Louisiana Loses to Ice Bears in Overtime
Published on December 18, 2010 under SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
LAFAYETTE, LA - The Louisiana IceGators (7-15) entered Saturday night's game in need of a win. The 'Gators were on a four game losing streak when they went into action against the Knoxville IceBears (8-11). However, the IceBears were able to extend the streak by winning 3-2 in overtime.
The first period began with the IceGators being very physical. The 'Gators C.J. Tozzo was called for cross checking three minutes into the period. Scott Darling (LOU), IceGators' goalie, and the rest of the 'Gators were up to the task and killed the penalty. A minute after getting out of the penalty box, Tozzo scored the first goal of the game. Jozef Kubaliak (KNX) was called for high sticking with 12:47 remaining in the period, but the IceGators were not able to capitalize. In fact, the 'Gators gave up a shorthanded goal when Tyler Fletcher (KNX) tied the game at 1-1.
The IceBears were the first to strike in the second period. Eric Slais (KNX) scored his fourth goal of the season with 15:25 left in the period. Thirty seconds later, Kubaliak was called for his second penalty of the game. This would put the 'Gators on a power play and Dennis Sicard (LOU), who was suspended for last night's game against Huntsville, scored with seven seconds left on the power play to tie the game at 2-2. The 'Gators ended the period out shooting the IceBears 10-0.
The third period began with a 2-2 tie and opened with some fireworks. Fletcher and Sicard decided to drop the gloves two seconds into the period on a night that the IceBears deemed as "Guarantee Fight Night". This set the tone for the rest of the period. The 'Gators ended the second period on a 10-0 advantage in shots on goal and the streak continued into the final period, where the IceGators opened the period with eight of the first nine shots on goal. Neither goalie, Scott Darling (LOU) or Andrew Gallant (KNX), allowed a goal in the final period and sent the game to overtime. Knoxville wanted to end the game early in overtime and that is what they did. The IceBears scored less than a 1:30 into the overtime period on a rebounded puck to win the game 3-2.
"This streak is hard to get a grasp on," replied a frustrated IceGators Head Coach Dave MacIsaac. "We've been in all of the games we have lost during the streak and most of them have come down to the final period. Just like I've been saying, we have to put together a complete game. It doesn't do us any good to play two periods really well if we aren't going to finish the game."
The Louisiana IceGators will then return to the Dome for two games this upcoming week on Wednesday, December 22 against the Pensacola Ice Flyers. Then the 'Gators will celebrate Christmas against the Mississippi Surge on Christmas Day in the Dome. 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 December 18, 2010
- RiverHawks Fall to Surge - Augusta RiverHawks
- Ice Bears Wrestle IceGators to 3-2 Overtime Win - Knoxville Ice Bears
- Louisiana Loses to Ice Bears in Overtime - Louisiana IceGators
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