IceGators Fall in Final Minute to Icebears
January 7, 2011 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
LAFAYETTE, LA - The Louisiana IceGators (7-25) remained on the road for their second game of the three game road swing. This time they traveled north to take on the Knoxville IceBears (13-14). As the team remained on the road, the losing streak was still an active streak. During the streak the 'Gators have lost eight games during the streak by two goals or less and Friday night was not any different. The 'Gators fall to the IceBears 4-3.
The opening period began with each team trying to figure out what the other team wanted to do and each team's offense took advantage. Less than four minutes into the period, Mike Bulawka (KNX) scored the opening goal of the game. Louisiana quickly answered when Cameron Sault (LOU) got help from Trevor Karasiewicz (LOU) and Paul DAgostino (LOU) and pushed the puck past the IceBears goalie, Andrew Gallant (KNX) to tie the game at 1-1. With 10 minutes remaining, CJ Tozzo (LOU) was called for roughing and that put Knoxville on the power play. As the penalty was winding down, Emery Olauson (KNX) scored his 18th goal of the season. Olauson added his second goal of the period five minutes later. With 2:28 remaining in the period, Mike Tuomi (KNX) was called for slashing and the 'Gators quickly capitalized on the penalty. Sixteen seconds later Beau McLaughlin (LOU) scored the power play goal and cut the IceBears' lead in half. The 'Gators struck once again with a minute left in the period when Eric Tallent (LOU) scored his first goal of the season.
Knoxville started the second period with Bryan Hince in goal instead of Gallant and the 'Gators did not take long to put the pressure on him. The 'Gators had eight of the first ten shots on goal but Hince saved all of them. In fact, neither goalie Hince or Scott Darling (LOU) allowed a goal. Darling had 9 saves and Hince had 12 in the period.
The third period began with the teams knotted at 3-3. In the first 13 minutes of the period the 'Gators outshot the IceBears 8-3 but could not put any of them past Hince. However, the IceBears returned the favor and put the pressure on the IceGators outshooting them 5-2 in the last five minutes but they were able to make one of those shots count. With 42 seconds left on the clock, Olauson got his second hat trick against Louisiana and gave the IceBears the 4-3 victory.
"We had this game," answered a disappointed IceGators Head Coach, Kevin Kaminski. "This is the same thing that happened the other day and it affected us last night. We'll have to put this behind us and come out determined tomorrow. This is gut check time and we are going to see what these guys are made of tomorrow."
The 'Gators remain in Knoxville for another game tomorrow night. The 'Gators return home on Thursday, January 13 for the first of five home games in a row. The game on Thursday will be against the Mississippi Surge and fans who attend the game will be given a complimentary ticket for Saturday's game against Columbus. In addition to the complimentary ticket, fans will also get to enjoy $2.00 beer night. On Friday, January 14th, Louisiana takes on Columbus and will be wearing special theme night jerseys sponsored by Coushatta Casino Resort. After the game fans are encouraged to join the players and dance team at WOW for a chance to bid on the players' jerseys. Don't miss your chance to bring a group to the game and take advantage of the 10 for 10 program. Groups of 10 can purchase tickets for $10. Call (337) 704-4423 for great season ticket and mini package opportunities, as well as the 10 for 10 program.
SPHL Stories from January 7, 2011
- Ice Flyers Lose Sole Possession of First Place - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Hats off to Olauson with Last Minute Game Winner - Knoxville Ice Bears
- Kosolofsky the Overtime Hero for RiverHawks - Augusta RiverHawks
- IceGators Fall in Final Minute to Icebears - Louisiana IceGators
- Coushatta Sponsors Jersey Auction - 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.
