Carey, Flasch Lead Offensive Outburst

By: Tyler Farmer

Hockey served as a backdrop to Veteran’s Day on Friday night. The Ice Dawgs are proud to host the 2017 Veteran’s Day Invitational, featuring Georgia, Tennessee, Kennesaw State, and Florida State. Kennesaw State beat Florida State, before the Ice Dawgs squared off against Tennessee. Georgia went on to win in style in alternate camouflage uniforms that were donated by Lori Brooks from Managed Medical Transport and Black Biscuit.

David Griffin performed the ceremonial puck drop. Mr. Griffin served in the United States Navy, and he honorably retired as Aerographer’s Mate First Class. He served two terms in the Persian Gulf during Operation Southern Watch, and he served one term in the Horn of Africa during Operation Enduring Freedom. Mr. Griffin is the Post Commander of the Mitchell/Fields VFW Post # 2872, and he became the first minority to be elected Post Commander of this post since 1941. Mr. Griffin is currently employed by the University of Georgia’s facilities management services as a training specialist. UGA Hockey thanks you for your service Mr. Griffin.

The Ice Dawgs scored early and often. At the 18:35 mark, freshman defenseman Kyle Harris intercepted a pass and ripped a slap shot past the Tennessee goalie. Georgia continued to dominate puck possession and had opportunity after opportunity, as the period progressed. With 5:45 to go in the period, senior forward Alex Carey scored on a mean wrist shot. The goal was assisted by junior left winger Carter Penzien and Harris. Two and half minutes later, after a Tennessee tripping penalty, Carey lit the lamp again with assists from senior center Zach Flasch and sophomore defenseman Aaron Phillips. Tennessee scored a power-play with just over two minutes remaining in the period, and the Ice Dawgs took a 3-1 lead into the first intermission.

The second period got off to a bit of a slow start. Just before the midway point, Penzien notched an unassisted goal. This goal seemed to be the beginning of the end for Tennessee because it was a crucial swing goal. Flasch added a goal three minutes later on assists from Penzien and Carey to push the lead to 5-1. At the 5:20 mark, freshman defenseman Dylan Ferguson joined the fun with an assist from Phillips. Seconds before the end of the second period, Flasch tallied another goal, thanks in part to a cross-checking penalty; Penzien assisted on the play.

Up 7-1 going into the third period, the Ice Dawgs continued to pour it on. With 11:09 remaining, Carey secured a hat trick off assists by Penzien and Harris. Several minutes later, junior center Christopher Santa Maria joined the score sheet after assists by Ferguson and Phillips. Flasch provided the exclamation point and second hat trick of the night with 3:33 to go. Phillips had the assist. Final: 10-1 Ice Dawgs On Top!

Highlight of the Night

Without question, the highlight of the night goes to our veterans who were recognized for their service to this country.

Key Takeaways

The Ice Dawgs outscored Tennessee 4-0 in the second period. I’m sensing a theme here.
The upperclassmen trio of Carey, Penzien, and Flasch was dominant all night.
There was a huge scuffle in the third period, resulting in two ejections and four penalties