Pawlick, McParland Spur Ice Flyers Win over IceGators
December 23, 2014 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
LAFAYETTE, La.--Entering Tuesday night, the Louisiana IceGators had a three-game win streak over the Pensacola IceFlyers.
That streak came to a screeching halt Tuesday night in the Cajundome.
Adam Pawlick and Nick McParland recorded two goals and two assists each to lead the IceFlyers to a 7-3 victory. Former IceGator goalie Matt Zenzola picked up the win by stopping 21 of Louisiana's 24 shots.
The IceGators return to action on Friday night with a road game against the Mississippi RiverKings. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m.
"It was our worst game of the year," said IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli. "We started off with a big goal, but everything after that was completely atrocious. Our game plan was to play physical, get pucks deep, and outwork our opponent. We did the complete opposite.
"I told the guys before the game that we had a great opportunity to move closer to first place with a game in hand, and we squandered it. I'm completely disappointed with the way we played. Typically, a loss is a loss no matter the score, but tonight is completely unacceptable and will not happen."
The IceGators jumped out to a 1-0 lead 43 seconds into the game when Luke Kasteel scored with a backhander. Jason Cohen and newcomer Jake Hauswirth assisted on the play.
After that, the game was dominated by Pensacola.
Pawlick scored his two goals at the 3:24 and 12:11 marks of the frame to put the IceFlyers up 2-1. Brett Lutes added another score at the 15:47 mark to put Pensacola ahead 3-1 heading into the first intermission.
The IceFlyers continued their dominance in the second period, as McParland scored five minutes into the frame to put Pensacola ahead 4-1.
The IceGators seemed to regain some momentum when Benjamin Rubin scored a power play goal off a rebound from a Chris Wilson shot. Kirk Byczynski, whose initial shot started the flurry in front of the net, also received credit on the assist.
That momentum swing did not materialize, as McParland posted his second goal on a powerplay with 46 seconds left on the period. Pawlick and Drew Baker assisted.
The IceGators woes continued in the third period.
Nick Lazorko scored on a fast break with 4:42 left in the game, while Cody Ferriero scored after an IceGator lost the puck in front of the net with 40 seconds left in the game.
The only bright spot for Louisiana in the third period was a goal scored by Hauswirth at the 17:10 mark. Hauswirth, who was acquired last week, skated up ice following a pass from Shawn McNeil and put a wrist shot past Zenzola's shoulder and into the net.
Omicioli says he and the team will have to do some soul searching before traveling to Southaven for Friday night's game.
"We're going to watch the video of the entire game to see what we did wrong, correct those mistakes, and be ready to go Friday," Omicioli said. "I personally have to figure out what line combinations I can count on to play disciplined, hard-nosed hockey to give us a chance to win the game."
SPHL Stories from December 23, 2014
- Game Recap: Ice Flyers Even the Series with 7-3 Win over Ice Gators - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Pawlick, McParland Spur Ice Flyers Win over IceGators - Louisiana IceGators
- SPHL Announces Suspension - SPHL
- Fayetteville's Sean Bonar Named Easton Player of the Week - SPHL
- Bates' Hat Trick Boosts Columbus over Knoxville, 6-2 - Columbus Cottonmouths
- Havoc Drop Two To Peoria - Huntsville Havoc
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