IceGators Rebound, Beat Huntsville
March 7, 2015 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
LAFAYETTE, La.--Friday night's blowout loss to the Huntsville Havoc must have served as a wake-up call for the Louisiana IceGators.
Twenty-four hours after giving up their worst defeat of the season, the IceGators bounced back with a solid performance, knocking off the Havoc 5-2. Adam Stuart led the IceGators with two goals.
The IceGators close out their weekend with a Sunday matinee match against the Pensacola IceFlyers in the Cajundome. Game time is set for 3:05 p.m.
"Overall, I thought it was a great game," said IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli. "I told the guys after the game that we had about an eight minute span where we lapsed into our bad habits, but we didn't allow it to get out of hand. We responded extremely well to the first goal. We controlled the tempo and the physicality of the game, and we were mentally prepared for tonight.
"I think (goalie Marco) De Filippo played well. I thought the team played well defensively in front of him. I challenged to increase their physicality and to increase their work ethic. They answered the bell and contributed on both sides of the puck."
The IceGators and the Havoc began the game by exchanging goals.
Stuart Stefan put Huntsville on the board first at the 5:40 mark of the first period with shot from the right point after taking a cross-ice feed from Ray Ortiz. Jacob Johnstone also assisted on the play.
One minute later, Shawn McNeil tied the game after rebounding a wide Kirk Byczynski shot and shooting it past Kevin Genoe from the left point. Matt Viola also picked up an assist on the score.
Louisiana took a 2-1 lead at the 4:24 mark of the second period thanks to an Adam Stuart power play goal. Byczynski earned his second assist of the night on the play.
The Havoc responded ten minute later when Luke Greiner scored off a rebound from a Colin Hekle shot. Justin Cseter was also credited with an assist.
The IceGators then took firm control of the game.
Ben Rubin gave the IceGators a 3-2 lead after taking a feed from Jake Hauswirth during a two-on-one break down the ice. A long pass from Chris Wilson to Hauswirth set up the play.
Bret Peppler extended the lead to two goals 12 minutes into the third period with wraparound goal after he rebounded a Jeremy Boyer shot that went wide.
Adam Stuart tacked on an empty netter with 12 seconds left in the game. Wilson and McNeil assisted on the play.
The IceGators will have to contend with an even shorter turnaround than usual because of Daylight Saving Time. Omicioli says losing an hour of sleep won't hurt his team too much.
"(The IceFlyers) have to deal with the time change, too. They're traveling all night, too, while we get to sleep at home. We wore the Havoc down during the course of the game tonight, and we have to do that against Pensacola (on Sunday). We just have to bring a full 60 minutes of the hockey we played tonight when we play the IceFlyers."
SPHL Stories from March 7, 2015
- Courchaine, RiverKings Edge Rivermen, 3-2 - Mississippi RiverKings
- Pawlick Nets 3 Power-Play Goals in Ice Flyers' Win - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- IceGators Rebound, Beat Huntsville - Louisiana IceGators
- Mississippi Downs Rivermen in Home Finale - Peoria Rivermen
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