MIKKEL HOJBJERG SCORES LONE GOAL IN 4-1 LOSS TO FAIRBANKS

Oct 4, 2013

FAIRBANKS, ALASKA – The Fairbanks IceDogs rebounded after an opening night loss, scoring twice in both the first and third period to pick up a weekend split with the Corpus Christi IceRays with a 4-1 victory on Saturday night in front of another sold out crowd inside the Big Dipper Arena.

The IceDogs came out flying after losing last night’s home opener to the IceRays and it didn’t take long for them to score.  Off an original shot by Colton Wolter, a crowd gathered in front of the net jamming away at the loose puck.  Finally, Victor Liljegren got the final touch beating a sprawling Forbes Ploszaj just 1:48 into the game to take a 1-0 lead.

The second goal seemed all too familiar with the first tally.  Ethan Somoza fired a wrister that Ploszaj turned aside, but again the rebound sat right in front of the crease as players tangled up.  The loose puck finally got slid under Ploszaj by Kyle Lee at the 11:23 mark of the opening period to give the ‘Dogs a 2-0 advantage.

After no scoring in the second period, David Kaplan put the IceDogs ahead 3-0 on another rebound goal.  Myers stopped the original off the shot by Jacob Hetz on a two-on-one.  The rebound popped right to Kaplan to make it 3-0  at 5:00 of the final period.

Corpus Christi pulled Ben Myers with just over four minutes left in the game to provide some offense and they got a bit with just 2:09 left in the game.  Mikkel Hojbjerg took a breakaway pass and slid the puck between the legs of goaltender Patrik Munson to spoil the shutout pulling the ‘Rays within two goals.

The empty net goal came with just four seconds left in the game as Jacob Hetz netted his second goal of the evening and the IceDogs sealed the 4-1 victory.

Forbes Ploszaj stopped 11 of 13 and Ben Myers came in to replace him, denying 24 of 25.

The IceRays are on the road next weekend as they take on the Kenai River Brown Bears.  Puck drops at 10:30PM CST, coverage begins at 10:15PM CST with the IceRays Pregame Show on 91.1FM KSGR, ksgr.org, ustream.com, and fasthockey.com. 

Stay current with the latest team news by visiting www.goicerays.com.  In addition stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/corpuschristiicerays), Twitter (@goicerays), and the team’s Youtube channel ICERAYS TV (@goicerays)