Mouth of the South: Week 2; Game 3

Grade: C+

Player of the Week: Trevor Karasiewicz (3g, 1 a)

In the game on Friday night against the Surge, CJ Tozzo smashed home a rebound in overtime, giving the IceGators their first win of the season.  The Gators needed overtime heroics to get the victory after squandering a 3-1 lead for the second straight game. In this game, the IceGators showed how potentially explosive their offense can be this season but failed to correct their disciplinary mistakes from games one and two.

The Mississippi Surge took an early 1-0 lead off of a wrister by Matt Zultek over the shoulder of Scott Darling. The IceGators quickly responded with a shot by Don Melnyk that was set up behind the net by Karasiewicz and Beau Mclaughlin. This line had a huge offensive night, teaming up for almost all of the IceGators’ goals. Karasiewicz then scored two quick goals to take a commanding 3-1 lead, with the Gators looking like the better team. However, after a change in goaltending the Gators decided to go back to their old ways of committing penalties and letting the opposition fight their way back into a game that they had no business being in. Mississippi’s last three goals were on the powerplay, two of which were 5 on 3 goals. Shawn McNeil scored his first goal as an SPHL Gator and Trevor Karasiewicz finished off his hat trick before regulation, which ended at 5 a piece. The IceGators did do a great job in overtime of getting 7 shots on net compared to none for the Surge and eventually CJ Tozzo put home the game winner.

The Gators deserve a grade of a C+ for their efforts this week. They did an amazing job of putting pucks in the net but gave up a lead and almost let a sure win slip away. The objective of a hockey game is to win, so give credit to the IceGators for pulling out their first win of the season. However, they have not yet learned from their mistakes and are failing to put away opponents, mainly by their lack of discipline. On a good note, the team chemistry is quickly coming along and the Gators may score many goals this season, if they can cut down on defensive and disciplinary mistakes. If they cut down on these mistakes, they can without a doubt finish high in the standings.

Our Player of the Week for Week 2 goes to Trevor Karasiewicz. Karasiewicz netted a hat trick and also got an assist on the night. He sees action on the penalty kill and powerplay and his line played exceptionally well at full strength. Coming into the game, Karasiewicz only had one assist in two games, but did have a few laser slapshots hit the post. Look for him to have a great season.

The IceGators are on the road next weekend to take on Pensacola and Mississippi once again. The Gators would love to pick up some wins in order to come back to the Dome with a solid record. Check Frozen Chomp and Frozen Chomp’s facebook for news and game updates. We would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Halloween.