Dabrowski’s Big Night Against Former Team Lifts Ice Flyers To First Home Win
November 9, 2024
by Bill Vilona, Ice Flyers Correspondent
The Ice Flyers newly acquired Sam Dabrowski had a little emotional tinge while glancing at this former team prior to Friday night’s game.
“There were a couple times when I saw the (Knoxville Ice Bears) jerseys and I had a little double take where I was like, wait, these aren’t my teammates,” Dabrowski said. “But I know how they compete.
‘I’ve practice with them for longer than I’ve practiced with these guys here in Pensacola, so I am familiar with everyone on the ice and their tendencies and how they play. And I just try to play my best game.
He did just that.
Dabrowski scored a pair of second period goals – his first two with Pensacola – as the Ice Flyers won a 7-4 scoring fest Friday against the Knoxville Ice Bears before a crowd of 5,330 at the Pensacola Bay Center.
The attractive adult jersey giveaway had fans waiting outside the Bay Center well before the doors opened for the replica jersey style worn Friday by the Ice Flyers.
When the game began, the Ice Flyers fans had more reasons to cheer in what became the first home ice win of the season.
Cameron Cook and Matt Weisner scored goals just 1-minute, 11 seconds apart in the first period for a 20 lead at intermission.
The teams combined for seven goals in a wild second period, which saw Ice Bears’ goaltender Stephen Mundinger, who played for the Ice Flyers most of last season, pulled after giving up a fourth goal on just 14 shots faced with 13:39 left in the second period.
The Ice Flyers then sealed the game in third period when Ivan Bondarenko slipped a perfect pass behind him to Jordan Henderson, who then rifled a wrist shot into the net 5:44 remaining for a 6-4 lead. CJ Hayes then made a diving whack at the puck with a defender on him for an empty net goal with 15 seconds left to complete the night.
“It’s good for the group, I think we’ve been getting our fair share of chances, we just haven’t been burying (pucks) and I think that’s what has been frustrating,” said Ice Flyers coach Gary Graham. “So the longer that goes, guys start squeezing their sticks.
“It’s all about confidence in this game. More confident players, the better they’re going to play, so it is good to see the team finally get rewarded. We got a few bounces for once (Friday), haven’t been getting a lot of those.
“On the flip side, I can’t sit here and be happy giving up that many goals. It’s not our standard. We’ve had way too many games this season giving up too many goals.”
The teams will rematch Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at the Bay Center on Blue Angels Night with the Ice Flyers wearing spectacular Blue Angels uniforms in honor of the U.S. Navy famed flight demonstration squadron based at Naval Air Station Pensacola.
The recognition follows the Blue Angels final air show of 2024 last Saturday in Pensacola and occurs on Veterans Day weekend.
FIRST PERIOD
Cameron Cook started things off for the Ice Flyers working the puck free off the boards from a faceoff and then rifling a wrist shot past Stephen Mundinger less than six minutes into the first period.
Matt Weisner quickly followed on a perfect pass from C.J. Hayes, who worked himself around the back of the net, then found Weisner open for a one-timer that became a 2-0 lead at intermission.
SECOND PERIOD
Just 47 seconds into the period, as fans were still returning from the first intermission break, Dabrowski scored his first Ice Flyers goal on assists from Cook and Shane Bull.
Knoxville answered less than a minute later to make it a 3-1 and ignite the scoring spree.
Dabrowski scored again, assisted by the same two linemates again, to make it 4-1 with 13:39 left. He was acquired by the Ice Flyers on Oct. 26 and made the trip with the team last weekend to Roanoke and Fayetteville.
“We kinda had a little bit of slow weekend last weekend when we were thrown together for the first time without a whole lot of practice time,” Dabrowski said. “With a week of practice together (this week) things started to click.
“The game plan was laid out for us, we executed, did what we were supposed to.”That goal led to Mundinger getting pulled and ignited Knoxville to make it a 4-3 game with the next two goals before Bull scored with 2:06 left in the period.
THIRD PERIOD
Henderson’s goal late in the period followed both teams getting power play chances earlier in the period. Ivan Bonderenko’s pass made the difference in setting up the goal-scoring play.
The Ice Bears pulled their goaltender with 1:15 remaining and had a two-man advantage briefly as the Ice Flyers killed off a penalty then Hayes’ great hustle play sent the puck into the net for the final goal.
GAME NOTABLES
The jerseys worn Friday night by the players and the fans will be followed on Saturday with the players wearing the Blue Angels uniforms in a partnership with the U.S. Navy’s famed squadron.
“You go around the world, everyone knows who the Blue Angels are,” Graham said. “I think these jerseys are probably the best I’ve ever seen, and I have seen a lot of cool jerseys in my lifetime. That jersey we will be wearing I think is the sharpest thing.”
Parts Of North Escambia Officially In A Severe Drought
November 9, 2024
Portions of North Escambia are in a severe drought, according to the latest data released Thursday by the National Drought Mitigation Center.
The Walnut Hill, Enon, Molino and McDavid areas in the severe drought, while the remainder of Escambia County are in a moderate drought. The data used for the map includes rainfall through Tuesday.
There is slight chance of rain in the forecast for Friday.
Cantonment Boy Critically Injured In I-10 Rollover Crash
November 8, 2024
A 14-year-old Cantonment boy was critically injured in a crash Thursday night on I-10 in Escambia County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said he was the passenger in a van along with five other Cantonment residents ranging in age from 12 to 50 that suffered minor injuries. The driver of the pickup, a 49-year-old from Daphne, Alabama, received minor injuries.
FHP said the van and a pickup truck were involved in the crash, and at least one vehicle rolled over. Troopers have not released any information on the cause of the crash as the investigation continues.
The crash happened just before 10 p.m. on I-10 westbound, just west of the Highway 29 exit.
‘Jeff Bergosh Is Grateful’ — Longtime Public Servant Says Goodbye At Last Commission Meeting
November 8, 2024
Longtime public servant Jeff Bergosh said goodbye Thursday night during his final meeting on the Escambia County Commission.
Bergosh has served District 1on the Escambia County Commission for the past eight years, following 10 years on the Escambia County School Board. He was defeated in the Republican primary by challenger Steve Stroberger who will take office later this month.
I just want to reiterate just how grateful I am. How gratified being a member of the school board when my all three of my children were in the public schools of Escambia County where I’m a very, very big champion of public schools,” Bergosh said, reminiscing about being on stage as a school board member when two of his three children graduated.”
“I just want the word, the takeaway, from tonight to be that Jeff Bergosh is grateful. He’s grateful for a great family. His faith. I’m grateful for my faith in God because you need it,” he said. “I you don’t have faith in God, you’ve got nothing.”
“”I’m thankful to all the citizens,” he added. “I’m thankful to my family for tolerating this 18-year endeavor that I’ve been in. And I just I want the citizens to know that this has been the honor and the privilege of my life.”
“I will look back with fond memories the good times, the bad times, the memories, I’ll look back fondly and will miss this but as I said before, I’m bullish on the future of Escambia County. I know that we’ve got great things in the works and I I’m rooting for you guys as I leave.”
Commission chair Steven Barry presented Bergosh with a proclamation honoring his service to Escambia County.
Pictured: Escambia County District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh during his final meeting Thursday night. Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle School Honors Veterans (With Photo Gallery)
November 8, 2024
Ernest Ward Middle School held their annual Veterans Day program Thursday, honoring veterans in the community.
The program featured patriotic music from the EWMS band and choir, presentations by the EWMS Drama Club and more.
The annual Veterans Day program at Ernest Ward is a longstanding community tradition, held annually (except 2020) for over 25 years.
For more photos, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Arrested At Atmore Prison For Attempted Promoting Prison Contraband
November 8, 2024
Two men were arrested recently after a K-9 unit from the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) spotted a suspicious vehicle on state property at Fountain Correctional Facility in Atmore. The vehicle was stopped, and the occupants, identified as Jovaughn Tyreek Matzner and Nicholas Williams, were detained.
During the investigation, officers discovered three packages containing contraband, which were confiscated as evidence, according to ADOC. Both Matzner and Williams were subsequently arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including possession of marijuana I, attempting to promote prison contraband I, and prohibited activities. They were booked into the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton.
ADOC said the investigation is ongoing and further charges may be pending.
Pictured: Nicholas Williams. Matzer’s mugshot was not immediately available.
Annual Walnut Hill VFD Fish Fry Is Saturday
November 8, 2024
The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department is hosting its 55th Annual Fish Fry on thisSaturday, November 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fire department. The community event promises delicious food, family fun, and the chance to support a great cause.
The fish fry has traditionally been held the first Saturday of November but was moved to November 9 this year.
For just $12 per plate, attendees can enjoy a meal featuring grilled or fried catfish, grilled chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, homemade bread, and a selection of homemade desserts. Door prize drawings will be held throughout the day.
In addition to the food and festivities, a blood drive will be held in partnership with the One Blood Big Red Bus to encourage attendees to “Save Lives, Donate Blood.”
The Walnut Hill Fire Station is at 7760 Highway 97, just north of Ernest Ward Middle School.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Tate High School Honors Veterans At Annual Assembly (With Gallery)
November 8, 2024
Tate High School held their annual Veterans Day Assembly this week. The special event honored Tate’s current and retired faculty veterans, as well as esteemed guests.
It was a moment of reflection and gratitude as guests were greeted with a slideshow displayed images of Tate veterans and their families.
Major James Hill opened the assembly, leading the audience in standing for the National Anthem and the presentation of colors by the Tate JROTC Color Guard.
The assembly featured moving musical performances by the Tate Chorus, Orchestra, and Band, alongside a solemn presentation of the white table to honor those service members missing in action or still awaiting return. In a touching moment, students were invited to stand if they have a parent currently serving or retired from the military, a reminder of how deep military tradition runs within the Tate community.
The Rho Kappa history honor society unveiled a banner covered in stars, each star representing the name of a Tate graduate who has since joined the military.
“This tradition serves as a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedoms and the strong connection Tate High School has to those who serve,” Principal Laura Touchstone said.
Photos by Tate High School Yearbook. for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Showstoppers Win USSSA Fall World Series 12uB Class Championship
November 8, 2024
The Showstoppers 2030 team won the USSSA Fall World Series 12uB class championship recently.
The team went a perfect 5-0 in bracket play with the Birminaham, Alabama, tournament with 26 total teams. They finished the fall session winning 12 of their last 13 games and an overall record of 29-6.
The Showstoppers played five fall tournaments, winning four championships and two runner-up spots. They head into the off season ranked No. 1 in the state and No. 3 in the country among 12uB teams.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Injured In Single Vehicle Crash Near Century
November 7, 2024
Two people were injured in a single vehicle crash Wednesday night just west of Century.
The driver of a Ford Mustang apparently failed to stop at a stop sign on Highway 4A at West State Line Road, cross over Highway 4A and crashed into a wooded area. The vehicle came to stop after colliding with a tree.
Both the driver and an occupant were transported by Escambia County EMS to an area hospital as “trauma alerts”.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released further information.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
