IceGators leap out to eight-point division lead

Published on March 8, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release


Lafayette, LA – The Louisiana IceGators played three games in three nights this past week, going 2-1 on the weekend. The IceGators are 41-16-2 with 84 points in the ECHL standings. The Gators lead the Central Division by eight points over their rival, the Mississippi Sea Wolves (35-19-6). The IceGators are also tied with the San Diego Gulls (37-12-10) for second place in the ECHL. The Wheeling Nailers (45-13-2) sit in the top spot with 92 points.

The IceGators started their tour of the Eastern Conference in Columbia, SC, on Friday. Despite first period goals from Rod Sarich, Bobby Brown and Ben Storey, the Inferno came back with goals in the second and third periods to earn a 5-3 win. In three meetings this season, the IceGators went 2-1 against Columbia.

The IceGators faced off with the Greenville Grrrowl on Saturday night. Semir Ben-Amor put the Gators on the board first with his 12th goal of the year. Rod Sarich continued his points streak with the first assist and Jamie Johnson put up the first of two assists in the game. Michael Chin tied up the game in the second period, but the Gators struck again in the third to take a lead they would not relinquish. Kenny Corupe brought his goal tally to a baker's dozen with his first goal since coming back from the injured reserve. Milt Mastad and Jamie Johnson added the helpers.

Sunday saw the IceGators still in Greenville for the fourth meeting of season between the two teams. The Gators would finish the season series 4-0 against the Grrrowl by putting up a 4-1 victory in the matinee game. Two goals in the first period and two in the second period gave the IceGators a four-goal lead. The Grrrowl was able to cut into that lead with one goal, but Derek Gustafson prevented them from scoring any more.

UPCOMING GAMES

@ Gwinnett Gladiators – Tuesday, March 9, 2004 @ 6:05 pm – This is the first meeting of three this season between Louisiana and Gwinnett. The Gladiators (33-19-5) will visit the Frozen Swamp on March 27 and 28. While this is the first meeting ever of the Gators and Gladiators, the Gators have posted a 29-21-5 all-time record against the franchise. The Gladiators were the Mobile Mysticks before the franchise moved to Georgia last year. Gwinnett is the only non-Eastern Conference team the IceGators will face on their road trip.

@ Charlotte Checkers – Wednesday, March 10 @ 6 p.m. and Friday, March 12, 2004 @ 6:30 pm – These two games are the only tilts between Charlotte and Louisiana in 2003-04. The Checkers (30-23-7) are currently fifth in the Southern Division. The Gators are 2-4-2 all-time against Charlotte.

@ South Carolina Stingrays – Saturday, March 13, 2004 @ 6:30 pm – This is the only match-up between the Gators and the Rays this season. The IceGators are 7-7-0 all-time against South Carolina (34-21-3).

@ Florence Pride – Sunday, March 14, 2004 @ 1:30 pm – The IceGators posted a 3-1 victory against the Pride on February 8 at the Cajundome. The Pride (24-29-7) will host the Gators for the second of two tilts this season. The Gators are 8-8-0 all-time against Florence.

PROMOTIONS

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 – St. Patrick's Day: Wear your Irish green for the "Green Out" against the Columbus Cottonmouths and receive $2 off tickets at the Cajundome box office. There will also be a St. Patty's Day costume contest and $2 green beer. This game was rescheduled from January 4th so IceGators fans could watch the LSU football team win the National Championship. Season ticket holders may use their ticket from the January 4th game for admittance on St. Patty's Day.

Friday, March 19, 2004 – Iberia Parish Appreciation Night: This is the last match-up of the season with the rival Mississippi Sea Wolves. All Iberia Parish residents will receive $2 off at the Cajundome box office. A portion of the proceeds from tickets sold through the Iberia Parish schools will be donated to the schools.

Saturday, March 20, 2004 – Boy Scout Night: Boy Scout troops from across Acadiana have been invited to attend the game. Each ticket purchased through Boy Scout troops will raise $2 that will be donated back to that chapter of Boy Scouts of America. Every Boy Scout who attends the game in uniform will receive a special patch at the game. The Erath High School Band will also perform during the game.

Friday, March 19, 2004 and Saturday, March 20, 2004 – Faith and Fellowship Weekend: Christian recording artist Ken Holloway will sing the National Anthem and perform during the intermissions of the March 19 game. A portion of the proceeds from tickets purchased through your church or religious organization will be donated to A Pregnancy Center and Clinic, a non-profit group selected by sponsor KSJY.

Friday, March 19, 2004 and Saturday, March 20, 2004 – Kelly Cup Tour: The ECHL's top prize will visit the Cajundome as part of the Kelly Cup Tour. Named for Commissioner Emeritus of the ECHL Patrick J. Kelly, the Cup is rewarded to the ECHL's post-season champion. Fans will be able to see the Cup and take pictures with the league's vaunted prize.

TEAM NEWS

Wednesday, March 10, 2004 @ 2 p.m. – The Louisiana IceGators will host a press conference in the Convention Center lobby, adjacent to the Cajundome. The press conference will address the future of IceGators hockey. All media, season ticket holders, fans and friends are invited to attend.

WHO'S HOT

Jamie Johnson – The rookie has 6 assists in his last four games. Johnson has tallied 46 points (9g – 37a) in 58 games with the Gators this season.

Bobby Brown – The IceGators captain earned 10 points (3g – 7a) in his last six games. Brown has earned 63 points (32g – 31a) in 59 games this season. Brown is in a three-way tie for third in league for goal scoring. His fourteen power play goals also put him in a three-way tie for third in power play scoring. He is tied with teammate Ben Storey and Florence's Wes Goldie. Brown also leads the league in shots on goal with 282.

Ben Storey – The IceGators' defenseman seems to have taken up permanent residence on the Who's Hot list. He is leading the league in power play points with 39 (14g – 25a). He is in a three-way tie for third place in power play goal scoring and is second in the league in shots on goal with 274. Storey is also the team's second leading scorer with 56 points (18g – 38a) in 56 games.

Rod Sarich – Sarich is riding a seven-game hot streak with 8 points (1g – 7a) since February 27. This is the longest points streak of the season for the defenseman from Bladworth, Saskatchewan. Sarich has 26 points (4g – 22a) in 42 games this season.

IN OTHER NEWS...

Minnesota Moves: The Minnesota Wild has been wheeling and dealing the past week. The Wild sent defenseman Brad Bombardir and center Sergei Zholtok to the Nashville Predators for third and fourth round draft picks in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. They also sent center Jim Dowd to Les Habitants (the Montreal Canadiens) for another fourth round pick in 2004 and defenseman Jason Marshall went to San Jose for a fifth round pick in the next Draft. The Wild also signed left wing Matt Johnson to a contract extension.

Get ‘em While They're Hot: Louisiana IceGators Playoff Packages are now available. The IceGators are offering special discounts on 12-game packages for the 2003-04 Kelly Cup playoff run. Please visit www.icegators.com or call the IceGators office at 234-4423 for more information.

Injury Report: Left wing Brian Herbert remains on thirty-day injured reserve. Right wing Konstantin Kalmikov has been activated from seven-day injured reserve. Left wing Dennis Shiryaev remains on thirty-day injured reserve.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Monday: OFF
Tuesday: Pre-game skate in Gwinnett
Wednesday: Pre-game skate in Charlotte
Thursday: Practice in Charlotte
Friday: Pre-game skate in Charlotte
Saturday: Pre-game skate in Charleston
Sunday: Pre-game skate in Florence

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ECHL Stories from March 8, 2004


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