Knoxville Ice Bears

Vitek’s Hat Trick wins Game One

date: 04/03/2009

Coach Scott Hillman shook things up a bit in game one of the SPHL Finals against the Fayetteville FireAntz, giving Kirk Irving, last year’s Finals MVP, the start in goal over Andrew Gallant, who struggled in the semifinals. The switch paid dividends for the Ice Bears as Irving held a clean sheet through 45 minutes and Tim Vitek hand-wrapped the series-opening win for the Knoxville Ice Bears in a 5-2 rout.

Barely a minute into the opening period, Kevin Swider netted his second goal of the postseason. The Ice Bears came out strong with an uncharacteristic flurry of shots and finally connected during the powerplay, as Kevin Harris sent an assist from the top of the left circle to Kevin Swider, waiting next to the right post. Swider tapped in the goal, giving the Ice Bears a 1-0 lead. With 2:17 remaining in the period, BJ Pelkey extended the lead to 2-0 as Shaun Norrie’s shot deflected to his stick, beating FireAntz goalie Guy St. Vincent. The goal was Pelkey’s fourth of the postseason.

The second period belonged to Tim Vitek, as he netted his fourth and fifth goals of the postseason during the second frame. After Mike Carter’s shot rebounded wide off the glass, Vitek knocked in his first goal with 12:46 left. His second came from similar circumstances, as Harris’ powerplay shot sailed high over the right post, caroming off the wall straight to Vitek. The Ice Bears held a 4-0 lead nine minutes into the period.

Knoxville went into “hang-on” mode following intermission, surrendering two goals to the FireAntz in the third period. Rob Sich scored shorthanded after an offensive attack for the Ice Bears left Sich wide open, streaking down the boards. Matt Moreland’s powerplay goal with 9:29 remaining brought Fayetteville within two, 4-2. But Vitek completed the hat trick with an empty-net goal with 2:09 left.

The win continued Knoxville’s domination of St. Vincent in the Coliseum. In the last two regular season games against St. Vincent, Knoxville posted six goals and four goals on the FireAntz goaltender.

Knoxville plays host to the FireAntz Saturday night in game two of the series.

By Anthony Geist

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