Peoria Beats Columbus 7-1 as Summers Gets Hat Trick

December 29, 2014 - SPHL (SPHL)
Columbus Cottonmouths News Release


A hat trick by Matt Summers was the highlight in Rivermen's 7-1 win against the Columbus Cottonmouths.

Summers' first goal came 2:18 into the second period. He then added goals at 5:14 into the second and at 13:45 into the second.

The Peoria Rivermen were led by goalie Kyle Rank, who finished with 27 saves while allowing one goal. Rank managed to improve on his goals against average, which stood at 2.25 prior to the game.

Peoria was often in penalty trouble, totaling nine minors and five majors for 43 minutes in penalty time. The total exceeded the 25.0 minutes per game the Rivermen had been spending in the box. Peoria bested its season scoring average. The Rivermen average 3.0 goals per game. Peoria put 40 shots on net during the contest, more than the 25.1 it averages per game.

Peoria also got points from Steve Morra, who also registered one goal and three assists to lead the team in points, Garrett Vermeersch, who also finished with one goal and one assist, and Jordan Sims, who also had one goal and one assist. Peoria also got a goal from Ben Oskroba as well. Other players who recorded assists for Peoria were Alec Hagaman, who had two and Nick Schneider, Paul Arnott, and Richie Zobak, who each chipped in one.

Columbus forced its penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up six minors and five majors for 37 minutes in penalty time. The Cottonmouths surpassed its season average of 19.0 penalty minutes per game. Columbus excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in five chances.

The Cottonmouths were led by Matt Gingera, who scored the team's only goal. Gingera scored on the power play 43 seconds into the second period to make the score 2-1 Peoria. Columbus earned a power play opportunity when Morra was put in the box for high sticking. Bryce Williamson assisted on the tally.

Shannon Szabados made 33 saves for the Cottonmouths on 40 shots. Columbus registered one goal on eight power play opportunities.



SPHL Stories from December 29, 2014


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