IceGators Snap Skid with Shutout Win over RiverKings
February 26, 2015 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
LAFAYETTE, La.--The Louisiana IceGators were looking for a statement win to snap their six-game losing streak.
They got that statement victory Thursday night.
The IceGators defense stymied an aggressive Mississippi RiverKings squad, holding them to only a total of 13 shots in the first two periods en route to a 3-0 victory. Marco DeFilippo recorded his third shutout of the year by stopping all 26 Mississippi shots.
Louisiana returns to the Cajundome Friday night to take on the Pensacola IceFlyers. The IceGators are looking to set the SPHL's single-game attendance record during this game. The contest is set to start at 7:05 p.m.
"Obviously, this was the result we were looking for," said IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli. "We completely outplayed them 55 minutes of the game. I think there were a few shifts where they had quality opportunities, but we weathered the storm. Marco proved tonight why we feel he's the guy who can win us a championship.
"Defensively, this was our best game of the year. We moved the puck quickly, and we played with an edge. I thought all six of (the defensemen) did a hell of a job. They all knew their roles, and they did them to a tee. Offensively, we played an average game. We did enough, but we still had too many mental breakdowns. We have to be sharper (Friday) when we play Pensacola."
Bret Peppler drew first blood with a shot off assists from Shawn McNeil and Tyler Klein at the 7:03 mark of the first period.
Chris Wilson gave the IceGators a two-goal lead at the 2:23 mark of the second period off assists from Adam Stuart and Geordie Wudrick.
Jake Hauswirth added an insurance goal with one minute left in the game when he scored on an empty net from the right point. Jeremy Boyer and Mitchell Stretch assisted.
The most surprising stat of the night is that the IceGators--the league's most-penalized team--did not draw a single minor penalty all night. That's the first time this year the IceGators have gone an entire game without drawing a minor.
"I'm still kind of shocked," Omicioli said when discussing the lack of penalties. "We played disciplined, kept our mouths shut, and stayed off the officials."
Omicioli says he's pleased with his team's performance and is looking to build off of tonight's win to put together a lengthy win streak to end the season.
"Overall, it was a solid 60 minutes," Omicioli said. "Something I preach before every game is that every player should be at even or plus (in the plus/minus ratio). We were tonight. (Friday), we have to double that performance in front of a great crowd and against a great team."
SPHL Stories from February 26, 2015
- IceGators Snap Skid with Shutout Win over RiverKings - Louisiana IceGators
- 1st-Place Rivermen Host FireAntz for 3 Weekend Games - Peoria Rivermen
- Weather Forces Postponement of Havoc/Ice Bears Game - SPHL
- Havoc Game Postponed - Huntsville Havoc
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