Louisiana Falls in First Game of 2011 Year
January 1, 2011 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
LAFAYETTE, LA - The Louisiana IceGators (7-22) began Saturday in the midst of an 11 game losing streak. They took to the ice in the Cajundome against the Knoxville IceBears (12-14) looking to end the streak. However, tonight was not going to be the night that the losing streak concluded. Knoxville was victorious 8-3.
The first period began with each team trying to figure the other out. In the first six minutes the IceBears had the only shot on goal but the action picked up with 13:52 left in the period. David Segal (KNX) scored his fourth goal of the season and put the IceBears up 1-0. The IceBears turned the pressure up on the IceGators' goalie, Archie Henderson. Knoxville had four shots on goal in a five second span and the fourth shot, by Tyler Fletcher (KNX), put he IceBears up 2-0. With 2:32 remaining in the opening period the IceGators got on the board, when Cameron Sault (LOU) scored his third goal of the season with assistance from Ryan Fultz (LOU).
The second period began with the IceGators trailing 2-1. Beau McLaughlin (LOU) knotted the game at 2-2 as he scored his 18th goal of the season. Four minutes later the IceBears reclaimed the lead when Emery Olauson (KNX), who had a hat trick last time he faced the IceGators, scored his 17th goal of the season. With 12:30 left in the period, McLaughlin was called for interference and that put the IceBears on a power play. Knoxville capitalized on the âGators mistake as Mark Van Vliet (KNX) scored a power play goal with about 11 minutes left in the period. With 4:53 left in the period, Olauson scored his second goal of the game and put the IceBears up 5-2.
The third period began with the IceGators applying pressure to the IceBears. The âGators took the first six shots on goal in the period but were unable to capitalize on any of them. The IceBears added to their three-goal lead when Rob Campbell (KNX) scored with 14:01 left in the game. The âGators responded with 11:06 to go in the game; Dennis Sicard (LOU) scored with assistance from Eric Tallent (LOU) and Kirill Kitsyn (LOU) and cut the deficit to three goals. The IceBears added another insurance goal with 5:23 left in the game when Jon Higgins (KNX) scored his second goal of the season. Knoxville scored their eighth goal of the game when Brett Valliquette (KNX) scored with 1:13 left in the game.
"I am working to make these guys believe they can win," replied the new IceGators Head Coach Kevin Kaminski. "They have struggled in recent weeks and all of them try to do too much, instead of playing their game."
The âGators return to action on January 4 as the Mississippi Surge come back to the Dome for a game at 7:05. Then the âGators will hit the road for three in a row. The first is on January 6 at Augusta. The âGators will then travel north for two games against the Knoxville IceBears on January 7th and 8th. Don't miss your chance to bring a group to the game and take advantage of the 10 for 10 program. Groups of 10 can purchase tickets for $10. Call (337) 704-4423 for great season ticket and mini package opportunities, as well as the 10 for 10 program.
SPHL Stories from January 1, 2011
- RiverHawks Beat Up Surge 5-2 - Augusta RiverHawks
- Louisiana Falls in First Game of 2011 Year - Louisiana IceGators
- Fayetteville's Sich Suspended One Game - SPHL
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