IceGators Shut out in Home Opener
November 2, 2014 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Lafayette, La.--A flat second period wrecked the Louisiana IceGators' chances of giving their fans a win during their home opener.
The IceGators looked lethargic during the middle frame, giving up two goals en route to a 3-0 loss at the hands of the Peoria Rivermen. All of the Rivermen's goals came on special teams, with two on power plays and the other on a penalty shot.
The IceGators return to action Friday night in Cajundome against the Fayetteville FireAntz. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.
"I thought we outplayed them in the first period, but we didn't capitalize or execute on our opportunities," said IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli. "In the second, they outplayed us and took advantage of their chances. We shut down in the second.
"Our guys battled back in the third period, but we didn't execute, and with nine penalties in the third penalty, you aren't going to win any games. At the end of the day, the puck has to go in the back of the net."
The IceGators and Rivermen played a scoreless first period which saw Louisiana outshoot Peoria 10-4.
The tables turned in the second period.
Ben Warda converted a penalty shot at the 7:24 mark to put Peoria on the board. Less than two minutes later, Josh Harris doubled the lead on a power play by deflecting a Matt Summers shot past IceGator goalie Andrew Flemming at the 9:02 mark of the frame.
In all, Peoria outshot Louisiana 11-4 in the second period.
Cole Ruwe scored the third period's only goal on a power play at the 12:22 mark. He rebounded a Garrett Versmeech shot and put the puck into the net on Flemming's blind side.
Omicioli says his team's lack urgency in the second period hurt their chances of winning.
"I scouted [the Rivermen] Friday night when they played Pensacola, so we knew what to expect. We were puck watching in the second and not playing the puck the way we should. That's what cost us those two goals and, eventually, the game.
"We play a set system, and the system revolves around each player being accountable. We were not accountable for the roles we had to play. They outworked us in our defensive zone and in our offensive zone."
Omicioli adds that the roster he will be reworking the roster between now and Friday night.
"I have to find the right team to make us successful," Omicioli said. "I have to look at our systems. When we play like we did in Fayetteville and like we did in the fist period tonight, we're tough to beat. We have to find the right players to carry out that game plan."
SPHL Stories from November 2, 2014
- Offense Comes to Life in 5-3 Win over Havoc - Mississippi RiverKings
- IceGators Shut out in Home Opener - Louisiana IceGators
- Rivermen Special Teams Spur Win at Louisiana - Peoria Rivermen
- Ice Flyers Edge Peoria in Shootout - Pensacola Ice Flyers
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