Austin Lotz and the Jacksonville Icemen shut out the second-best team in the South Division, South Carolina Stingrays, by a score of 1-0 on Wednesday night at Veterans Memorial Arena. Lotz made 27 saves for his second shutout of the 2017-18 season, presented by Community First Credit Union.
The Icemen came out of the gate with speed and created several quality scoring opportunities early in the first period. Just over seven minutes into the game, Steven Whitney was granted a penalty shot, but Austin Lotz was quick to make the save and keep the game scoreless. Late in the frame, Christopher Dienes' shot was deflected by Garet Hunt in the slot for a power-play goal. Jacksonville ended the first period with the 1-0 lead at home.
Penalties were the theme throughout the second period, as both teams combined for seven in the middle frame. The goaltenders stood out as well, with both Austin Lotz and Parker Milner making big saves to keep the score 1-0. The Icemen were able to bring their 1-0 lead into the third period.
In the third period, Lotz continued to stand on his head as he stopped all 10 shots in the third period, including a late flurry as the time ran out. Asked about the frantic final seconds, Lotz was asked what his mindset was. "It was a wave of white jerseys coming at you and was a little overwhelming, but at the same time you're in the zone and you just battle."
Do you have your tickets for Faith and Family Weekend yet? Join the Icemen from Jan. 26-28 and don’t miss out on a live performance by Colton Dixon immediately after the Jan. 26 game against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Help us defeat cancer as we host Hockey Fights Cancer Weekend on Feb. 1-3. Find out more about this special weekend by visiting here.
Next up, the Icemen host the Greenville Swamp Rabbits for three straight game, starting on Friday, Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
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