For immediate release
For more information, contact: Joel Silverberg, Director of Broadcasting (865) 525-7825, joel@knoxvilleicebears.com.
Talor Joseph made 25 saves and Knoxville made a strong push towards the end of the game, but fell just short as the Ice Bears dropped a close 3-2 decision to Roanoke at the Civic Coliseum Saturday night.
With the Ice Bears trailing at the end of the game, Knoxville made one final effort to draw even, but Dalton Skelly’s shot from the blue line was blocked and Tyler Williams’ follow-up chance leaked under Tyler Roy before rolling just wide of the net and time ran out on the Ice Bears.
Nick Ford scored from the left circle to give Roanoke a 1-0 lead at 8:37 of the first.
The Ice Bears responded a minute later when Kevin Lassman tapped in a loose puck in the crease for his first career goal. Derek Osik setup Skelly for a one-timer from the point. Skelly’s shot bounced off of Roy and the puck came free in the crease where Lassman put it on net at 9:41.
Andrew Harley scored from the slot 27 seconds into the second period to give Roanoke the lead again. Matt O’Dea swept along the left side and slipped a pass out to Harley, who lifted a quick shot over Joseph’s glove.
Knoxville answered quickly with Kyle Soper’s first goal of the year two minutes later with a wrist shot from the high slot. Tucker Scantlebury won the puck behind the Roanoke net and slid a pass in front to Jimmy Soper. Jimmy Soper’s shot was blocked by Roy and Dawson McKinney swept through the slot to through a backhand on net. Roy stopped the second chance before Scantlebury swiped at the puck, which bounced off Roy’s pad and came to Kyle Soper up top. Kyle Soper’s snap shot found its way through traffic and into the net at 2:29.
Joe Widmar scored from in front at 6:47 of the third to give Roanoke the lead for good.
Knoxville will visit Roanoke on Thursday. The Rail Yard Dawgs visit Huntsville tomorrow.
ABOUT The Knoxville Ice Bears: The Knoxville Ice Bears organization began in 2002 and was an inaugural charter member of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) in 2004. As four-time SPHL Champions and five-time regular season champions, the Ice Bears are an experienced and established organization, offering the city and its visitors a balanced product of highlight-reel hockey, unique and exciting intermission activity and endless fan interaction, presenting the most affordable, family-friendly way to enjoy sports and entertainment. Season, Partial Season and Flex Tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit www.knoxvilleicebears.com or call (865) 525-7825.
-xxx-