IceGators Lose Lead, Fall to Havoc in Shootout
December 20, 2013 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Huntsville, Ala.--The Louisiana IceGators snatched defeat from the jaw of victory in the Breland Homes Ice Arena.
Despite a solid first two periods and four goals from Matt Robertson, the IceGators surrendered four goals in the third period en route to a 6-5 shootout loss. Stuart Stefan scored the game-winning goal in the ninth shootout round.
The IceGators and the Havoc play again Saturday night in Huntsville. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
"We played a great 40 minutes, and then we just tried to do too much," said IceGators head coach Kevin Kaminski. "We tried to reinvent the wheel. We gave up too many turnovers. Defensively, we ran around and tried to do too much. We need to talk and trust ourselves. Less is more."
The IceGators jumped out to a 2-0 lead early in the first period. Robertson opened the scoring 3:48 into the game with a power play goal. Jeff Grant tacked on a goal of his own seven minutes later.
Huntsville got on the board late in the first period. Dominic Osman capitalized on a power play opportunity to make the score 2-1 heading into the first intermission.
Robertson gave the IceGators a 3-1 lead at the 1:43 mark of the second period.
Huntsville roared back in the third period. Justin Fox and Matt Singleton scored back-to-back goals within the first five minutes of the frame to tie the game.
Robertson gave Louisiana the lead again by completing a hat trick at the 6:43 mark of the frame.
Huntsville refused to lie down. Leland Fidler scored at the 12:39 mark to tie the game at 4-4. Robertson responded with another goal 30 seconds later to put the IceGators ahead again. Huntsville's Corey Bellamy tied the game 19 seconds later.
Robertson and Nick Lazorko traded goals in the first round of the shootout. Seven rounds went by without a goal. Stefan went top shelf in the bottom half of the ninth round to complete the comeback.
"We gave them everything for free," Kaminski said. "We talked about our focus and our preparation this morning, and we still gave everything away."
Kaminski says his team must return to its basic tenants to be victorious in the Saturday rematch.
"We have to be mentally focused for 60 minutes and fight through adversity," Kaminski said. "We need to respond with a simple sold 60 minute road win."
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