ICECAPS
St. John’s

2-1

COMETS
Utica

Lineup

Forward lines and defense pairings: 

[one_half]Hudon – Scherbak – Holloway
Yogan – Dumont – Friberg
McNally – MacMillan – Gregoire
Scott – Bozon – Ranger [/one_half]

[one_half_last]Hanley – Johnston
Joyaux – Ellis
Didier – Lernout[/one_half_last]

Goaltenders:

Fucale
Pasquale

Scratches: Shane Bakker, Travis Brown, Mac Bennett, Michael Bournival (concussion), Markus Eisenschmid (undisclosed)
Injured Reserve: Connor Crisp (undisclosed)

Game Report

In the first game of the final road trip of their regular season, the IceCaps took the ice in Utica for an energetic matchup against the Comets.  Both teams are jockeying for a playoff position, giving the atmosphere a bit more intensity.

Jeremy Gregoire got things started the right way with a quick goal after a few minutes into the first frame.  He was assisted by Mark MacMillan and Brandon McNally.  Many close calls at both ends, but Zach Fucale and Joe Cannata were on top of things in their respective creases.

The second period started off with some tense scrums after the whistles, but soon settled down into a fast-paced rhythm. Penalties started to rack up on both sides of the ice, as did hits.  The IceCaps sustained a good amount of offensive pressure, but couldn’t get the puck through Cannata.

The third period was all Comets. Midway through the frame, Carter Bancks walked off the side boards and snapped it past Zach Fucale.  With the score tied, Utica did not let up. With six minutes left in the third, the Comets were outshooting the IceCaps 14-1.

Fucale played a strong positional game and limited rebounds. He also had help in front of him with some excellent shot-blocking particularly by Max Friberg.

In the overtime period, it was time for Friberg to show off his offensive skills. Taking a pass from Morgan Ellis, Friberg came down the right side and snapped a rocket past Comets goalie Joe Cannata to give the IceCaps the win.

▲     Morgan Ellis, Max Friberg, Andrew Yogan, Zach Fucale, Jeremy Gregoire, Brett Lernout, Josiah Didier

▼     Alexander Ranger, Ryan Johnston, Tim Bozon, Christopher Joyaux

1. Max Friberg  STJ
2. Zach Fucale  STJ
3. Carter Bancks UTI

Post-game interview with Max Friberg

Audio from interviews conducted by Amy Johnson for IceCaps Hockey Report | Rocket Sports Media.

Quotes courtesy of IceCaps Hockey Report

A good first period for Jeremy Gregoire with a goal on two shots. #IceCaps lead 1-0 after 20. #Habs @IceCapsAHL pic.twitter.com/hXp1gkbGDk

— AHL Report (@TheAHLReport) March 18, 2016

Warm-ups are underway in Utica prior to the Comets- #IceCaps game tonight. #GoIceCapsGo #allhabs #Habs pic.twitter.com/MoMfaFEcPa

— AHL Report (@TheAHLReport) March 18, 2016

Warmups coming up soon! @IceCapsReport #IceCaps v #Comets pic.twitter.com/iN6uVAoLR8

— Amy (@FlyersRule) March 18, 2016

Follow @IceCapsReport on Twitter