The Jacksonville Icemen defeated the Norfolk Admirals for the first time in the 2017-18 season, presented by Community First Credit Union, by a score of 4-3 in overtime tonight. Rookie Josh Erickson exploded in his debut with the Icemen, collecting three points, including the game-winning goal in overtime.
With five days of rest, the Norfolk Admirals came out fast in the first period. At 6:48, Don Olivieri stole the puck along the right boards and found Brodie Dupont all alone in the crease for the goal. A short while later, Chase Harrison scored in his first game against the Icemen since being traded to Norfolk for Tim Daly on Dec. 17. Harrison's shot deflected off an Icemen stick and past Austin Lotz for the power play goal.
Once again, the resiliency of this Icemen team was on full display. A mere 13 seconds after Harrison's goal, Cameron Critchlow made some nice moves and beat Ty Reichenbach for his sixth goal of the season. The goal gave Critchlow points in six of his last seven games. At 13:31 of the first, Tanner Eberle would score on the power play as he cleaned up the rebound on Josh Erickson's shot. The assist was Erickson's first ECHL point and came in his debut with the Icemen. Both teams ended the first period tied at two.
Early in the second, a poor turnover in Norfolk's defensive zone left Erickson all alone in front of the net. He made a swift backhand shot and gave the Icemen their first lead of the game. Erickson's goal is also his first-ever ECHL goal. Over five minutes later, Chase Harrison would score once again on the power play and the second period ended in a tie.
A scoreless third period would lead to the third overtime this season between these two clubs. Tonight, it would be the Icemen who would skate away victorious after 60 minutes, as Josh Erickson took the puck from coast-to-coast and scored from the left circle. Goalie Austin Lotz made 36 saves and the Icemen have now collected points in four straight games.
The Icemen finish their road trip against the Norfolk Admirals tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. from the Norfolk Scope.
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