The Evansville IceMen, who had won three of their last four games, returned home from Alaska only to run into the ECHL’s hottest team Wednesday. The Missouri Mavericks shutout the IceMen 3-0 at the Ford Center to win their 13th consecutive game dating back to October 31.
The Mavericks got to IceMen starting goalie Cody Reichard early, when Kane Lafranchise tipped a Josh Holmstrom centering pass through the five-hole to give Missouri a 1-0 lead.Tanner Barnes then scored 38 seconds later and again at 14:23, opening up the lead to 3-0. Evansville Head Coach Al Sims called his timeout after the third Missouri goal and Keegan Asmundson replaced Reichard in goal.
The IceMen managed just eight shots on Mavericks goalie Parker Milner in the first 40 minutes, as Milner and his defense held Evansville’s attack at bay.
The best IceMen scoring chance came short-handed in the third period, when leading scorer Tyson Fawcett skated in on Milner on a breakaway, but Fawcett clanked the shot of the post. Missouri coasted to victory the rest of the way, as Milner earned his second shutout of the season with 18 saves. Asmundson was replaced by Reichard again midway through the third period when his skated blade broke, and Reichard finished the game.
Reichard stopped 11 of 14 Mavericks shots in his second loss of the season, while Asmundson stopped all 12 shots he faced in relief.
The IceMen bounce back for two more home games this week, before playing four games in five days late next week. This Friday, the Fort Wayne Komets come to the Ford Center for the first time this season for a 7:15pm start. It’s Coldstone Blizzard’s Birthday Party, as IceMen mascot turns eight. The first 1,000 kids under 12 will receive a free Coldstone Blizzard bobblehead.
Evansville then hosts Quad City Sunday at 5:15pm when the Mallards come to the Ford Center. It’s Sunday Family Night, where fans can purchase tickets to the game and get a t-shirt and vouchers for a free popcorn and soda all for just $21.
