Lafayette, LA-Tuesday night in Knoxville, Louisiana won 7-5.  The IceBears came into Thursday night with intentions to get revenge and won big 10-4.  The ‘Gators couldn’t slow the ‘Bears down in this one. 

The game had a bad omen from the start with the IceGators getting a penalty in the first minute of the game, but the ‘Gators were able to kill the power play.  Knoxville was able to strike first and the newest IceBear player; David Segal was able to score.  A little more than a minute later Erik Kent (LOU) scored to knot the game up at one apiece.  However, the momentum that the ‘Gators gained was short lived.  Randy Johnson and Tim Vitek, of Knoxville, scored a goal each before the end of the first period. 

Knoxville was able to keep the pressure on Louisiana by adding a goal by B.J. Pelkey (KNX), less then two minutes into the second period to take a 4-1 lead.  Cam Lilley (LOU) quickly scored for the IceGators to cut the lead in half.  Knoxville struck back a few minutes later on Vitek’s second goal of the game.  Vitek would add his third goal of the game and get a hat trick.  Josh Bonar and Lilley was able to add goals for the ‘Gators.  Frank Furdero (KNX) added a goal for the ‘Bears and lead the ‘Gators 7-4 at the end of the third period.

The IceGators scored four goals in the third period on Tuesday night.  But things went differently tonight.  Furdero scored two more goals in the third period to get his hat trick.  Jim Jensen (KNX) added another goal for the ‘IceBears. 

The IceGators had 150 penalty minutes on 25 offenses.  Coming into the game the ‘Gators were at the bottom of the league in Penalty Kill at 73% on the season.  Tonight was no different.  The ‘Gators killed 11 penalties and right at the season average of 73%.  

“Everything we did right on Tuesday we struggled with tonight,” replied IceGators Head Coach Dave MacIsaac. 

Louisiana returns to the ice on Saturday, February 27 at 7:05 to take on the Ice Flyers of Pensacola.  This game is important to the playoff push of the IceGators.