The Jacksonville Icemen have started off their homestand with back-to-back wins as they defeated the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, 2-1, on Friday night in front of 6,033 fans. Tanner Eberle scored the game-winning goal and the Icemen have won four out of their last five games in the 2017-18 season, presented by Community First Credit Union.
After just registering 10 total shots on goal in a 1-0 win on Wednesday, the Icemen came out strong offensively in the first period. Just over halfway into the period, captain Garet Hunt fired a shot on goalie Ty Rimmer that produced a juicy rebound. Tyson Fawcett's backhand shot off the rebound was stopped, but Hunt finished the play with the first goal of the game, just nine seconds after the Icemen's power play expired. Jacksonville limited Greenville to seven shots and Austin Lotz stopped each one for the 1-0 lead through one period.
In the second period, it was Tanner Eberle's turn to get on the scoreboard. Dajon Mingo fired a shot just wide of the net, but a fortunate bounce right to Eberle at the edge of the crease extended the Icemen's lead to two goals. Austin Lotz came through with several quality saves to keep the Swamp Rabbits out of the goal column. Once again, Jacksonville skated into the third period with a lead at home.
In the third period, Branden Kotyk broke up Austin Lotz's bid for his second straight shutout at 7:33 into the frame. Lotz had not allowed a goal for 115:21 over three games. The Icemen would be able to hold on for the 2-1 win.
The Icemen continue Faith & Family Weekend tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.
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