It was a truly historic night on Tuesday at Veterans Memorial Arena as several franchise firsts were made in a 6-4 win over the Orlando Solar Bears. Emerson Clark became the first player in team history to record a hat trick and tally four points in one game. The Icemen scored six goals, including two power play goals, both are records.
It didn't take long for the Icemen to get on the board when Everett Clark scored the third shorthanded goal this season on a breakaway. Toward the end of the frame, Dylan Blujus scored from the slot on the 5-on-3 man advantage to give the home team a 2-0 lead. With 24 seconds remaining, Brendan Collier took the puck from center ice and skated all the way to the left circle before firing home a goal on the power play. Jacksonville ended the first period with a 3-0 lead over Orlando.
After 20 minutes, Solar Bears starting goalie Cal Heeter was benched for Mackenzie Skapski. However, just like last week, Orlando would rally, scoring two goals in the first 6:31 of the second period. Over a minute after Orlando's second goal, Emerson Clark patiently waited for a sliding defenseman to move before beating Skapski five-hole. Josh Winquist would respond with 7:55 remaining in the second period to make the score 4-3.
Early in the final frame, Alexandre Goulet, who played his first game since injury on Nov. 17, beat two defenders but was stopped by Skapski. Emerson Clark was all over the rebound and put home the tap-in goal to give Jacksonville a 5-3 lead. Late in the game, Orlando pulled Skapski for an extra attacker. Emerson Clark would not be denied as he scored in the empty net from the blue line to seal the deal and is the first player in Icemen history to score three goals in one game.
The Icemen continue their homestand on Thursday, Nov. 30 against the Norfolk Admirals at 7:30 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets here.
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