Knoxville Ice Bears

Ice Bears Can’t Push Pass Mississippi

date: 04/10/2011

Ice Bears Can’t Push Pass Mississippi

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Knoxville, TN – The Knoxville Ice Bears boarded the team bus this morning in anticipation of a winner take all game to advance to the SPHL President’s Cup Finals.   

The Ice Bears took the lead early but were unable to hold off an offensive barrage by Mississippi who tallied three unanswered goals to down the Ice Bears 3-1.  Mississippi advances to the SPHL President’s Cup finals for the second consecutive season where they will face off against the Augusta RiverHawks.  Augusta defeated Columbus in their third and final game 3-2.

The Ice Bears looked to carry their stellar play from last night into Mississippi and needed a full 60 minutes from every player on the team.  Knoxville looked strong in the first period with numerous scoring chances which were turned aside by Surge goaltender Bill Zaniboni.

It wasn’t until the final minute of the period, during a scramble in front of the net when Ice Bears Captain Mike Bulawka found the back of the net.  His second goal of the playoffs was assisted by Mark Van Vliet and Jason Weeks.

Bryan Hince was solid for Knoxville once again as he turned away all of the Surge’s 18 shots in the opening period.

Mississippi needed to match Knoxville’s aggressive play and find a way to solve Hince in order to earn a return trip to the finals.  Jack Wolgemuth brought the Surge even on the power play at 4:39 of the second period.  The power play goal was assisted by Michael Richard and Jeff Winchester.

The top seeded Surge continued to apply pressure to the Ice Bears and took the lead five minutes later when Rusty Masters slid the puck under Hince off a cross crease pass from Michael Richard.  Mississippi took the lead 2 – 1.

Knoxville had a few glorious chances in the second period but Zaniboni was equal to the task.

The Ice Bears had 20 minutes of regulation time to tie the game.  Down by a goal, Knoxville needed to open up the ice and throw everything they had at the net.  Before the Ice Bears had a chance to ramp up their play, Michael Richard threw a harmless shot through traffic that ultimately found the back of the net at 1:51 of the third period to push their lead to 3-1.

Down by two goals the Ice Bears pressed but were unable to force overtime.  Knoxville fell to Mississippi 3-1 in game 5 and the series 3 – 2.

The Ice Bears will be hosting an end of season gathering on Tuesday, April 12 at 6:00 p.m.  The event will be held at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum on the plaza (weather permitting – inside if it rains).  All jerseys that were purchased on Friday night will be available for pick up at the event.  The event is free and open to the public.

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