Ice Flyers Rally In Third Period To Stay Unbeaten At Home On Rally Gulf Coast Night
December 3, 2023
The celebratory chants were a little louder inside the home team locker room. The music played a lot longer, too.
The Ice Flyers’ latest home ice win Saturday night became the best one.
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Trailing 2-0 with less than 14 minutes remaining, the response was an extra gear, big saves and a clutch power-play goal by Dallas Comeau with 1:47 remaining that lifted the Ice Flyers to a gratifying 3-2 victory against the Peoria Rivermen to sweep the two-game series at the Pensacola Bay Center.
“They are obviously huge rivals, and it was awesome seeing the resiliency of this group,” Comeau said. “When we come together, we can make mountains move and it was awesome.”
The Ice Flyers (11-5-0) are now 8-0 at home after the win on Rally Foundation Night to benefit Rally Gulf Coast. The Ice Flyers, who wore specialty Rally Foundation uniforms, won’t play at the Bay Center again until two days before Christmas, but it’s been a joyous holiday-like time at home so far for this team.
They turned a lull into an energized crowd roar Saturday, especially after Nick Leitner’s tying goal with 6:44 remaining was followed by the furious final minutes.
“It was amazing,” said Ice Flyers goaltender Stephen Mundinger, who stopped 28 of 30 shots. “Probably one of the most fun games I’ve been a part of, as far as I can remember.
“Just after every goal, if you saw me, I was going nuts. It’s why we play the game, right? Stuff like this is worth all the memories. This was definitely special.”
Mundinger was definitely special Saturday. After Peoria (8-4-1) scored two first period goals in the final three minutes, both after turnovers in the Ice Flyers zone, he made huge saves in the second period, then in the third to keep the score as it was and help enable the comeback to happen.
“Second period we were just holding on for dear life,” said Ice Flyers coach Gary Graham. “Thank God, Dinger played a great game. He really gave us a chance. I really thought he should have been number one star, because without him making some big saves… in second period if that thing gets down 3-0 it could be curtains.
“I thought that was our worst period of the season. They took our confidence away from us in the second period.”
But the Ice Flyers got it back and the crowd into the action when Sean Gulka pounced on a loose puck in the crease area and chipped it up into the net to cut the deficit.
“That was the ice breaker we needed,” Comeau said.
Earlier in the game, Gulka brawled with Peoria’s Tristan Trudel, son of Peoria head coach Jean-Guy Trudel.
“I thought that really got (Rivermen) fired up,” Graham said.
Gulka’s goal was followed by linemate Leitner’s tying goal.
“That line was huge,” Graham said. “They played bull in a China shop hockey, because it’s a big line for us and two of our biggest wingers are on that line.”
With 2:51 remaining, Peoria was whistled for a delay of game penalty, giving the Ice Flyers only their second power play of the game. This time, they struck gold.
“A big face off win by Mitchy (Mitch Atkins) and nice shot by Zac (Herrmann) and I just got loose in position on that power play and was able to find the back of the net (on rebound),” Comeau said. “It was just electric in there (Bay Center). It was awesome in the third period. I was only a small piece of it.”
The Ice Flyers now have a 21-day gap between home games. Their next home game is Dec. 23 against Macon.
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In the first intermission, Ice Flyers owner Greg Harris helped raise thousands for Rally Foundation by showing off his own hockey skills. After easily converting goals from the red line, Harris went to the other end, took off his shoes and went barefoot on the ice to send pucks end to end into the net.
Joining him were long time Ice Flyers sponsor Troy Rafferty, part of the Levin Papantonio Raffery Law Firm and Capt. Terrance Shashaty, commanding officer of Naval Air Station-Pensacola.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Ice Flyers vs. Quad City Storm
WHEN: Friday and Saturday (Dec 8-9), 7:05 p.m.
WHERE: Vibrant Arena, Moline, Illinois.
Pickup Truck Rolls Over In Highway 297A, Kingsfield Road Crash
December 2, 2023
A pickup truck rolled over during a wreck Friday afternooon in Cantonment.
The crash happened about 3 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 297A and Kingsfield Road.
At least three vehicles were invovled in the crash, including two SUVs in addition to the pickup truck.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released additional information.
Photos by Monica French for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Kicks Off The ‘Keep The Wreath Green’ Fire Safety Campaign
December 2, 2023
Escambia County Fire Rescue, in collaboration with the Pensacola Fire Department, launched its annual “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign on Friday, Dec. 1. While a joyous time of year, cold weather, holiday decorations and festivities can create serious fire dangers. Firefighters hope to reduce the number of fires by promoting simple, life-saving holiday safety tips each day in December.
During the month-long campaign, five-foot wreaths will be on display at 21 county fire stations and five city fire stations, as well as Escambia County’s Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building downtown, the Escambia County Public Safety Building and Pensacola City Hall. Each time firefighters respond to a residential or commercial structure fire with damage, a green light bulb will be replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by fires in residential homes. In 2022, 16 bulbs were changed to red on county wreaths, while one bulb was changed in the city.
“Keep the Wreath Green is a great initiative that literally brings to light the importance of fire safety at home,” said Fire Chief Adam Harrison. “Any time there is a fire where someone is displaced, you will notice a red bulb on that wreath. I want to encourage every resident to do their part in making sure that we keep our wreaths green this holiday season.
Escambia County recorded 16 residential fires during December 2022, represented by 16 red bulbs in the “Keep the Wreath Green” in the annual fire safety campaign.
Three of the fires were in the North Escambia area.
If your home does not have a working smoke detector, call Escambia County Fire Rescue at (850) 595-HERO (4376) or (850) 436-5200 for city of Pensacola residents.
Pictured above: A “Keep the Wreath Green” display at the McDavid Fire Station last year. Pictured below: A residential fire during December 2022 on Still Road in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
A Christmas Miracle: The Miracle League’s Annual Christmas Party At Tate High
December 2, 2023
Santa visited with Miracle League players at their Christmas party at Tate High School Friday night.
Tate High student organizations and volunteers came together to put on the party, including the Beta club.
The Miracle League players were able to visit Santa, enjoy dinner, watch a special drama performance and more.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Celebrates Christmas Season With Caroling, Tree Lighting
December 2, 2023
The anual tree lighting ceremony was held Friday in Century.
While the town’s Christmas tree is located in Nadine McCaw Park, the ceremony was moved across Highway 29 to the Century Area Chamber of Commerce due to forecasted rain.
The event featured complementary refreshments, ornament making with the staff of the Century Branch Library and caroling from the Tri-City Children’s Choir.
Next Friday, the Century Christmas parade will roll at 5:30 p.m. It will be followed by a movie and food — all free — from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at Anthony Pleasant Park.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Atmore Publisher, Reporter Indicted For Reavealing Grand Jury Secrets
December 2, 2023
An Escambia County, Alabama School Board member, who is a weekly newspaper owner and publisher, and one of her reporters have now officially been indicted by a a grand jury.
Atmore News Publisher Sherry Digmon, 72, and Don Fletcher, 69, were each indicted by an Escambia County Grand Jury on charges of “revealing evidence of the grand jury”.
Both were set to appear in court Monday for a preliminary hearing, but that hearing was canceled after the indictment was returned. They are no longer eligible for a preliminary hearing after being indicted.
Digmon is co-owner and publisher of The Atmore News which reported October 25 that the local district attorney was investigating COVID funds paid to school system employees. The paper also revealed that Digmon’s phone and that the phone of another school board member had been seized under a search warrant. Both had recently voted against renewing an employment contract with Superintendent of Education Michele McClung.
Rain Continues Into Saturday Night
December 2, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog between 9pm and 3am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 64. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers before 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph after midnight.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 61. North wind around 5 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 58. North wind around 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.
Saturday: A chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.
Football Playoffs: Pensacola Catholic Season Ends With OT Loss In State Semifinals
December 2, 2023
Pensacola Catholic, the last remaining North Escambia area team in the playoffs, lost to the Bradford Tornadoes 22-21 in overtime Friday night in the Region 1-2S state semifinal game.
Catholic’s season ends at 11-3, while Bradford will take on Cocoa for the 2S crown.
Ice Flyers Erase Early Deficit, Stay Unbeaten On Teddy Bear Night
December 2, 2023
By Bill Vilonam Ice Flyers Correspondent
When Gary Graham coached the Ice Flyers to their first championship 10 years ago, there wasn’t this kind of rivalry with Peoria.
There is now, of course.
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That’s why the Ice Flyers 7-4 victory against the Rivermen Friday night, after the game was tied 3-3 at second intermission, carried extra meaning for the players and the crowd of 3,877 at the Pensacola Bay Center on Teddy Bear Toss Night.
Seven different players scored and the Ice Flyers had a 47-23 edge in shots in a game that started the wrong way for the home team, but ended with Pensacola keeping its unbeaten record (7-0) on home ice.
“I wasn’t part of it before,” said Graham, smiling afterward about the matchup with Peoria. “I’ve seen it first hand now. They tried to get us off our game early with the physicality side of things.
“And I thought our guys did a really good job of taking some punishment, going on the power play and basically making them beat themselves.
“Any time you can score seven goals with seven different guys, that doesn’t happen often. I thought the guys did a good job keep sticking with it.”
The Ice Flyers were eliminated from the playoffs last year by Peoria. They also won their most dramatic SPHL title against Peoria with a last-second goal to clinch the championship. This weekend’s pair of games are the only two in Pensacola this season.
The Ice Flyers trailed 2-0 midway through the first period. And then the game changed.
“It’s a big game for us. We don’t like them and they don’t like us. It’s a great rivalry,” said the Ice Flyers Mitch Atkins, named the game’s No. 1 star Friday with a goal and two assists.
The third period became the most eventful.
Less than four minutes into the period, veteran Peoria captain Alec Hagaman, who was part of the Ice Flyers last championship team in 2021, was thrown out of the game on a match penalty for slew-footing. The penalty is called when a player either kicks, grabs or knocks another players’ feet from behind.
It gave the Ice Flyers a 5-minute power play. Less than 90 seconds into the power play, Ice Flyers captain Garrett Milan scored on a one-timer shot from near the face-off circle after a perfect feed from Mitch Atkins.
It gave the Ice Flyers a 4-3 lead.
“I saw it out of the corner of my eye. The referee didn’t see it, but the linesman saw it,” Graham said. “A lot of times slew footing happens behind the play, because players are smart, they know where the ref’s looking.”
Seven minutes later, Malik Johnson put the Ice Flyers up two goals with his quick wrister.
But Peoria got a shorthanded goal with 5:07 remaining and now the game had a different kind of feel. That is until Atkins had the pivotal goal with a defender draped on him, who he shed and caused to take out Peoria goaltender Brendahn Brawley. Atkins regained control of the puck and made a whirl around move to wrist the puck into the open corner of the net.
“We came out (of Ice Flyers end) with a lot of speed,” Atkins said. “Once we got in the (Peoria) zone, Bondee (Ivan Bondarenko) has such a great vision and he made a great seam pass.
“It jumped my stick and I felt if I wrapped it the other way there wouldn’t be a lot still in the net. It was a fun goal and a good pass by Bondee to open things up there.”
Fittingly, Bondarenko scored the Ice Flyers final goal on an empty-netter while killing a penalty. Peoria pulled Brawley with 1:52 remaining to get a 6 on 4 situation. But when Rivermen defenseman slipped and fell inside the blue line, the puck was free and Bondarenko sealed the game.
Peoria led 2-1 at first intermission. The game began with a crowd-pleasing fight at the 7:40 mark between the Ice Flyers Sean Gulka and Spencer Kennedy. Both traded a flurry a punches for nearly a minute as the crowd roared and both teams saluted.
The Rivermen then got a pair of goals four minutes apart from Braydon Barker and Kennedy, two players who recently joined the team.
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Barker, who played last season for Peoria, got his first goal this season on an assist from long-time veteran Alec Hagaman. The goal occurred with 10:12 left in the period.
Kennedy, who began the season in Roanoke, scored his first goal for Peoria with 6:58 left. Both Barker and Kennedy were playing in their third game for the Rivermen.
“They are a veteran group,” Graham said. “They capitalized on the very few chances they had. We made a couple mistakes and… boom it’s in the back of net. They are a team that can score very quickly, and we knew we had to keep the pace with them.”
But the Ice Flyers answered 27 seconds after Kennedy’s goal when Lucas Herrmann got his third goal of the season. The moment the goal lamp was lit, the stuffed animals were tossed across the ice from all sides as the signature part of Teddy Bear Toss Night for the first Ice Flyers goal in the game.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Peoria Rivermen vs. Ice Flyers
WHEN: Saturday, 7:05 p.m.
WHERE: Pensacola Bay Center
Missing Infant Located
December 1, 2023
UPDATE: Ny’Ariyah Robinson Smith has been located
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing infant that may be with her parents.
A court order was issued to find the child, ECSO said.
They are looking for 3-week-old Ny’Ariyah Robinson Smith who may be with her mother, Tiffany Leigh Smith, or her father, David Cordele Robinson.
The sheriff’s office said they may be in Florida, Georgia, or Alabama.
Anyone that has any information on Ny’Ariyah’s whereabouts, is asked to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850)-436-9620.