Rivermen Snap IceGators Win Streak
November 23, 2015 - SPHL (SPHL)
Louisiana IceGators News Release
Peoria, Ill. - The injury bug bit the Louisiana IceGators.
After starting the game with only 15 players because of injuries and suspensions, the IceGators lost another player to injury during their 3-2 defeat at the hands of the Peoria Rivermen. The loss snapped the IceGators' two-game win streak.
The IceGators return to action Wednesday when they travel to play the Pensacola Rivermen. Game time is set for 6:35 p.m.
"I am beyond proud of this team and their efforts this weekend," said IceGators head coach Drew Omicioli, who missed tonight's game after being suspended by the SPHL because of an on-ice fight during Saturday's game between Peoria and Louisiana. "I can't say enough about how this team battled this weekend. Tonight was a true testament of character."
In addition to Omicioli, Tyler Barr and Anthony Pisano sat out Sunday's game because of suspensions resulting from Saturday's late-game brawl. Eric Tallent also missed his second straight game with a broken wrist.
Peoria took advantage of the IceGators roster woes and mistakes in the first period. Alec Hagaman put the Rivermen up 1-0 on a short-handed goal with 1:18 left in the frame.
The Icegators bounced back in the second period. Stephen Buco tied the score with 5:33 left in the period. Peoria regained the lead 37 seconds later when Tim Hall scored. Louisiana evened the score with 2:02 left in the frame on a Dylan Hood goal.
The third period was not kind to the IceGators. Dan Cornell was helped off the ice with 15:47 left in regulation after taking a Luke Sandler check. That hit drew a boarding call and a game misconduct penalty. Twelve minutes later, Tim Hall scored the game-winner for Peoria off assists from Dan Bremner and Ben Oskroba.
According to Omicioli, Cornell's prognosis is good.
"He's ready to go," Omicioli said. "He took a hard hit and had to be helped off by the trainer. If you get helped off by the trainer, the rules say you're done for the rest of the period--regardless if it happens at the very start of the period or if there's one second left."
Despite his disappointment about the suspensions, Omicioli says he refuses to dwell on them and is ready to get back to work.
"We can't whine and complain about it," Omicioli said. "We just need to move forward and get ready for Pensacola."
SPHL Stories from November 23, 2015
- Havoc Win On Road, Split At Home - Huntsville Havoc
- Ice Flyers Re-Sign Goalie McLean - Pensacola Ice Flyers
- Rivermen Snap IceGators Win Streak - Louisiana IceGators
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
