Pensacola Hands IceGators Third Straight Loss
January 26, 2013 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
PENSACOLA, Florida--Turnovers and sloppy play cost the Louisiana IceGators another road victory. After leading 2-1 midway through the second period, the IceGators gave up four unanswered goals to the Pensacola IceFlyers en route to a 5-2 loss. Ryan Salvis and Ryan Raven led the IceFlyers with two goals each.
The defeat is also the IceGators first in regulation since December 26, snapping a 12-game streak in which Louisiana earned at least one point per game. Despite the loss, the IceGators retain possession of first place in the SPHL standings thanks to a Columbus victory over Fayetteville.
The IceGators return to action Friday night for the first match of a two-game series against the Augusta RiverHawks. Game time is 7:05 P. M.
"We weren't committed for 60 minutes," said IceGator coach Kevin Kaminski. "We weren't committed to playing greasy, Gator hockey. We didn't hit. We didn't skate. Our effort wasn't there."
The IceGators jumped out to a 1-0 lead at the 3:38 mark of the first period on a Robert Short goal. Eight seconds later, Raven tied the game. Weston Cydell regained the lead for the IceGators at the 2:26 mark of the second period. Later that frame, Salvis scored two consecutive goals in 47 seconds to give the IceFlyers the lead. Jordan Chong and Raven tacked on two insurance goals toward the end of the game.
"We gave them all their goals on turnovers," said Kaminski. "It was a turnover festival, and we gave them all the momentum. We need better communication and stronger puck decisions. We can't force things."
Kaminski adds that his team must put this match and their recent points streak behind them and focus on the week ahead. "It's all about mental toughness and playing smart," he said. "This one's a tough pill to swallow, especially since first place was on the line. It was a great run going 9-0-3. Now we need to get some rest, regroup, and get ready for a big weekend at home."
SPHL Stories from January 26, 2013
- Pensacola Hands IceGators Third Straight Loss - Louisiana IceGators
- Ice Flyers Defeat Louisiana 5-2 - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- 'Kings Drop Sixth Straight to Surge - Mississippi RiverKings
- Surge Continue Domination of RiverKings - Mississippi Surge
- Ice Flyers Beat IceGators 2-1 in Shootout - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Early Goals Lead Huntsville Over 'Kings - Mississippi RiverKings
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