Predators Hand Ice Nuts First Loss in Weekend Split

January 7, 2004 - International Independent Hockey League (IIHL)
Northern Michigan Predators News Release


The Northern Michigan Predators rebounded back from a 2-1 loss on Saturday to hand the Lansing Ice Nuts their first loss of the season by a 5-2 count on Sunday.

"The win was huge for us because we have been locked in tight battles with them the past few games," said forward Ed Bourget. "We got the monkey off of our back and now we have the confidence that we can beat this pesky team."

The Ice Nuts were pests on Saturday night as they rolled into the Polar Bear Ice and Fitness Center to steal a 2-1 win. Northern Michigan was stymied by goaltender Glenn Ridler as he turned aside 42 shots, 22 which were in the third period.

Lee Jenke started the game off on the right foot as his first shot of the game beat Ridler to give the Predators a 1-0 lead.

"I thought that we would control the rest of the game after that quick first goal," said Jenke. "But their goalie came up big and was able to win the game for them."

Lansing was able to solve Adam Barbour's riddle for two goals, one in each of the final two periods. Barbour had 22 saves in the losing effort.

Jon Sereno was the hero for the Ice Nuts as he scored the game winner in the third off of a penalty shot.

Northern Michigan came storming back on Sunday night as they controlled the game form beginning to end to earn a 5-2 vicotry at the Munn Ice Arena.

Jeff Earley opened up the scoring in the first stanza as he was able to light the lamp to give the Predators a 1-0 lead. Lansing came back to tie it at 1-1 before the end of the period. Paul Kasztelan scored the lone goal of the second period to give his team the 2-1 advantage.

Northern Michigan scored three goals in the final frame to put the Ice Nuts on ice for the first time this season. Lee Jenke, Dan Howard and C.J. Carlson all added a goal to the season totals.

The Predators will travel to Detroit this weekend to play two games against the Motor City Snipers. For info on Predators team, stats and scores please go to www.northernmichiganpredators.com.



International Independent Hockey League Stories from January 7, 2004


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