Box Score
Game Sheet

Lafayette, LA-The IceGators guaranteed a victory against Columbus and followed through on the guarantee.  Louisiana (18-27-2) defeated Columbus (20-20-6) 5-4 in overtime.  This was a much-needed win.  With the win the ‘Gators were able to keep the door open on their playoff hopes. 

The IceGators came out firing at Chad Rycroft (COL).  Josh Bonar (LOU) led the way with six shots but the Cottonmouths were able to score first.  Sam Bowles (COL) scored about four minutes into the game.  Bonar was finally able to capitalize on all of the shots on a power play goal with 3:55 remaining in the period.  Tobias Karlsson (LOU) and Mike Ruberto (LOU) assisted on the goal.  The ‘Gators out shot Columbus 15-7 during the period. 

At the beginning of the second period the IceGators’ Cam Lilley was called for hooking.  Levi Lind (COL) was able to score the power play goal.  Less than five minutes later Louisiana fell into a deeper hole by giving up another goal to Jesse Cole (COL).  However, the ‘Gators were able to cut the lead in half on a power play goal by Mike Omicioli. 

The IceGators opened the third period quickly.  Less than a minute and a half into the period, Mike Ruberto (LOU) scored his 12th goal of the season.  Trevor Karasiewicz (LOU) was able to score with help from Bonar to give the ‘Gators a 4-3 lead.  The Cottonmouths’ Tim Green then scored the game-tying extra man goal with 54 seconds left in the game. 

Louisiana ended the game nine seconds into the overtime.  Karasiewicz scored his second goal of the game and gave the ‘Gators the victory.

“This was a big win,” stated IceGators’ Head Coach Dave MacIsaac.  “But we can’t dwell on this victory, we need to get prepared for tomorrow afternoon’s game against Mississippi.”

At one point during the end of the second period and the beginning of the third period the ‘Gators had 14 straight shots on goal and scored two goals during the stretch.  Louisiana outshot Columbus 38-24.

Columbus and Louisiana will meet up two more times this season.  The ‘Gators trail the Cottonmouths by nine points with nine games remaining. 

The IceGators return tomorrow afternoon against the league leading Mississippi Surge at 2:05.  Louisiana defeated the Surge in their last meeting 5-3 in Biloxi.  Tomorrow the ‘Gators will be celebrating Kid’s Day, where fans 12 and under will be admitted free with a paying adult (one child per adult).