The Jacksonville Icemen carried their weekend luck into Sunday’s game against the Savannah Ghost Pirates. The Icemen won two weekend matches already and were looking to make it a third against Savannah.
The first period of the game would bring a tight duel between the two teams. Savannah put up a strong offensive front, having five shots within the first minute and a half in. Tempers would flare, as the announcer would say the game had a “fiery start.” Carrying off the momentum from the previous day, were eight roughing calls were made within the last five minutes of the third period. Jacksonville and Savannah showed fans that the tension was still there. But the refs were able to combat anything before it happened.
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Jacksonville would kick the second period off in high gear, having eight shots on goal within the first four minutes. Jacksonville’s Christopher Brown hit a one-timer, giving Jacksonville the lead 1 – 0 in the second period. Savannah’s Carter Long would respond later in the second period, scoring from the top of the circle. Right to the draw, Long’s shot would go right under the bar and in.
The third period would be in favor of Jacksonville. Jacksonville’s Chris Grando places a nice no-look pass to the front of the goal. Riley Fiddler – Schultz would be able to lift the puck into the air, scoring. Savannah would still press Jacksonville, trying to even the score. Jacksonville Mackenzie Dwyer would get a 2 minute minor penalty for cross-checking. Savannah would take advantage of the power play with Logan Drevitch connecting with the puck to the back of the net. After minutes of going back and forth, Chris Grando would put away the wrist shot, allowing Jacksonville to take the lead at 3 – 2 with 12: 38 left. Jacksonville would continue to pressure Savannah, outshooting the Ghost Pirates. Savannah would eventually pull their goalie, Jesper Vikman, to take advantage of having another man on the ice and tie the game. However, Jacksonville would be the one to prevail. Garrett Van Wyhe would shoot the puck across the ice and score on the empty net with 1:05 left in the game. The crowd goes crazy as they witness this spectacular cross-the-ice goal.
Jacksonville would win their 4th game in a row Sunday Night. They also add another point to their season. The Icemen are now just 3 points behind the division lead, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. The Icemen will face the Ghost Pirates again on Wednesday, February 21st, at the Enmarket Arena. The Icemen will be back at home on March 2nd against the Orlando Solarbears.
