In a tightly contested game, the Icemen found a way to win in the third period in front of 7,037 energetic fans. Tyson Fawcett's first multi-goal game of the 2017-18 season, presented by Community First Credit Union, powered the Icemen to a 3-1 win.
Jacksonville continued its solid play in the first period on Saturday. However, it was Atlanta that would strike first, despite being outshot in the opening frame. As the Gladiators' power play expired, Lindsay Sparks sent the puck cross ice and found Phil Lane alone for a one-timer past Lotz. Atlanta would hold an early advantage after 20 minutes.
Throughout the second period, the Icemen's resiliency was on display as they dominated the Gladiators offensively, outshooting the visitors 16-4. Late in the period, Tanner Eberle put the puck in the crease and Tyson Fawcett stretched out to knock the puck into the back of the net to tie the game. Jacksonville ended the frame with a 25-10 shots on goal advantage.
Throughout the season, the Icemen have faced challenges finishing games. That would not be the case tonight as Jacksonville tallied two goals in the final six minutes. It started when Elgin Pearce brought the puck into the zone and found Cameron Critchlow for a shot on goal. The puck bounced off Vladar and right to Garet Hunt who scored and then hurdled over the goalie's outstretched leg. With under a minute to play, Tyson Fawcett sealed the game with his second of the evening.
The Icemen return to Veterans Memorial Arena for their only meeting against the Allen Americans tomorrow at 3:00 p.m.
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