The Icemen tied the game in the third period in front of an electric 7,236 fans, but the Solar Bears would prevail late to win the game, 5-3.
If you couldn't tell these two teams didn't like each other before tonight, you certainly found out during the first period. Despite only 11 combined shots on goal and zero goals, there was a lot of action all over the ice. Both teams combined for 39 PIM, including four fighting majors during the first 20 minutes.
In the second period, it didn't take long for the teams to find the back of the net. Just over two minutes into the period, Cameron Critchlow sent Jansen Harkins a beautiful saucer pass and Harkins delivered with a one-timer for the Icemen lead. The lead would be short lived as Martins Dzierkals scored from the right circle on the power play. A short while later, Hunter Fejes and Joe Perry passed the puck back and forth on the breakaway and Fejes beat Lotz for the first Solar Bears lead of the game. Less than a minute later, Jeff King found the twine with a laser of a slapshot from above the left circle. The Solar Bears led, 3-1, after 40 minutes of play.
The Icemen came out strong at the start of the third period. Everett Clark scored from the slot within the first two minutes of the frame to pull the Icemen within one. Only 33 seconds later, Cameron Critchlow scored on a loose puck in front of the net for a power play goal that tied the game. Not too much later, Hunter Fejes scored his second of the game, the eventual game-winning goal. Fejes would cap off his night with a hat trick when he scored an empty net goal.
Don't miss out on tomorrow night's game as the 2017-18 season, presented by Community First Credit Union, continues. The Icemen host the Orlando Solar Bears Saturday at 7:30 p.m. for the second game of Military Appreciation Weekend, presented by Nimnicht Family of Dealerships. Click here for your tickets!
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