Knoxville Ice Bears

Ice Bears Strong Third Period Not Enough

date: 10/14/2011

Ice Bears Strong Third Period Not Enough

For immediate release. For more information please contact Dave Feather
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Knoxville, TN – The Knoxville Ice Bears took home ice tonight in the Civic Coliseum for their final exhibition game of the 2011-2012 season. The Ice Bears returned to Knoxville after a 1-0 overtime loss in Columbus Thursday night in a very tight game. Tonight’s high flying affair did not fall in favor of the Ice Bears as they fell to Columbus 7 -4.

Knoxville tested new lines as they prepare to cut the team for the regular season roster. The 2,137 fans were excited to see Ice Bears favorites Kevin Swider, Emery Olauson and Mark Van Vliet return to the ice.

Columbus took the lead in the first period sending the puck past new Ice Bear’s goalie John Nauta. The Ice Bears played a quiet first period and Columbus jumped up to early 2 – 0 lead.

Ice Bears rookie Dan Bremner dropped his gloves with Columbus’ Jordan Braid to kick off the second period. Bremner also fought in Thursday’s game when he made his professional hockey debut as an Ice Bear.

The gloves stayed off for three fights in the second period. Following Bremner’s lead, Colin Royayne drew blood from Columbus’ Morgan James. Jason Ford also fought with Mitch Wall.

Columbus scored two more goals in the second for a commanding 4-0 lead. With 13:25 left in the period, Thomas Lee relieved Nauta in the net to finish out the game for the Ice Bears.

At the 11:04 minute mark of the period, Ice Bears veteran Swider lit the lamp for the first time this season. Swider is returning this season after working the 2010-2011 season as the Ice Bears Director of Hockey Operations. Jesse Healy and Van Vliet assisted the power play goal.

Following Swider’s goal, Columbus continued to dominate with two power play goals and ended the period with a resounding 6-1 lead.

Knoxville took control in the third period. Kyle VanDermale ignited a comeback with a short-handed, unassisted goal just 1:20 minutes final period. Nine minutes later Will Laporte continued the resurgence by cutting the lead in half.  He was assisted by Stephen Wiedler.

Brody Malek added Columbus’ final goal of the game. Only 13 seconds later Swider picked up the puck, snuck it around Columbus goalie Andrew Loewen, to notch his second goal of the game. Emery Olauson and Jonathon Sheridan assisted the final Ice Bears goal.

Knoxville’s regular season begins Friday October 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Civic Coliseum. The Ice Bears will open the season against the Mississippi Surge. Join Ice Bears fans and staff for the start of the season and the 10^th Anniversary Celebration by offering $10 Silver Level tickets as part of the celebration.

 

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