Justin Lacy charges to the net. Lacey, a league All-Star, scored both goals for the IceHawks in a losing effort. (MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

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St. Louis Completes Weekend Sweep With 6-2 win

Second Period Costly For IceHawks

January 30, 2011
By: John Keuvelaar

The Tri City IceHawks showed much improvement in their first two games this weekend. But with no wins to show for their effort, the IceHawks were in dire need of a win Sunday afternoon. But a lack of focus and composure in the second period cost them that chance for a win as St. Louis scored three times in the middle period to go on to a 6-2 win.

Optimism was high in the opening minutes of the first period of play. All Star Justin Lacy put the team on his back and literally will them ahead with his determined skating. Taking the puck along the boards near the goal line, he skated up to the blue line before curling back toward the center ice. He then skated through two defenders to position himself in front of the near where he buried a wrist shot making it 1-0.

Play throughout the period was fast and furious as the IceHawks finished their checks and passed with great efficiency. This was some of the best hockey action of the season. But with five minutes to play, St. Louis scored on a two on one breakaway making it 1-1 after the first period. As good of hockey as the first period was, things fell apart in the second period. St. Louis scored a minute into play when Richard Westcott came from behind the net and found Derek Vogler alone in front of the net for a quick goal and the lead. Then St. Louis scored on a strange goal. Adam Kram came from behind the net and looked to center the puck when his pass got into an IceHawk's skates. As the defenseman tried to clear the puck, it deflected into the net for a 3-1 lead.

From there, the frustration of the season and weekend took over as the IceHawks found a willing partner in St. Louis to mix it up. Back to back altercations saw the penalty box fill for both sides. If that wasn't enough another fight broke out and play was at a stand still for the rest of the period as the officials sorted each event out. The flow and focus was lost in all the extra activities as St. Louis out shot Tri City, 24 to 5. Through all the mess, St. Louis scored again to extend their lead to 4-1.

Just before the period ended, Justin Lacy showed why he is a league all star. Blocking a slap shot in his defensive zone, Lacy picked up the puck and headed down ice. As he approached the goalie, a defenseman picked him up just inside the blue line. Using his body as a shield, Lacy glided across the front of the net leaving the puck to his right using his body to protect it. Then he snapped it in the upper right corner for a goal making it 4-2 game heading into the third period. The second period activities took its toll on the IceHawks. While both teams skated hard, play lacked the determination and enthusiasm of the previous two games and the first period. As a result, Tri City failed to score and St. Louis was able to record two late game tallies to skate off with a 6-2 win.

It was a tough loss on a promising weekend. The changes and new attitude clearly show that this is a team that can put together a win streak to make the playoffs. But the task is now huge as they have to win at least seven of their remaining nine games including a weekend series against the Mountain Cats who they are chasing. The IceHawks return to action next Saturday at 7:30 pm when they take on Indianapolis, the only team they have beaten so far. Come cheer the IceHawks on.

Stephen Hanna hustles deep in IceHawk territory with three Frontenacs at his heels.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)