Stuart Collects Four Points as IceGators Top Rivermen
February 23, 2014 - SPHL (SPHL)
Peoria Rivermen News Release
Adam Stuart scored twice and added two assists as the Louisiana IceGators defeated the Peoria Rivermen 4-1 at the Cajundome on Sunday afternoon. The loss was Peoria's third of the weekend and extended its road losing streak to five games.
Overall, the Rivermen fall to 23-16-5 on the season (51 points) and drop to fifth in the SPHL standings, two points behind the Mississippi RiverKings and Huntsville Havoc who are tied for third.
For the full box score, click here .
Louisiana kicked off the scoring just 40 seconds into the game when Stuart ripped a shot from the left wing that redirected off Jarrett Rush's stick and past Rivermen netminder Kyle Rank. Tyler Lyon and Shawn McNeil were credited with the helpers.
Stuart added his second goal of the game - and third in two days - at 10:31 of the first period to extend Louisiana's lead to 2-0. From the right corner, Ron Cramer played a pass to the front of the net where Stuart found himself alone at the doorstep and one-timed a shot into the back of the net.
Following a scoreless middle frame, Steve Morra cut the deficit to one when he received a pass from Taylor Larsen below the hash marks and beat IceGators goaltender Kiefer Smiley at 8:35 of the third. Larsen and Cole Ruwe notched the assists.
Louisiana regained its two-goal lead when Kirk Byczynski scored on the power play to make it 3-1. Following a boarding minor against Adam Hartley, Jeremy Boyer ripped a shot from the right side that Rank turned aside, but let the rebound loose to the bottom of the left circle. From there, Byczynski sent a one-timer into the back of the net at 13:31 of the third. Boyer and Stuart each recorded an assist.
With just 13 seconds left, Ron Cramer collected an empty netter for the 4-1 final score. Both Stuart and McNeil received helpers, which gave McNeil a three-assist afternoon and a league-leading 54 points on the season.
Between the pipes, Smiley made 17 saves on 18 shots to earn the win for the IceGators. On the other side, Rank (14-7-1) stopped 26 of 29 shots, but suffered the loss for the third straight game.
Peoria finished the game 0-for-4 on the power play and 3-for-4 on the penalty kill.
The Rivermen return home on Friday for a 7:15 p.m. puck drop against the Louisiana IceGators at Carver Arena. Friday is "Superhero Night" featuring appearances by Batman, Spiderman, Captain America and more. Plus, fans are invited to participate in a superhero costume contest. The game can be heard locally on CD Country 107.9 FM or online here . Fans can also follow along via the live video and audio stream at www.americaonesports.com.
SPHL Stories from February 23, 2014
- Stuart Collects Four Points as IceGators Top Rivermen - Peoria Rivermen
- Jones Scores Twice; RiverKings Knock off Columbus - Mississippi RiverKings
- Stuart Collects Four Points as IceGators Top Rivermen - Peoria Rivermen
- Stuart's Two Goals Lift IceGators over Peoria - Louisiana IceGators
- Thunder Lose Early Lead, Fall to Ice Bears - Bloomington Thunder
- Mississippi RiverKings Holds on for 4-2 Win against Columbus - Columbus Cottonmouths
- Offense Slows in 1-0 Loss to IceGators - Peoria Rivermen
- Ice Flyers Come from Behind, Down Surge 3-2 - Pensacola Ice Flyers
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