Martell Mighty in IceMen Loss to Florida

Published on March 21, 2015 under ECHL (ECHL)
Evansville IceMen News Release


EVANSVILLE, Ind.- Despite a goal and an assist from Brandon Martell, the Florida Everblades handed the Evansville IceMen, presented by Coors Light, a 7-3 loss in front of 5,345 fans at the Ford Center. Martell also fired a team high five shots at the net, but the first place Everblades found a way to win to their 10th game in a row.

Florida struck twice in the first period. After a barrage of shots, Steven Whitney deflected in an Alex Lavoie attempt to put the Everblades on the board. Mitch Wahl tapped in a cross-crease feed to make it a 2-0 Florida advantage after one.

Just 29 seconds into the second period, Evansville fought back. Phil Bushbacher poked the puck loose to Jordan Sims. The son of the IceMen Head Coach sped down the ice and rifled in his second goal of the season to bring the IceMen back within one. Martell added an assist on the Sims strike.

Less than 20 seconds later, the Everblades found themselves on the power play. Lavoie popped in a rebound to give the Everblades a 3-1 cushion.

Cameron Burt pushed the Florida lead to three later in the second period. Burt tucked a shot underneath the crossbar to put the Everblades fourth goal on the scoreboard.

Only eight seconds later, the IceMen answered. Mark Anthoine took a shot that Andy Iles stopped. Anthoine chased down the rebound and potted it to bring the IceMen back within two. Donnie Harris and Colin Murray picked up the helpers on Anthoine's sixth of the season.

Midway through the middle frame, Ray Kaunisto stole the puck in the offensive end and slid a cross-crease feed to Spencer Pommells. Pommells put in his first ECHL goal to give the Everblades a 5-2 lead after two periods of play.

On a 5-on-3 power play in the third period, the IceMen got one back. Martell rocketed a slapshot into the back of the net to bring Evansville back within two. Justin MacDonald and Spencer Humphries received credit for the assists on Martell's eighth of the year. The Ohio State alum leads IceMen defensemen in goals.

Florida responded with two more tallies of its own. Adam Brace and Pommells lit the lamp to hand the Everblades a 7-3 win. Alex Vazzano made 28 saves in his ECHL debut for Evansville.

The IceMen hit the road on Friday to take on the Cincinnati Cyclones and will face the Toledo Walleye on Saturday. Fans can catch both games live at Bar Louie, the official watch party destination of your IceMen.

On Sunday, the IceMen return to the Ford Center for their home finale against the South Carolina Stingrays. The final IceMen home game of the season begins at 5 p.m. The Zooperstars will perform during intermission and entertain fans at the game.

It will be another Subway Sunday. Fans can get a ticket, a t-shirt, a popcorn and a soda for just $19. Book your Subway Sunday package by calling an IceMen ticket executive at 812-421-GOAL.

Get your tickets for the home finale now. Single game tickets are on sale for the IceMen's home finale at the Ford Center Box Office Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and after noon on weekend game days, or online at nputEvansville+Icemen&qEvansville+Icemen

2015-16 season tickets are on sale now. Plans start at just $10 per ticket. Call an IceMen ticket executive at 812-421-GOAL to get your discounted season and group packages.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from March 21, 2015


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.

OurSports Central