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Louisiana wins 2 of 3, moves into 2nd Place

November 22, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release


For the Week: 2-1-0

Season record 6-2-1, 13 points

Leading scorers Wes Mason 6-7-13, Mike Omicioli 5-6-11

Lafayette, LA – The Louisiana IceGators continue to play strong hockey to begin the 2004-05 season, winning 2 out of 3 games last week and moving into 2nd place in the South Division of the American Conference, just one point behind the 1st place Gwinnett Gladiators.

Last Week

On Wednesday night, the Louisiana IceGators played their best 3rd period of the season, scoring two goals, to defeat the Gwinnett Gladiators 4-2 in the Cajundome. The IceGators outshot the Gladiators 13-7 in the final 20 minutes and got the game winning goal via a Gwinnett mistake. Rookie defenseman Dave Mc Culloch turned the puck over directly in front of his net, Alex Materukhin's first shot was denied but the rebound came right back and the easy backhand tap in made the score 3-2 at 10:28 of the period, Materukhin's 2nd of the night and 4th of the season. Late in the period, after a McCulloch tripping call gave the Gators a power play, Wes Mason tipped in a perfect pass from Randy Dagenais from the blue line to seal the 4-2 win. Kyle Kettles got his 3rd win in a row stopping 31-33 shots.

Saturday night, the IceGators ran their unbeaten streak to 7 consecutive games, using a balanced offensive attack to down the Augusta Lynx 5-2. Wes Mason had a 2 goals and an assist, Mike Omicioli had three helpers and David Bararuk added one goal and one assist for the home team. Rookie goaltender Nathan Marsters won for the 2nd time in two starts stopping 29 of 31 Lynx shots.

Sunday afternoon, the Texas Wildcatters ended the Gators' hot streak with a 4-1 win in the dome. Andrew Ianiero scored twice for the visitors, while former IceGators goalie Phil Osaer stopped 40 of 41 IceGators attempts on net. Randy Dagenais scored his 2nd of the season in the 3rd period for the only Louisiana tally.

The Week Ahead

Thanksgiving week brings another 3 games for the Gators and the unveiling of the 10th Anniversary Jersey on Friday.

Tuesday, November 23: IceGators vs. Las Vegas Wranglers 7:05pm (Casino Night)

This game will mark the first ever meeting between these two clubs. Las Vegas finished 2nd in the Pacific Division last year with a record of 43-22-2, good for 93 points. This will be "Casino Night" as one lucky fan will win a trip to a casino courtesy of the IceGators.

Friday, November 26: IceGators vs. Gwinnett Gladiators 7:05pm "Youth Jersey Replica Night"

The first place Gwinnett Gladiators return to the "Frozen Swamp" looking for revenge after last Wednesday's 4-2 defeat. This night will mark the unveiling of the IceGators "10th Anniversary Jersey". This jersey will be worn only on special nights during the season. In honor of the unveiling, Tony Chachere's is giving away replicas of the jersey to the 1st 1,000 kids twelve and under through the door on Friday night. Local artist Tony Bernard will unveil his 10th Anniversary commemorative print on Friday night as well.

Saturday, November 27: Gators at Texas Wildcatters 7:05pm

For the 3rd time this season the Gators and Wildcatters face off. Louisiana winning the first match up on October 30, ruining Texas' home opener 3-1. The Wildcatters returning the favor last Sunday with a 4-1 win on the Frozen Swamp.

Broadcast Info All games this week can be heard on 960am "The Gator". In addition to the radio broadcast all games this week can be heard or watched via the internet at www.icegators.com.

Notes

Coming off a 5 point week, Wes Mason is now tied for 11th in the league in scoring with 13 points.

Max Fortunus continues his strong play on both ends of the ice. The 2nd year D-Man leads the Gators with a +5 rating.

Power Play The Gators power play numbers are still impressive, 2nd in the league with a 26.2% (11-42) success rate. Mike Omicioli and Wes Mason lead the Gators with 3 power play goals.

Penalty Kill

The IceGators have yet to allow a power play goal on the road this season. The Gators have killed 21 straight away from the Cajundome. Overall the team has killed 43 of 48 shorthanded opportunities this year for a success rate of 89.6%.

The IceGators will practice the week at the Cajundome beginning at 10am each day. The practices on Tuesday and Friday will be shorter "pre-game skates." There will be no practice on Wednesday.

Community News

Due to the game Tuesday night, there will be no "Gator Talk" this week. IceGators players will make appearances on morning radio this Wednesday from 7-9am. Check the dial for the IceGators players on the air.

Project MAMA

For the entire season the Gators are encouraging fans to participate in the Project MAMA.A list of supplies needed by our local troops serving overseas is listed at www.icegators.com. The team will have drop off points at the Cajundome for every home game and the effort will culminate in two Armed Forces Nights, December 19, 2004 and March 20, 2005. On those nights children of our deployed troops will have a special day of IceGators hockey complete with a tour of the locker room and a picture with their favorite player. That picture along with supplies will be sent to loved ones overseas. Any business wanting to participate in project MAMA by donating tickets for these families, can call the IceGators office at (337) 234-4423.

Individual game tickets for all regular season home games are on sale now. Tickets are available at the Cajundome Box Office, and all TicketMaster outlets and online at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information call the IceGators office at (337) 234-4423.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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