IceGators Stomp FireAntz
February 6, 2015 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Fayetteville, N. C.--The long road trip had no effect on the Louisiana IceGators.
The IceGators put on an offensive showcase Friday night, dominating the Fayetteville FireAntz in a 6-1 route. Chris Wilson led the team with two goals and two assists.
The IceGators and the FireAntz meet again Saturday night at 7:35 p.m. EST.
"What can you say about these guys - said IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli. "They put the 17-hour bus ride behind them and put on a show. We had many stellar performances by so many players. (Goalie Matt) Zenzola was incredible all game and weathered (Fayetteville's) early momentum. (Forward Jake) Hauswirth continues to score big goals for us. Wilson was just fun to watch. When he skates like he did tonight, there aren't too many people in the league who can hang with him."
Shawn McNeil opened the scoring 2:21 into the game when he scored off assists from Wilson and Clark Byczynski.
Hauswirth and Brett Pepper made the score 3-0 going into the second intermission when they scored late in the second period. Wilson assisted on Hauswirth's goal, while Adam Stuart assisted on Peppler's.
Lafayette native Alex Devillier scored his first professional goal 82 seconds into the third period. The highlight reel goal came off assists from Hauswirth and Mitchell Stretch.
Wilson tacked on his two scores at the 2:21 and 8:40 mark of the final frame. Byczynski and Phil Bushbacher assisted on both goals.
The FireAntz stopped the bleeding when Josh McQuade scored off assists from Trever Hertz and Jan Safar with 7:42 left in the game.
The IceGators' offensive output was matched by their defensive play. Byczynski led the team with a +/- ratio of +4. The team combined finished at +25.
Omicioli says he wants to see a repeat of this effort in the Saturday rematch.
"I can say that this was the most enjoyable game I have watched as the coach of this organization," Omicioli said. "That said, all of those goals only equal two points in the standings. We need to come back (Saturday), match this performance, and strive to be better."
SPHL Stories from February 6, 2015
- Ice Flyers Fall to the RiverKings at Home 3-1 - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- IceGators Stomp FireAntz - Louisiana IceGators
- Ice Bears Keep Pace on Top with 2-1 OT Win - Knoxville Ice Bears
- Quick Strike Leads to 3-1 RiverKings' Win - Mississippi RiverKings
- Rivermen Surge to 4th Straight Win - Peoria Rivermen
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