17-23-3, 37 points, 5th place in the South Division

Leading scorers Wes Mason 20-25-45, David Bararuk 14-22-36

Lafayette, LA – The IceGators had a 1-1 week as the team heads towards the home stretch. The Gators blew a 3 goal lead Wednesday night, losing to Pensacola 5-4 but bounced back on Friday with an 8-7 win over Texas. The 15 combined goals scored were the most in the ECHL this season. The team ended the week by having 3 players called up to the AHL's Houston Aeros and trading for defensive help.

Last Week

Wednesday, The Louisiana IceGators could not hold on to a 3-0 lead as Cam Keith scored with just over 3 minutes remaining to give the Ice Pilots a 5-4 victory in the Cajundome. The Gators set a team record by scoring shorthanded goals 1:05 apart in the first period. Mark Rooneem scored on a wrist shot at 16:21, followed by a Wes Mason slap shot goal at 17:26.Chris Thompson added a power play goal in the 2nd period and David Bararuk tied the score at four, late in the third period. It would not be enough as the Gators fell for the 6th straight game.

Friday, The IceGators and Texas Wildcatters combined for the highest scoring game in the ECHL this season, 15 goals scored, as the Gators escaped with an 8-7 win snapping the team's 6 game losing streak. Five IceGators players had 3 point nights, (Rooneem 2-1-3, Galbraith 1-2-3, Dagenais 1-2-3, Thompson 1-2-3, Pelletier 1-2-3). Nathan Marsters got the win in relief of Kyle Kettles as the Gators held off a late Texas rally to escape with the one goal win.

The Nominees are: The IceGators nominees for ECHL of the weekly awards are Chris Thompson and Goalie Nathan Martsers.

The Week Ahead

Nothing could be finer than to take a 17 hour bus ride to Carolina, well maybe not, but that's where the team is heading for the next four games. The Gators will play Friday at 6:30pm and Saturday at 3pm against the Columbia Inferno. The two teams met earlier this season on December 10, 2004. On that night, Mike Minard out dueled Nathan Marsters in the pipes, as the Inferno won 2-1 in a shootout. On Sunday, the Gators will stay in the state of South Carolina when they take on the Greenville Grrrowl at 2:05pm. This will be the first meeting of the season between the two clubs.

Broadcast Info All games this week can be heard on 960am "The Gator". In addition to the radio broadcasts, all games can be heard via the internet at www.icegators.com.

Notes

Getting the Call: Since last Wednesday, three IceGators have been recalled to the Houston Aeros. Thursday, it was David Bararuk getting the call. The 2nd year man was coming off back to back 3 point efforts and he continued with the hot hand, scoring a goal for Houston on Friday night. Saturday morning, Mark Rooneem, who has scored a goal in his last four games, got promoted. The rookie from Hinton, Alberta, played in Saturday night's 1-0 Aeros win over Milwaukee. Rooneem did not get on the scorer's sheet, but was impressive with his hustle and speed. Sunday, defenseman Chris Heid was recalled and is expected to play in Tuesday's game for the Aeros. There is no specific time set for any of the three players return to Lafayette.

Trading Places: On Sunday, Coach Todd Gordon swung a deal with the Gwinnett Gladiators to exchange defensemen. The Gators sending Randy Dagenais back to his original ECHL team. In return, Louisiana picks up Dave McCullough, a rookie defenseman from Harvard. In 40 games for the Gladiators this season, the 22 year old from Lacombe, Alberta, has scored 2 goals with 4 assists for 6 points. McCullough has amassed 55 penalty minutes and has a +/- rating of +3.

"The Hinton Connection": Since coming to Louisiana, Jade Galbraith has averaged more than a point a game with 18 points, (5-13-18) in 13 games as a Gator. The other half of the "Hinton Connection", Mark Rooneem, has the longest current goal scoring streak in the league with 5 goals scored over the last in 4 games. Rooneem has scored 11 goals in his last 13 games and is 2nd on the Gators with 5 power play goals, all scored in the last 10 games.

Scoring Stats: Coming off a 4 point week, Wes Mason is now ranked 7th in the ECHL with 45 points (20-25-45) Mason's shorthanded goal against Pensacola made him the first IceGator this season to reach the 20 goal plateau.

Community News

Due to Mardi Gras, "Gator Talk" at Tampico's will not be held this week.

The IceGators will practice through Wednesday at the the Hockeyplex in Carencro. Tuesday will be a 9am practice with a 10am practice to be held on Wednesday before the trip to Columbia.

Project MAMA

For the entire season the Gators are encouraging fans to participate in the Project MAMA. A list of supplies needed by our local troops serving overseas is listed at http://www.icegators.com/news/?cat=1&id=627 and in the lobby of the Cajundome for during every IceGators home game.. The team will have drop off points at the Cajundome for every home game and the effort will culminate our next Armed Forces Nights on March 20, 2005. On this night, children of our deployed troops will have a special day of IceGators hockey complete with a tour of the locker room and a picture with their favorite player. That picture along with supplies will be sent to loved ones overseas. Any business wanting to participate in project MAMA by donating tickets for these families, can call the IceGators office at (337) 234-4423.

Individual game tickets for all regular season home games are on sale now. Tickets are available at the Cajundome Box Office, and all TicketMaster outlets and online at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information call the IceGators office at (337) 234-4423.

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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.

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