Controversial Goal Sparks Komets Win over IceMen

(Bengtsberg keeps Evansville in the game, but IceMen fall 3-1 in Fort Wayne.) 

Records:  Evansville: 26-31-7-2; Fort Wayne: 37-21-6-2

Goalies:  FW – Vazzano (W), 2-2-2-0, 12 saves, 1 GA

EVN – Bengtsberg (L), 9-13-4-1, 39 saves, 3 GA

Scoring:

1^st Period:  1. EVN – Trecapelli 1 (PP, Rumble, Wideman, 17:07)

2^nd Period:  2. FW – Meurs 14 (Beaupre, L.Thomas, 19:59)

3^rd Period:  3. FW – Meurs 15 (Crunk, L.Thomas, 11:42); 4. FW – Friedmann 1 (Corbett, K. Thomas, 13:22)

FORT WAYNE, IN – The Fort Wayne Komets heavily outshot the Evansville IceMen and got a little help from a controversial goal at the end of the second period on their way to a 3-1 win Saturday at Memorial Coliseum.

Evansville received three first period power plays, and on the second man-advantage, Nick Trecapelli blasted a one-timer from the left point past Komets goalie Alex Vazzano late in the frame. It was Trecapelli’s first career goal. The IceMen registered their first official shot just over 11 minutes into the game, but finished with seven in the period. Christoffer Bengtsberg stopped all 12 Fort Wayne shots in the first 20 minutes.

Fort Wayne dominated the second period, outshooting Evansville 16-2. However, Bengtsberg was stellar in net in keeping the Komets off the board. At the buzzer, a Komets shot deflected up into the air and  bounced into the net after the horn. Initially it was ruled no goal, but after a lengthy conversation, the call was reversed and Fort Wayne was rewarded the game-tying goal.

Garrett Meurs got credit for the goal, and added a second one with 8:18 left in regulation to give Fort Wayne their first lead. Rookie David Friedmann fired a shot from the slot past Bengtsberg for his first career goal with 6:38 to play to put the game out of reach, as the Komets cruised to victory. Bengtsberg was solid in the loss, as he stopped 39 of 42 shots, while Vazzano made 12 stops in the win.

The IceMen return home for their final two home games at the Ford Center next weekend. Friday, Evansville hosts the Cincinnati Cyclones at 7:05pm on Autism Awareness Night. Saturday, April 2 is the Home Finale at 7:05pm, as the IceMen finish their home schedule against the Tulsa Oilers. The IceMen wrap up the weekend with a quick stop back in Fort Wayne at 5pm EST Sunday, April 3.

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FINAL HOME GAMES

Fri. 4/1 – Cincinnati at Evansville (7:15pm) – Ford Center

                        Autism Awareness Night

Sat. 4/2 – Tulsa at Evansville (7:15pm) – Ford Center

Home Finale – TRCI Mini Stick Giveaway – Zooperstars

                       

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AUTISM AWARENESS NIGHT – APRIL 1^ST

The IceMen only have two home games remaining at the Ford Center. Evansville hosts the Cincinnati Cyclones on Friday, April 1 at 7:05pm on Autism Awareness Night. Representatives from Inspiring Autism Spectrum Families will be in attendance and have a booth on the concourse with information to raise awareness, and the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive bandanas.

FRIDAY HAT PACKS

Get a ticket and a limited edition IceMen hat for only $20 for the game Friday, April 1 against the Cincinnati Cyclones at 7:05pm. This is the final Friday game of the season, and the last chance to take advantage of this offer. Call the IceMen front office at 812-421-GOAL (4625) for details.

 

“MEMORIES WEEKEND” – HOME FINALE – APRIL 2^nd

Evansville plays its final game at the Ford Center Saturday, April 2 at 7:05pm against the Tulsa Oilers. As a part of “Memories Weekend”, the IceMen will celebrate memories of the organization’s eight years in Evansville from the AAHL days, to the CHL to the ECHL, including the team’s Davidson Cup Championship in 2010. The first 1,000 fans into the arena will receive team autographed mini goalie sticks, presented by TRCI.

ZOOPERSTARS RETURN

Saturday, April 2 also marks the much anticipated return of the ZOOperstars, when the IceMen take on Tulsa at 7:05pm at the Ford Center for the Home Finale. Dance along with the likes of “Mario Lemule”, “Whale Gretzky” and “Squidney Crosby” as they perform during the first and second intermission. For more information about the ZOOperstars or to see a sample video of one of their performances, visit: http://www.zooperstars.com/top-intermission-entertainment-act-for-nhl-minor-league-hockey.html

FAMILY 4 PACKS ARE BACK

Get 4 Upper Level tickets to either IceMen game next weekend for only $40! Lower level tickets are also available at a discounted rate when buying 4 or more.  The offer is only available online or by calling the IceMen offices at 812-421-GOAL (4625).

Visit us at www.evansvilleicemen.com, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @EvvIceMen for more information about your hometown professional hockey team.