For immediate release
For more information, contact: Joel Silverberg, Director of Broadcasting (865) 525-7825, joel@knoxvilleicebears.com.
Anthony McVeigh had a goal and two assists, Sammy Bernard made 27 saves for his second shutout of the season and the Knoxville Ice Bears defeated the Vermilion County Bobcats 4-0 at David S. Palmer Arena Friday night.
The Ice Bears (25-3-3) are 12-0-1 on their current 13-game point streak. The Bobcats (3-21-3) have lost eight in a row. The win for Knoxville, combined with Huntsville’s 3-1 loss to Evansville, puts the Ice Bears atop the SPHL standings.
Neither team could come up with a goal in the opening 20 minutes. Vermilion County setup a one-timer in front of the crease, but the shot was stopped by Bernard. Knoxville’s best chance came on a breakaway in the final minute of the period for Dino Balsamo, but his backhand chance was thwarted by Joe Sheppard.
Jason Price finally broke the scoreless tie shortly after emerging from the penalty box. Brady Fleurent slipped Price the puck on the entry pass and Price finished the breakaway to put the puck past Sheppard at 12:57 of the second.
McVeigh added to the lead when he put back a rebound less than two minutes later. Stepan Timofeyev’s shot was blocked by Sheppard to the weak side and McVeigh was able to put the backhand on net for his 14th goal of the season.
Brady Fleurent scored an empty net goal to make it 3-0 at 18:30 of the third. Ned Simpson scored his first career goal 14 seconds later to cap off the scoring.
Bernard was making his first start for Knoxville since being acquired earlier this month. He made a 25-save shutout against Vermilion County back on New Year’s Day while playing with Quad City.
The Ice Bears head north to Moline to take on Quad City on Saturday and Sunday to wrap up the weekend. The Bobcats remain home and will face Peoria Saturday night.
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, 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.
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