Another honor for the Ice Bears - the SPHL named Ice Bears netminder Andrew Gallant player of the week. Gallant recorded both wins last week against the havoc. "just amazing, and it's about time is all we can say about that." Coach Scott Hillman said. "Absolutely outstanding. One goal against at home, and two goals on the road where he really got peppered with a lot of shots." Gallant continues to lead the league in goal tending with a 2.43 goals against average, and a 92-percent save percentage. His stats include 14 wins, 4 losses, 1 overtime loss, and 1 shutout.
Knoxville newcomer Justin Keller continues to add to his Ice Bears point total. Keller had a pair of two-goal games last week, adding 5 hash marks to his 29 points. He's now moved up among the top 25 scorers; remember, Keller finished 5th in league scoring last season for Fayetteville with 30 goals, and 70 points. Coach Hillman said, "That's exactly why we brought him here. We couldn't be happier with the trade and happier for Justin, we can tell he's in the right spot for him at this time in his career."
Ice Bears forward Shaun Norrie also put together quite a week with 2 game winners. Norrie posted a 3-goal weekend, including a pair on Friday night against the renegades. "I feel like my game is coming together well,” Norrie said. “Just working hard in practice, and it is coming through to the game."
Defenseman Brett Smith - who had that highlight reel goal in last season's playoffs against Columbus - is coming on strong in the scoring column. The former Boston television series star from Hudson, Massachusetts grabbed a goal and two assists last week. Coach Hillman said, “He's really been bringing his game up, and with him and Harris playing together and now Martell and Brannen playing together that's two real solid defensive pairs that also have a good offensive punch."
Ice Bears captain Kevin Swider continues to lead the SPHL scoring race with 62 points in 38 games played. Swider picked up a goal and 3 assists last week, and is on pace for another regular season total of 90-plus points. "Kevin, again just contributing on a nightly basis, whenever we need that big goal,” Coach Hillman said. “In Huntsville, it took all of 5 seconds on the power play to just bury a goal that the goalie had no chance on." Swider's 8 points ahead of his closest competitors. Linemate Tim Vitek pulled back into a second place tie in the scoring race with Fayetteville's Rob Sich. Both Vitek and Sich now have 54 points in the standings, but Vitek also now leads all players in the plus-minus ranking, with an amazing plus-20. Swider/Vitek linemate mike carter is close behind with 49 points, tied for 7th in the individual stats race. Hillman said, "I can't say enough about those guys - they are hustling in both ends of the rink - they're working hard defensively - I believe, harder than they worked last year defensively."Coaches activated Frank Furdero from injured reserve a week ago Monday - but Furdero's now back in town from emergency leave from the team. "Frankie's gone through a little bit of personal tragedy here,” Hillman said. “But so glad he's back with us, back almost to health, we do expect to see him in the line-up all 3 games this weekend if things go well."
Defenseman Jared Siganuk played sparingly in last week's games, although he threw his weight around in this shift Thursday against Richmond. Coach Hillman said, "We're setting with 19 healthy guys and we do have to move one. Unfortunately we have to part ways with Jared, but again we wish him nothing but the best and we're so pleased with everything he's done, and just how much he's progressed as a 21-year-old rookie." On Tuesday, the Twin City Cyclones claimed Siganuk off waivers.Picture courtesy of Haas Designs and Laura Adkins via Volzeye.com
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