Ice Flyers Thrill Sellout Crowd Saturday With Dramatic OT Shootout Win
December 1, 2024
by Bill Vilona, Ice Flyers correspondent
The Ice Flyers began a defining week with only two wins for the season.
They picked up two in 24 hours, following a dramatic 4-3 overtime shootout win Saturday night against the Birmingham Bulls, sending a sellout crowd of 8,049 on a $5 ticket game at the Pensacola Bay Center into the chilly night air, warmed by a celebratory scene on the ice.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“It was especially a good win for our fans,” said Ice Flyers coach Gary Graham. “It’s been very frustrating to have big crowds and not be able to pay them back for all the support.
“Another amazing crowd and we keep getting them over and over again. Kudos to (Ice Flyers owner) Greg (Harris) and the front office and to the community for supporting us. Obviously, we have been in a bad funk. There’s been a lot of things that have gone wrong to start the season.”
A lot of things, however, went right this week. Even though the Ice Flyers dropped a 3-2 game Wednesday – the first of the twin $5 ticket nights – against the first-place Huntsville Havoc, the performance brought encouragement.
It carried into Friday’s road win at Macon. The team bus arrived around noon Saturday from that trip. Hours later, the Ice Flyers faced Birmingham in the Thanksgiving week’s finale.
“Obviously, it’s a great feeling,” said Ice Flyers assistant captain Ivan Bondarenko, who assisted on the team’s first goal of the game. “We’re starting to head in the right direction. Everybody is coming together. And we’re starting to play as a team and supporting each other. That is the key for us.
“Even when you’re tired you’ve got to push through it and enjoy it. That’s all we did and that’s how we came up out on top.”
The Ice Flyers tied the game 1-1 on Cayden Cahill power-play goal with 9:48 left in the period. They followed with consecutive goals in a 1-minute, 18-second span to take a 3-1 lead into the second intermission.
But the Bulls tied the game with a pair of goals in the first six minutes of the third period, sending a feeling a dread throughout the arena.
Ice Flyers goaltender Kevin Resop kept the score tied with saves later in the period. In the overtime, Resop saved the night for the Ice Flyers with a flurry of great saves in the final 90 seconds of the 5-minute OT. In the shootout, he was just as brilliant, thwarting Birmingham’s first four shooters to win the game.
“Kevin was the star of the game,” Graham said. “He made some tremendous saves in overtime to give us a chance to get to the shootout and for him to close the door like that in the shootout.”
The Ice Flyers’ fourth shooter, defenseman Tim Faulkner, broke the back-and-forth stops by both teams’ goaltenders with his wrist shot into the top corner.
“We practice the shootout every week and it’s sort of a running joke, but I do kind of score in the shootout, so coach (Graham) told me he might put me in,” Faulkner said. “I had a move in mind and it worked. It’s just one of those things I have done so many times.”
Hugo Koch followed with a simple deke and slid the puck smoothly through Bulls’ goaltender Hayden Stewart’s legs for the game winner.
“For Tim Faulker and Hugo Koch to be the ones that score for us, just tremendous for the group,” Graham said. “It has been very dark and gloomy around here. We have been trying to keep a positive mindset on it.
“The guys have been coming to work and buying in on the video sessions. We have some really unfortunate things happen, but it’s great to see them celebrating in there right now.”
The Ice Flyers played with four guys on injured reserve and Sam Dabrowski unable to play after getting an eye injury Friday against Macon. This is how it has been, unfortunately, for the Ice Flyers in their first 15 games of the season.
With that in mind, Bondarenko had an impassioned message for the fans afterward. In two games this week, one on the night before Thanksgiving, another on Saturday, the Ice Flyers had sellout crowds at the Bay Center.
“You all have been showing up day in and day out and supporting us,” he said, during a post-game interview. “We haven’t had the start that we wanted but you guys have not slowed down and you guys keep cheering us on and it’s unbelievable.
“A lot of this is thanks to you guys, so we appreciate your support.”
FIRST PERIOD
A scoreless opening period had its noteworthy moments.
Only seven seconds into the game, following a lengthy delay, the Ice Flyers had to send out a penalty kill unit. They were whistled for too many men on the ice in a strange sequence that came off the opening faceoff.
They kept the Bulls from a good shot and got the penalty kill. Later in the period Resop made his first big save on a point-blank wrist shot.
Ivan Bondarenko had the Ice Flyers best scoring chance with a wrap-around attempt with 6:13 remaining.
When the period ended, the Ice Flyers players remained on the ice for the ceremony saluting Jim Chestnut, the team’s equipment manager, who worked his 1,500th game in minor league, professional hockey.
For a photo gallery, click here.
SECOND PERIOD
Birmingham’s Tayor Brierley, blasted a one-timer past Resop following a faceoff with 14:47 left in the period.
Ice Flyers followed with three consecutive goals from Cayden Cahill, Cameron Cook and Adam Pilotte to take a two-goal lead into intermission.
For Cook, it was his sixth goal of the season. Bondarenko picked up his sixth assist. Koch had assists on two of the three goals before his game-winning heroics in the shootout.
THIRD PERIOD
Birmingham tied the game on a pair of goals that followed defensive mistakes in the Ice Flyers zone. It’s been the kind of thing Graham and the team have worked to try to avoid.
Offensively, the Ice Flyers had few chances and neither team had a power play. Resop finished regulation play and the five-minute OT having stopped 32 of 35 shots.
GAME NOTABLES
Ice Flyers owner Greg Harris addressed the crowd in the first intermission to honor Jim Chestnut. He was presented a glass enclosed frame with a personalized jersey. In addition, Harris announced a $1,500 gift card in honor of the 1,500 games.
Cameron Cook’s goal Saturday occurred on his 27th birthday.
The sellout pushed the Ice Flyers to a 6,000-plus attendance average for their first seven home games this season.
Four players remained on the injured list Saturday: Matt Wiesner, Tyler Adams, Sean Gulka. Graham said afterward that Gulka may have the best chance of returning soon.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Ice Flyers at Birmingham Bulls
WHEN: Thursday (Dec. 5), 7:05 p.m.
WHERE: Pelham Civic Complex, Pelham, Ala.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are The Road Construction Delay Spots For The Week
December 1, 2024
Beginning Monday, drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- U.S. 98 (Gregory Street) Resurfacing from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue – Drivers on Gregory Street, from North Palafox Street to east of 14th Avenue, will encounter the following construction-related disruptions:
- Westbound inside lane closures, Monday, Nov. 25 and Tuesday, Nov. 26, between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Intermittent single-lane closures Monday, Dec. 2 through Thursday, Dec. 5, between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street, from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane, Sunday, Nov. 24 through Tuesday, Nov. 26 and Monday, Dec. 2 through Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., for paving operations.
- U.S. 90 (Scenic Highway) Resurfacing, from south of I-10 to south of Hyde Park Road – Drivers will encounter a minor traffic shift on southbound Scenic Highway, between Baywood Drive and Scenic Court, Monday, Dec. 2 through Thursday, Dec. 5, as crews perform drainage improvements
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signage is in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction – Drivers may encounter traffic disruptions at the following locations as crews construct a temporary traffic shift and perform stormwater drainage work:
- Intermittent I-10 inside lane closures near the Nine Mile Road interchange between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., Monday, Nov. 25 through Tuesday, Nov. 26, and Monday, Dec. 2 through Thursday, Dec. 5.
- Nine Mile Road will be reduced to one travel lane in each direction between the I-10 ramps, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., Monday, Nov. 25 through Tuesday, Nov. 26. Law enforcement will be on site, and directional signage will be in place to guide drivers through the work zone.
- I-10 at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction – Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions Sunday, Nov. 24 through Tuesday, Nov. 26, and Monday, Nov. 2 through Thursday, Dec. 5:
- I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- Sunday, Nov. 24 through Tuesday, Nov. 26, the left lane of I-10 Eastbound and I-10 Westbound will be closed intermittently near U.S. 29 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. as crews pour asphalt and install guardrail and barrier wall in preparation for a future traffic shift.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- A new, temporary on-ramp for U.S. 29 southbound drivers accessing I-10 eastbound is now open. Detouring traffic to the temporary ramp will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Drivers on North Century Boulevard, between S.R. 4 and the Alabama State Line, may encounter intermittent lane closures, Sunday, Nov. 24 through Tuesday, Nov. 26 and Monday, Dec. 2 through Saturday, Dec. 7, for paving operations. Signage will be in place to direct drivers safely through the work zone.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, Nov. 24 through Tuesday, Nov. 26 and Monday, Dec. 2 through Thursday, Dec. 5, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for milling and paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
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- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, Nov. 24 through Tuesday, Nov. 26 and Monday, Dec. 2 through Friday, Dec. 6, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River – The U.S. 90 eastbound bridge over Simpson River will open to traffic Tuesday, Nov. 26. Work on the westbound bridge is ongoing, with no changes to the westbound traffic pattern at this time. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph throughout the work zone.
Another Women’s College Soccer Championship Coming To Ashton Brosnaham Park
November 30, 2024
The 2024 NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship will be played at Escambia County’s Ashton Brosnaham Park off 10 Mile Road December 2-9, 2024.
In this 41st annual competition, the top 16 women’s soccer teams will compete for the championship title. The tournament comes less than a month after the Texas Longhorns won the SEC Womens Soccer Championship at Ashton Brosnaham. [Photos, story...]
The teams competing for the NAIA title this year are Cumberlands (Ky.), John Brown (Ark.), SCAD Savannah (Ga.), Spring Arbor (Mich.), Campbellsville (Ky.), UC Merced (Calif.), (12) Marian (Ind.), College of Idaho, William Carey (Miss.), Xavier (La.), Cumberland (Tenn.), Indiana Wesleyan, Oklahoma Wesleyan, MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.), Columbia (Mo.), Science and Arts (Okla.), Keiser (Fla.), Tennessee Wesleyan, Missouri Valley, Truett McConnell (Ga.), Tennessee Southern, The Master’s (Calif.), Aquinas (Mich.) and Concordia (Neb.).
Tickets are on sale at here. All-tournament passes are $30 for adults and $15 for military, students and children. Individual game tickets for first round, quarterfinals and semifinals are $10 for adults and $5 for students/children/military. Tickets for the championship game on Sunday, Nov. 6 are $10 for adults and $5 for students/children/military. A service fee is applied to all ticket purchases. A clear bag policy is in effect for this event.
Pictured: The Texas Longhorns won the SEC Womens Soccer Championship November 10 at Ashton Brosnaham Park. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
EREC: Please Don’t Shoot At Our Lines During Dove Season
November 30, 2024
With dove season underway, North Escambia’s fiber internet provider and power company have issuing a warning — don’t shoot at power or fiber lines.
According to Connect Powered by Escambia River Electric Cooperative and EREC, shooting at an electrical line is a crime and the responsible parties could be held financially liable for repairs.
“Shooting at wired lines, even during hunting season, could result in unnecessary power and internet outages,” Connect said.
Anyone that witnesses a person shooting at wired lines in EREC’s territory is asked to report it to the cooperative at (850) 675-4521.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, dove season is underway until December 1 and will open again December 19-January 31.
Atmore Peanut Processor Coastal Growers Files Bankruptcy
November 30, 2024
Atmore peanut processor Coastal Growers, LLC has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in U.S. Bankruptcy Court Southern District of Alabama (Mobile).
In their court filing, Coastal estimated that they owe between $100 and $500 million to between 100 and 199 creditors. The company estimated assets at $50 to $100 million.
Coastal Growers opened their $90 million peanut processing facility in Atmore in February 2022. At the time, the company was owned by a cooperative of 195 farmers who lived mostly in Alabama and Florida, many in the North Escambia area.
The 400,000 square foot facility sits on 60 acres in the Atmore Industrial Park that used to be a cotton field.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Using A Space Heater? Here Are Some Need To Know Tips
November 30, 2024
Escambia County Fire Rescue is encouraging residents to practice space heater safety and know the potential risks associated with home heating equipment.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths and space heaters account for 4 out of 5 home heating fire deaths.
“Space heaters should have a three-foot safe zone around them,” said Escambia County Fire and Life Specialist Ray Melton. “They should never be left on while you’re away from home. They should be checked and serviced every year before used. Never plug a space heater into power strips or extension cords, and always have working smoke alarms.”
Follow these tips to stay safe while heating your home:
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 ft. away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
- Portable space heaters should be turned OFF every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
- Never plug a space heater in a power strip.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never use an oven to heat your home.
For portable electric heaters:
- Place them on a solid, flat surface, away from high traffic areas and doorways.
- Use and purchase heaters with an automatic shut off so if they are tipped over they will shut off.
- Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.
- Inspect for cracked or damaged, broken plugs or loose connections; replace before using.
Heating Fire Facts:
- Most home heating fire deaths (86%) involved stationary or portable space heaters.
- The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (27%) was failure to clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
- The leading factor contributing to ignition for home heating fire deaths (54%) was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding.
- Nearly half (48%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February.
Need a free smoke detector in Escambia County? Call (850) 595-HERO.
Escambia Woman Arrested After Pursuit, PIT Maneuver
November 30, 2024
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest a woman following a pursuit Friday night.
Deputies located a stolen vehicle at T Street and Hernandez Street. After a short pursuit, the vehicle was stopped by a PIT maneuver near Sanchez Street.
Dawn Marie Bur, 43, was charged with grand theft auto along with fleeing and eluding. She was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $5,000.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Boil Water Notice Issued For Woodrun Area
November 30, 2024
THIS BOIL WATER NOTICE WAS LIFtED ON 12-2-2024.
Due to a broken 8-inch water main, ECUA has issued a precautionary boil water notice for the Woodrun area off Nine Mile Road.
Specifically, the boil water notice includes:
- Woodrun Road (Address Range: 9000 – 9168)
- Woodrun Circle
- Woodrun Lane
Residents located in the specified boil water notice area are advised to boil water for one minute at a rolling boil or to use eight drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon of water, for water to be used for drinking or cooking purposes. Two independent bacteriological samples have been initiated and the advisory will be lifted as soon as possible. This process routinely takes 48 hours and the notice will be rescinded at that time.
ECUA crews have completed the repairs and flushed out the lines. Residents within the area and nearby are advised that there is a possibility of discolored water as a result of the utility work, and to flush their home’s plumbing by running their taps for a few minutes. If problems persist, customers are asked to contact ECUA Customer Service at (850) 476-0480 for assistance.
Precautionary boil water notices are issued as a part of the standard protocol following any loss of water pressure, whether as a result of planned maintenance activities or unscheduled repairs.
See Acres Of Christmas Lights, Hayride, Goats In Pajamas At Run-a-muck Ranch In Bratt
November 29, 2024
The Run-a-muck Ranch in Bratt is opening again this year with tens of thousands of Christmas lights, and you are invited to stop by and see them for free. And see the goats in pajamas.
Skip and Kristy Geiser opened the Christmas display three years ago, and it’s even bigger this year.
For a photo gallery from 2022, click here.
There are always plenty of “oohs and ahhs” over the goats in pajamas and a mini donkey.
Nestled on three or four acres in the woods off Rigby Road, the display is walk-through (not a drive-through). Admission and parking are free, but donations are accepted.
Visitors walk a short distance from the parking lot down a lighted path and cross a small footbridge into the Christmas wonderland. If it’s rained recently, remember appropriate footwear because it may be muddy. It’s in an open, park-like setting with lots of lights, inflatables, animated display and an old-fashioned hayride down a lighted trail.
Concessions are available, and only cash is accepted. There are picnic tables and lounge chairs, and propane patio heaters if it’s cold.
For a photo gallery from 2022, click here.
Run-a-muck Ranch is located at 4590 Rigby Road in Bratt (about 1.5 miles from Bratt Elementary). Take Still Road south off West Highway 4 turn left on Rigby Road and look for the signs. Don’t expect to see a lot of lights from the road; it’s a driveway back to the parking lot. (We found that Google Maps was a bit off on the location; click here for a map to the driveway.)
Weather permitting, the lights festival will be open each Thursday-Saturday through December 27. The gate is open 5:30 until 8:30 p.m.
Pictured: A previous year at the Christmas lights festival at Run-a-muck Ranch in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Charged With Stabbing Ex-Wife’s New Husband On Thanksgiving
November 29, 2024
An Escambia County man was charged with stabbing his ex-wife’s new husband on Thanksgiving morning.
Gregory Grant, 72, was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond on a charge of attempted homicide.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said the incident occurred about 11:15 a.m. Thursday at a home on MacGregor Drive, near the University of West Florida.
The sheriff’s office says Grant — who was homeless but currently living with his ex-wife and her new husband — stabbed the new husband in the upper abdomen during an argument. The victim was transported to an area hospital with injuries that were not considered to be life-threatening.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released further details.