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	Vol.7, No 22, October 6, 1999
	Ice Dogs open season with tight win at home By Marten Lewerth Special to the Daily Forty-Niner The drop of the puck began the Ice Dogs 1999-2000 International Hockey League season, where more than 9,000 fans witnessed a 6-5 win over the Orlando Solar Bears last Saturday. Orlando winger Dean Sylvester notched the first goal of the season at the Long Beach Arena only two minutes into the period. "We were a little jittery," Ice Dogs' defenseman Rene Chapdelaine said.  The Ice Dogs eventually calmed their nerves and led 2-1 by the end of the first period. The go-ahead goal came at 16:43 when Ice Dogs winger Dieter Kalt tapped a one-time pass from center Robb Gordon behind Orlando goaltender Scott Langkow.  The Ice Dogs dominated early in the second period. Unanswered goals by Long Beach forwards Nils Ekman and Scott Thomas prompted Orlando Head Coach Peter Horachek to replace Langkow with back-up goalie Corey Schwab at 8:34. Gritty and hard-hitting play from both squads led to 20 penalty minutes being assessed within the next five minutes.  A few minor skirmishes resulted in Ice Dogsí defender Dion Darling and Orlandoís Barry Dreger squaring off in a fight.  Orlando's Sylvester scored his second goal of the game with just a minute left in the period, when he forced Ice Dogsí goalie Marcel Cousineau to over commit his position.  It cut the Ice Dogsí lead to 4-2 heading into the third period.  The offensive tempo picked up in the final period as the teams combined for five goals.  Orlando's goals came from Kirby Law and Andreas Karlsson, while Long Beach winger Scott Thomas scored his second of the game.  With Long Beach in front 5-4 and only five minutes left in the period, both teams tightened up on defense.  The highlight play of the third period led to the eventual game-winner for Long Beach.  Thanks to some luck and a sudden burst of speed, winger Pavel Rosa found himself all alone at Orlandoís red line.  Rosa rushed in on the goaltender, who collapsed on the ice, biting on a deft fake by the puck carrier.  However, Rosa's shot missed the net.  With a scramble of players trying to cover the net, Ice Dogsí center Len Barrie retrieved the puck and lifted it over Orlando's goalie for a goal at 17:16.   Hard work cut the lead to 6-5 at 19:33 when Orlandoís Herbert Vasiljevs scored, ensuring a nail-biting ending.   During the remaining seconds of the period, fans throughout the arena held their breath as the Solar Bears buzzed around the Ice Dogs' goal in an unsuccessful bid to extend the game to a shootout.   After the game, Ice Dogs Head Coach John Van Boxmeer expressed some concerns about his teamís performance despite the win. "Giving up four goals leading 4-1 is not acceptable," Boxmeer said. Ekman's goal in his first game as a Ice Dog, was also his first as a professional in North America. The 23-year-old native of Stockholm, Sweden spent last season playing in Finland. "It's always nice to score a goal," Ekman said. "But we won...thatís the most important thing," he said.  The next game for the Ice Dogs is Friday, Oct. 8 when they host the Utah Grizzlies at 7 p.m. at the Long Beach Arena.		Campus eateries recive citations Car accident victim back in classes Sci-fi writer shares life experiences Computer fair provides answers, savings Three women killed on  freeway remembered by family members Parking still major problem for students Football is not needed Dub All Stars bring history back to campus Skunk Anansie smells good State schools unite to change Big West Ice Dogs open season with tight win at home Fall 99 ISSUES DAILY 49ER HOMEPAGE
Forty-Niner Publications, Department of Journalism, California State University, Long Beach ©1999 All rights reserved.