KNOXVILLE, Tenn – The Knoxville Ice Bears hosted the Huntsville Havoc Friday night in game two, of the first round of the President’s Cup Playoffs.
With a loss in game one, Knoxville was fighting against playoff elimination. Rob Darrar put Huntsville on the board first just 2:21 into the first period. Knoxville came out with a sense of urgency in their game outshooting the Havoc 15-7. Tanner Salsberry put the Ice Bears on the board with a one-timer from the left wing at 12:38 of the second. With the crowd energized, Knoxville continued to press. With under three minutes left in the second, Razmuz Waxin-Engback put the Ice Bears ahead with a one-timer from the high slot. The Ice Bears took a 2-1 lead into the second intermission.
The Knoxville Ice Bears were 20 minutes away from forcing the series into a game three and keeping their season alive. However, the Havoc were looking to end the series in just two games. Huntsville’s Austin Martinsen tied the game 6:51 into the third. With just over five minutes left in regulation, Robbie Fisher put the Havoc on top with a wrist shot past Knoxville’s goalie Kristian Stead. The Ice Bears had two opportunities with the man advantage in the last five minutes, but were unable to convert.
The Knoxville Ice Bears were eliminated from the President’s Cup Playoffs with a 3-2 loss to the Huntsville Havoc.
Check out this gallery from Field Pass Hockey photographer Michael King!
