Written by Jake Wheeler
JACKSONVILLE, FL- Derek Lodermeier came in clutch for the Jacksonville Icemen as he scored the game-winning goal early in the third period as the Icemen defeated the South Carolina Stingrays by a score of 3-2 at Veterans Memorial Arena Friday night.
The game got off to a good start as both teams had fast-paced back and forth play. About ten minutes into the period, Pascal Aquin was able to put one by South Carolina goaltender Alex Dubeau following a nice pass from Alex-Olivier Voyer to give the Icemen a one-goal lead.
Shortly after the Icemen goal, the Stingrays converted on their first power play opportunity. Following a faceoff win for the Stingrays, Matthew Weis gathered the puck on the left wing with space. Weis sniped a wrister high into the shortside of the net to even the score at 1-1.
The Stingrays got off to a quick start as 1:10 into period, Tyler Nanne scored off a snapshot from the face-off dot to give the Rays a 2-1 edge.
Two minutes later, Ryker Killins scored on a snapshot of his own from the right-wing circle to bring the game back to a tie. At the end of 40 minutes the game remained tied at two goals apiece and the Icemen were dominating in shots on goal 19-8
Four minutes into the third, Icemen forward Derek Lodermeier scored off of a deflection from a point shot to give the Icemen a one-goal lead.
The Stingrays pulled their goaltender late in the period, but the Icemen were able to hold on and win the game. The final score was 3-2 and the Icemen led in shots on goal 25-15.
The Icemen face-off at home against the South Carolina Stingrays on Saturday, May 14 at 7 pm.
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