Sunday Wrap-Up: Ice Bats Score Overtime Victory
Photos: Lyca Williams
Texas R 7 @ Carolina 2 - The Texas RoadRunners continued their dominance over the Carolina Rage with a convincing 7-2 victory at The Ice Station Greer. The match, part of the regular season, witnessed standout performances, particularly from Wyatt Mineheine, who scored twice and assisted three times, earning him the third star of the game. The RoadRunners' powerplay efficiency was on full display, netting four goals from six opportunities. The Carolina Rage, despite their spirited efforts, struggled to contain the RoadRunners’ offensive prowess. Teagan Gardner and Jeremiah Fletcher scored for the home team, with Gardner also receiving first-star honors for his overall performance. However, the Rage's undisciplined play was costly, accruing 12 penalty minutes, which the RoadRunners capitalized on. In goal, Texas's Colby Lee made 31 saves, showcasing a robust performance between the pipes. For Carolina, Mason Orr and Kole Roth combined for 52 saves against relentless pressure from the RoadRunners, who fired 59 shots on goal. This win cements the RoadRunners' impressive season record at 9-1-0, while the Carolina Rage drop to 3-6-0. The victory also extends Texas's winning streak against Carolina, reinforcing their supremacy in the Southeast Division.
El Paso 3 @ Austin 4 (OT) - In a thrilling overtime showdown at the Ice and Fields at the Crossover, the Austin Ice Bats edged past the El Paso Rhinos with a 4-3 victory. Guhnar Hillman clinched the win with an overtime goal at 02:50, assisted by Arys Perardi. Austin opened the scoring with Matthieu Leblanc finding the net in the first period, assisted by Liam Cardona. The second period saw a flurry of activity, with Austin's Jared Breunig and Sol Levy adding to the scoreboard, countered by El Paso's Benjamin Green and a power-play goal from Andre Valenzuela. With a 3-3 tie at the end of regulation time, the match moved into overtime, where Hillman sealed the victory. Collin Rosenau was a standout in goal for Austin, making 30 saves on 33 shots, earning the second star of the game, while Nathan Graybill stood strong for El Paso with 34 saves. This victory marks the Ice Bats’ third consecutive win against the Rhinos this season, maintaining their dominant form in the South Division.
Binghamton 4 @ Long Beach 0 - In a commanding display at the Long Beach Municipal Ice Arena, the Binghamton Buzz secured a decisive 4-0 victory over the Long Beach Sharks in their East Division clash. Keegan Elliott was a standout performer, netting two goals in the second period, with assists from Preston Peterson and Ilya Baldin, who also contributed significantly to the team's offensive efforts. Ilya Baldin further extended the lead in the third period with a power-play goal, assisted by Jaylen Nurse, while Evan O'Bryne sealed the game with a goal, supported by Peterson. The Sharks struggled to capitalize on their 49 shots, all thwarted by the exceptional goaltending of Jackson Horst, who achieved a shutout with an outstanding 49 saves. Conversely, Nicklas Walker, the Sharks' goaltender, faced a barrage of 54 shots, managing 50 saves but conceding four crucial goals. This victory reinforces the Buzz's strong start to the season, extending their streak to five consecutive wins, while the Sharks face a challenging path ahead with their third straight loss.
Peoria 2 @ St. Louis 3 - In a thrilling overtime clash at the Afton Ice Rink, the St. Louis Jr. Blues edged out the Peoria Mustangs 3-2, marking their seventh win of the season. The Jr. Blues took an early lead in the second period with Caden Lindley's goal, assisted by Eric Denny and Joseph Lopiccolo. However, Peoria's Owen Gruden responded swiftly, netting twice, once in the second period and again at the start of the third, putting the Mustangs ahead. Nicholas Morgan leveled the score for the Jr. Blues in the third period, setting the stage for a dramatic overtime. Teagan Lee emerged as the hero, scoring a power-play goal just over a minute into the extra time, assisted by Lopiccolo and Mitchell Nappier. Jakub Stary of the Mustangs showcased a remarkable performance in goal, saving 54 out of 57 shots, earning him the second star of the game. The Jr. Blues’ Joseph Lopiccolo, with two assists, received the third star recognition. Despite Peoria's valiant effort, the Jr. Blues' perseverance and strategic play ensured their victory, maintaining their dominant streak in the Central Division.
