Ice Dogs Gain Some Ground Despite Losing

The Ice Dogs slowed their fall in the International Hockey League’s Western Conference but did not get a victory.

In losing to Utah, 2-1, in a game that went to a shootout, the Ice Dogs gained a point in the division and conference standings, moving up to fifth in the conference playoff standings after Peoria lost. The announced attendance of 2,742, however, made the Ice Dogs last in the league in average attendance (3,605).

“I thought we came out a bit lethargic considering we were coming off a big win [Wednesday] night,” said Coach John Van Boxmeer of the Ice Dogs (27-26-10). “But I was happy that we fought back and got a point out of it.”

Utah took a 1-0 lead on Brett Lievers’ goal at 9:24 in the second period.

Dan Lambert, the Ice Dogs leading scorer, tied the score at 12:45 in the third period. Utah, however, won the shootout, 3-2, to improve to 38-19-3, the second-best record in the league.