IceGators Lose to Surge; Drop 3rd Straight
January 18, 2014 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Lafayette, La.--Same story, different night.
The Louisiana IceGators gave up too many turnovers and got hot too late in their 4-2 loss to the Mississippi Surge. The IceGators recorded 45 shots on goal, tying their season high. Surge goalie Mathieu Dugas stopped 43 of those shots.
The IceGators return to the Cajundome next Friday night when they host the Mississippi RiverKings. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.
"We pulled the same thing we did [Friday] night," IceGators head coach Kevin Kaminski. "Turnovers killed us. We got down early, and we played desperate late.
"We were okay in the first, better in the second, and unbelievable in the third. We dominated them in the third period. We outshot them 19-2."
The Surge drew first blood nearly four minutes into the game. Anthony Battaglia scored off assists from Brad Barber and Ian Boots to give Mississippi the early 1-0 lead.
The Surge took further control of the game in the second period. Kyle Kurdoch tacked on another goal 15 seconds into the second period to make the score 2-0. Jordan Peddle's power play goal with 38 seconds left in the frame put Mississippi up 3-0 at the second intermission.
Jeff Martens added another goal four minutes into the third period to give Mississippi a four-goal lead.
The IceGators then attempted a comeback.
Chris Wilson recorded a power play goal at the 4:54 mark to put Louisiana on the board. Tyler Barr added another goal at the 9:32 mark to cut the Surge lead in half. However, the IceGators could not manage to score another goal in the last half of the frame.
"It's a 60 minute game," Kaminski said. "It's like beating a dead cat right now. I don't know why we don't initiate in every period like we do in the third. It's frustrating.
"I believe we have a hell of a team in there. You can do the video and give them the game plan and systems all day, but we have to work as hard as we did in the third period [Friday] night and tonight in every single period. You've got a job for 60 minutes. Do it, and pay the price to win."
Kaminski says his team was spared from a late-night skate by an unlikely group.
"They are lucky they're picking up the ice in the Cajundome for the Harlem Globetrotters game tomorrow because they'd be skating right now."
When asked if he would used trades, bag skates, or other motivational tools, Kaminski quickly answered.
"All of the above," he replied.
SPHL Stories from January 18, 2014
- Thunder Top Rivermen 2-1 on Saturday - Peoria Rivermen
- IceGators Lose to Surge; Drop 3rd Straight - Louisiana IceGators
- Ice Flyers Fall 5-3 to Huntsville - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Bronner's Overtime Winner Lifts RiverKings - Mississippi RiverKings
- Thunder Bounce Back over Rivermen - Bloomington Thunder
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