IceGators Split Pride in America Weekend

Published on January 12, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release


The Louisiana IceGators ended their weekend home stand in second place in the Central Division. The Gators are now 23-10-2 with 48 points in the standings. They are two points behind division-leading Mississippi.

The IceGators kicked off the Acadiana Proud Project with Pride In America Weekend. The team wore commemorative American Flag jerseys and fans were asked to donate supplies to send to Acadiana's troops overseas.

On Saturday, January 10, the Gators hosted Central division archrival Mississippi. When playing each other, the ‘Gators and the Wolves have better records on the road than on home ice. Louisiana fell to 1-3 at home against Mississippi this season, although they lead the series 5-3. Louisiana and Mississippi were tied for second place in the division going into Saturday's game.

Ed McGrane scored the first Gators' goal of the game, on a feed from Alex Materukin and Kevin Mitchell. Armands Berzins pulled the Gators even with his fifth of the year. Alex Materukin earned his second point on the evening with the assist. Ben Story and Ed McGrane tallied helpers on captain Bobby Brown's go-ahead goal in the second period. Semir Ben-Amor added the fourth goal for the Gators in his first game back in a Louisiana sweater. Berzins gathered his second point of the game with the assist. Despite the 4-2 lead going into the third, the IceGators lost the game 5-4 when the Sea Wolves rallied for three goals in the final frame.

Sunday's game brought the Pensacola Ice Pilots to the Cajundome. The first period was scoreless for both teams, but the Gators had the upper hand defensively, peppering the Pilots' Brian Eklund with 15 shots on goal. The Pilots put a total of 19 shots on Frederic Cloutier, who stopped them all. Ben Storey and Armands Berzins put up goals for the Gators. Kevin Mitchell assisted on Storey's eventual game winner, while Berzins got some help from Semir Ben-Amor and Maxime Fortunus on this sixth of the year. The game marked the fourth shut-out of the year for the IceGators and the second shut-out of the Ice Pilots this season.

UPCOMING GAMES

At the Texas Wildcatters – January 16 and 17, 2004 @ 7:05 pm – The IceGators travel to Beaumont to battle the Wildcatters in back-to-back games at the Ford Arena. The Gators are 3-1 against the team from Texas this season.

Pensacola Ice Pilots – January 18, 2004 @ 4:05pm – The Gators welcome the team from Pensacola to the Frozen Swamp for their eighth tilt this season. Louisiana shut out the Ice Pilots in the last tilt between these teams. The Gators are 4-1-2 against Pensacola this season.

PROMOTIONS

January 18, 2004 – Girl Scout Night: Girl Scout troops from across southern Louisiana will attend the game. Those girl scouts wearing uniforms or items of their uniform will receive a special patch from the IceGators. The Gators will also honor the state football champion Vermillion Catholic High School Screaming Eagles football team.

The Month of January, 2004 – Acadiana Proud Project: Bring supplies for Acadiana's troops overseas and receive $2 off any game ticket for any game in January. A list of supplies is available at www.icegators.com.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Tuesday, January 13, 2004 – Two IceGators will visit Delcambre High School to congratulate the students on winning the United Way of Iberia Nickel Harvest.

Wednesday, January 14, 2004 – Two IceGators and Clawd will visit Daspit Elementary in New Iberia to congratulate the students on winning the United Way of Iberia Nickel Harvest.

Thursday, January 15, 2004 – Two IceGators and Clawd will Coteau Elementary in New Iberia to participate in the Honor Roll Assembly.

WHO'S HOT

Armands Berzins – The Player of the Week nominee has 3 points (2g – 1a) in his last two games.
Semir Ben-Amor – Ben-Amor has two points (1g – 1a) in his first two games back in a Gator sweater.

IN OTHER NEWS...

Back on Top: As of Monday, January 12, 2004, the IceGators are once again leading the league in power play percentage, at 21.57%. The Gators have scored 41 goals on 199 man-advantage chances this season.

Injury Report: Left wing Brian Herbert has been placed on seven-day injured reserve. Center Kenny Corupe has been placed on thirty-day injured reserve.

Pride In America Weekend: The commemorative American Flag jersey auction raised $12,000 this past weekend. Funds raised from the auction will be used to purchase supplies for Acadiana's troops overseas. Fans showed their support of our service people by donating thousands of items for care packages, as well. The IceGators will continue to collect donation items through the month of January.

Maybe it's the Cajun Cookin': Semir Ben-Amor made his second debut with the IceGators this weekend, as he rejoined his former teammates at the Frozen Swamp. Ben-Amor started the season playing in his native Finland, before deciding to come back to the ECHL. He made quite a debut, tallying a goal in his first game and an assist in his second.



ECHL Stories from January 12, 2004


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