It’s ‘Wait ‘Til Next Year’ as Ice Dogs Lose, 4-1

Judging by Wednesday’s trades, the Ice Dogs are looking forward to next year in Long Beach.

Judging by Thursday night’s performance, next year can’t come too fast.

The Ice Dogs were dominated by the Phoenix Roadrunners in a 4-1 loss in front of an announced 1,476 at the Sports Arena.

Steve La Rouche scored two goals, Brent Grieve had a goal and two assists and Jeff Shevalier scored a goal and had an assist for Phoenix. Dave Smith scored a short-handed goal on a pass from Dan Lambert in the third period for the Ice Dogs.

After Wednesday’s trades, in which left wing Viktor Gordiouk was sent to Utah for a player to be named and defenseman/assistant coach Mark Hardy was sent to Detroit for defenseman Sverre Sears, Ice Dog Coach and General Manager John Van Boxmeer said he had mixed emotions.

“As a coach, I’m depressed. It weakens our team right now. As a general manager, I’m happy because it gives us a good chance next year to be the kind of team we were at the beginning of this season.”

The Ice Dogs are 8-14-7 since the All-Star break and are winless in their last four.