Memphis buries Indy
by Mike Wallin
Published on January 25, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Indianapolis Ice
The Memphis RiverKings faced a must game Sunday afternoon in Indianapolis. After dropping a 3-2 shutout decision on Friday and a 4-1 drubbing on Saturday, the RiverKings came out and dismantled the Ice 7-3.
"It was an absolute must win for us," said RiverKing coach Mark Richards. "We knew we had to salvage something for the weekend. If we would have left here with just one point to show for the weekend, it would have really put us in a bind."
Returning to Memphis from the AHL earlier this week, Jonathan Gagnon ripped the Ice by scoring four goals. For the season, Gagnon has 16 goals in just 22 games.
"For the team, this win was huge," said Gagnon. "For me personally, it was great to score four goals in a winning effort. To tell you the truth, I was a bit down after being sent back from Memphis. I do know that I have to forget about what I can't control and just focus on contributing for the RiverKings."
Indy once again played with a short bench. Defenseman Chad McIver remains sidelined while Bernie John injured his back just before the opening face-off. John attempted to play in the second period, but skated just one shift before Ken McRae sent the "Captain" back to the dressing room. To make matters worse for the depleted blueline, Remi Royer was assessed a questionable butt-ending penalty late in the first period. Royer was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct. Because it was his second major stick infraction in just two games, Royer may be suspended by the CHL.
"I'll fight the call," said McRae, who was waiting to see the videotape. The most disturbing part of the incident was that referee Paul DePuydt didn't even see the play. Memphis defenseman Derek Landmesser pleaded with lineman Talbot Sumners and Kevin Mighton and that was enough to send Royer to the showers.
Memphis took a quick 2-0 lead in the game on scores by Gagnon and Trent Dickson. After the RiverKings second goal, Brent Zelenewich took over for Jeff Sanger in the Ice net. The RiverKings took a 3-0 lead after the first period as Gagnon again scored, this time it was on the powerplay as a result of the Royer incident.
Early in period two, Juraj Durco scored and Memphis had full command. The Ice were down to just three defenseman and McRae was forced to put rookie forward Phillippe Choiniere on the blueline for the second and third periods.
"You're asking too much from your three d-men to play the rest of the game," said McRae. "You could tell that Doyon, Elliott and Aikia were exhausted."
The Ice did make an attempt to get back into the game as Dave Gilmore scored twice, sending Indy to the dressing room down 4-2 after two periods. Gilmore extended his point streak to eight games and leads the Ice with 22 goals.
Memphis thwarted the Ice comeback when Ryan Courtney scored 1:06 into the third period. Gagnon would add two more goals before Jared Dumba closed out the night's scoring.
Mike Minard played all three games in goal for Memphis over the weekend and has now played in six straight contests. Minard turned aside 30 Ice shots to improve his record to 8-8-2.
ICE CHIPS
For the first time this season, Indy is playing with five veterans. The return of Remi Royer and the acquisition of Jim Shepherd along with Bernie John, Ryan Aikia and Mario Doyon make up the five allotted vet spots.
Both Bernie John and Jason Baird played in last Thursday's All-Star game in New Mexico. John wore the "C" for the Northern Conference and chipped in an assist while Baird skated away with the games MVP after scoring three goals and adding an assist.
Indy played the three games over the weekend with just 15 skaters dressed as Chad McIver remains sidelined. The expect to have McIver back in the lineup this week.
Jeff Sanger has started in 9 of the 10 games versus Memphis this season.
With Saturday's 4-1 win over Memphis, the Ice completed their 2003-2004 schedule at Conseco Fieldhouse. Indianapolis went a perfect 4-0 downtown this season and are 21-10-3 all-time at the Fieldhouse.
Indianapolis continues a tough stretch against Northeast Divisional opponents as Bossier-Shreveport comes to town on Wednesday night. The Mudbugs lead the division with a 27-9-3 (57 points). Indy will travel to Bossier on Friday night before visiting Austin on Saturday.
Central Hockey League Stories from January 25, 2004
- Memphis buries Indy - OSC Original by Mike Wallin
- Gagnon garners four goals, RiverKings ambush Ice 7-3 - Mississippi RiverKings
- Bees End Rollercoaster Ride With 3-2 OT Win Over Bats - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
