Walrod Scores Two as Rivermen Streak Ends
December 22, 2013 - SPHL (SPHL)
Peoria Rivermen News Release
Kevin Walrod scored two goals for the third consecutive game on Sunday to lead the Bloomington Thunder to their first-ever win against the Peoria Rivermen, 4-1 at Carver Arena. The loss snapped Peoria's six-game win streak, dating back to Nov. 29, as well as goaltender Eric Levine's season-best five-game win streak.
In addition, the loss drops Peoria to 9-7-3 on the season and keeps the team in seventh place in the league standings. The Rivermen are now 6-1-0 against the Thunder.
For the first time this weekend, Bloomington scored first at 15:24 of the opening frame when Kevin Walrod converted on a wraparound just inside the left post. Less than a minute later, the Rivermen responded on a 5-on-3 power play with Garrett Vermeersch's team-leading 13th of the year to even the game at 1-1. Following minors to both Walrod and Eddie Olczyk, Vermeersch grabbed the puck and set up in the slot, where he blasted a one-timer past Bloomington netminder B.J. O'Brien at 16:24. Nick Prockow and Nick Wheeler earned the assists. It was Vermeersch's eighth point (4g, 4a) of the weekend.
The Thunder regained the lead at 4:43 of the second courtesy of Tyler Noseworthy. Alone at the blue line, Noseworthy collected a pass from Curtis Megginson in the Bloomington zone and skated in behind the Rivermen defense, before beating Levine with a backhander on the breakaway.
Walrod made it 3-1 with his second goal of the afternoon at 18:14 on the power play. Following a roughing minor to Cole Ruwe, Sy Nutkevitch played a cross-ice pass to Walrod in the right circle, who immediately turned and slapped a one-timer backdoor. Nutkevitch, whose five points have all come against Peoria, earned an assist as well as Megginson.
The Thunder netted the final goal of the game at 11:30 of the third when Burke Gallimore ripped a snap shot from the left circle past Levine's blocker side.
Peoria finished the game 1-for-7 on the power play and 3-for-4 on the penalty kill. Levine (6-5-3) suffered the loss with 29 saves, while Max Strang earned his first win since Nov. 16 and made 30 saves.
Bloomington outshot Peoria 33-31.
The Rivermen will escape the winter weather and open a four-game road trip on Thursday with a 7:30 puck drop against the Columbus Cottonmouths in Columbus, Georgia. The game can be heard locally on CD Country 107.9 FM or online at www.cd1079.net . Fans can also follow along via the live video and audio stream at www.americaonesports.com .
SPHL Stories from December 22, 2013
- IceGators Continue Skid, Fall to Columbus - Louisiana IceGators
- Walrod Scores Two as Rivermen Streak Ends - Peoria Rivermen
- Thunder Battle Back to Stop Rivermen Run - Bloomington Thunder
- Rivermen Relentless in Sixth Straight Win - Peoria Rivermen
- Ice Bears Drop Weekend Series - Knoxville Ice Bears
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