Knoxville Ice Bears

Ice Bears Earn Split in Florida Panhandle

date: 01/12/2010

Friday, January 8, 2010 - A strong first period by Pensacola force the defending SPHL Champions on their heals. The Ice Flyers scored the first goal of the game after taking advantage of their power play early in the first period. The Frozen Leaflets also went on to score the next two goals putting the Ice Bears down 3-0.

The Ice Bears soared by the Ice Flyers in the second period and early part of the third to notch the next three markers. Ice Bears, Travis Martell and B.J. Pelkey took charge during two Knoxville power plays and buried two important goals. Martell was assisted by Jenson and Furdero, while Pelkey notched his ninth of the season on helpers from Melnyk and Furdero.

Travis Hanson pulled the Ice Bears even midway through the third period to knot the game at three. Both teams fought very hard in the final stanza by exchanging shots. The hometown team rifled 47 shots at Andrew Gallant. Knoxville peppered the opposition with 43 shots. Pensacola found the back of the net three more times in the third period giving them the 6-3 victory over the Ice Bears. Even though the Ice Flyers put in 6 goals throughout the game, Ice Bear goalie Andrew Gallant stopped an amazing 41 shots fired at him. The Ice Bears would get another chance at defeating the Ice Flyers the next night.

Saturday, January 9, 2010 - Looking to bounce back from a one-sided 6-3 loss the night before; the Ice Bears took the ice with confidence. In the early parts of the game, it was once again all Ice Flyers. After the first period it was tied 1-1 with a power play goal by Mark Hinz of Pensacola and a great answer by Ice Bear Mike Bulawka. Bulawka was assisted by Randy Johnston and Frank Furdero. The lone goal in the second period of play was owned by former Ice Bear, Chris Rebernik. The Ice Bears failed to score in the second but Tim Vitek drew even in the third period by netting his fifth of the season on assists by teammates Kevin Swider and Taylor Hustead. This crucial goal tied the game at 2-2 and ultimately sent the game into overtime.

Overtime was controlled by the Ice Bears, which we have seen so often this season. Donald Melnyk's goal 1:26 in the overtime period sealed the deal for the Ice Bears and gave them a very important road win before they start their 7 game home stand in Knoxville. Melnyk's overtime goal also resulted in the First Star of the Game Award as well..

The Ice Bears earned 2 points out of a possible 4 over the weekend and look to add to their winning ways at home this weekend when the Ice Bears host Columbus on Friday night and Pensacola again on Saturday and Sunday. Come out to the Coliseum this weekend and cheer on your Knoxville Ice Bears!

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