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SPHL Mississippi RiverKings

'Kings Fight Back, But Fall in Knoxville

February 17, 2012 - SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


Knoxville, Tenn. - The Mississippi RiverKings battled back, but found their way on the wrong end of the 5-3 game in Knoxville on Friday night.

The Ice Bears got the scoring started late in the first period as Eric Satim tipped a Kevin Swider shot past Scott Darling to give the home team the lead.

Seconds later, the RiverKings answered. Darrell Stoddard and Matt Whitehead broke in on a two-on-one opportunity as Stoddard finished it off with a backhander over rookie netminder Kyle Rank to tie the game up at one.

In the second period, with the teams skating four aside, Knoxville capitalized. Mark Van Vliet shot a quick snap shot through traffic that beat Darling low, glove side to put the Ice Bears back on top.

The RiverKings tied it up late in the third as Mike Tuomi's pass redirected off of a Knoxville defenseman and into the net. Nick Vandenbeld and Gabriel Boutin-Gagnon earned credit for the assists.

But Knoxville took the lead again less than two minutes later as Mike Towns connected with Ricky Helmbrecht to give the 'Bears the lead again. Kyle VanderMale broke through the defense and buried a David Segal pass over the glove side of Darling to give the Ice Bears, what would be, much needed insurance.

With Scott Darling racing to the bench, Kyle Lundale ripped a one-timer on a Chev Wilson feed to beat Rank and bring the RiverKings within one.

As Darling had gone to the bench again for the extra attacker, Dan Bremner shot the puck from his own zone into the empty net to give Knoxville the 5-3 victory.

Scott Darling (8-13-1) took the loss as he stopped 28 of 32 shots against. Kyle Rank (3-0-1) remains unbeated in four professional starts as he stopped 31 of 34 shots.

The "˜Kings return home to take on the Louisiana IceGators on February 18th at 7:05 on a special night at the Landers Center. Special pup tickets can be purchased through the RiverKings front office. There will be an extended first intermission complete with wiener dog races and prizes to the fastest dachshund. Get your tickets now by calling the RiverKings front office at 662-342-1755.



SPHL Stories from February 17, 2012


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