IceGators Stumble in Loss to Surge
March 10, 2012 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Lafayette, Louisiana - The Louisiana IceGators' hot start fizzled quickly. After holding an early lead, the Gators gave up two unanswered goals in the second period en route to a 4-1 loss to the Mississippi Surge.
"The game plan wasn't bad," lamented IceGator head coach Kevin Kaminski. "It comes down to execution." He went on to say, "We lost so many one-on-one battles tonight, it was like we were playing an NHL team. We made them look so good." Kaminski added his players were not in the proper frame of mind for tonight's game. "We should have been full of emotion, full of excitement, (and) full of enthusiasm," he remarked. "I don't know where our hearts and minds are. We've made the playoffs and we're going to be complacent? We haven't earned anything yet."
The IceGators opened the game firing on all cylinders. Tyler Fernandez gave Louisiana a 1-0 lead eight minutes into the contest. Mississippi tied the game with a Rob Campbell score with five minutes left in the first period. The second period belonged to the Surge. Shawn Skelly gave Mississippi a 2-1 lead 39 seconds into the frame. Jeff Grant added an insurance goal midway through the period. Tyler Ruel added his name to the score sheet early in the third period to give the Surge a 4-1 lead. The IceGators attempted a furious comeback late in the game. Eric Tallent scored a powerplay goal with 8:30 remaining in regulation. The IceGators had several great opportunities in front of the net in the waning minutes of the game, but they could not capitalize.
Kaminski says the last few games of this season will serve as a gut-check time for his players. "Here's an opportunity to play for a championship," he said. "If you can't get yourself up for another (possible) 11 games, there's something wrong." Kaminski adds his players are fighting for more than just a championship. "They're also competing for their jobs," he stated. "I've been getting calls from players in Europe wanting to come here. Players on other teams in other leagues are looking to come here. There are going to be so many players available. No one is guaranteed a spot on the team next year." Despite everything, Kaminski still believes in his team. "I know the passion, the character, and the heart is in that room," he said. "I believe that, but if they don't believe it and find it, our season is done." He added, "I guess the old saying of taking a look in the mirror applies. What got you here? What has made you successful? It comes down to relentless work ethic and keeping it simple. We have to take pride in that. But if you're not going to war for each otherhave the care factor for each otherwe won't get anywhere in the playoffs."
The IceGators, who have clinched a playoff berth, currently sit in sixth place in the SPHL standings. Tomorrow night, they take on the Mississippi RiverKings. That game will take place in the Cajundome. Faceoff is scheduled for 7:05 P. M.
SPHL Stories from March 10, 2012
- RiverHawks Edged by the Cottonmouths - Augusta RiverHawks
- IceGators Beat RiverKings to Snap Losing Streak - Louisiana IceGators
- Louisiana Knocks off Mississippi; Holds Onto Sixth Place - Mississippi RiverKings
- FireAntz Burn Ice Flyers 6-4 - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Game Preview - Ice Flyers Vs. Fayetteville FireAntz - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- IceGators Stumble in Loss to Surge - Louisiana IceGators
- Ice Flyers Extinguish FireAntz 5-2 - Pensacola Ice Flyers
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