Garrett Milan Sets Ice Flyers Franchise Goal Scoring Record In Dramatic OT Win
March 2, 2024
by Bill Vilona, Ice Flyers correspondent
Garrett Milan won a dramatic, overtime game and became the Ice Flyers all-time, goal-scoring leader on a shot he didn’t take.
But therein lies the beauty of it all.
Milan’s determination and some deft moves around net led to a sequence that resulted in a Fayetteville player’s attempt to wrist away a shot becoming an own-goal that lifted the Ice Flyers to a 5-4 victory Friday night at the Pensacola Bay Center.
“You’re never going ask how you do it, as long as it goes in, and that’s kinda all that matters,” said Milan smiling, after his 86th career goal for the Ice Flyers surpassed Adam Pawlick, who was a lead part of the Ice Flyers run of championships.
In a fitting salute to his record, Milan was named as all three stars of the game.
Before a crowd of 4,456 on Small Dog Race Night, the Ice Flyers rallied three times to tie the game, after twice giving up goals less nearly immediately to start a period.
The Marksmen (25-15, 4 OT losses) entered the weekend in fourth place in the SPHL standings, but just a point behind defending President’s Cup champ, the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs, for third place. The Marksmen our on the verge of clinching a playoff spot.
The Ice Flyers (19-20, 3 OT losses) know they still have some work to do. But this was a best desired way to start a back-to-back set of games against a top tier team in the standings.
Fayetteville was 17-1-1 in prior games when scoring first. That changed Friday night.
The game recap:
FIRST PERIOD
The Ice Flyers had two of the best shots early in the period, but Fayetteville got the game’s first goal.
Adam Keyes slid home a rebound midway through the period, after Ice Flyers goaltender Eric Dop made an initial save.
Four minutes later with 5:58 remaining, the Ice Flyers Joseph Widmar got the first of his two goals to tie the game by flipping a backhand shot in the crease area as he rushed the net on a shot by Andy Willis.
The Ice Flyers then had a defensive breakdown which led to Fayetteville’s John Moncovich providing the Marksmen a 2-1 lead at intermission on his goal with 2:55 remaining.
SECOND PERIOD
The Marksmen took a 3-1 lead just 62 seconds into the period on a power play goal. It was the kind of scenario that often led to an Ice Flyers defeat.
Not this time.
A little over two minutes later, Widmar got a great pass from Ivan Bondarenko and buried his shot to get energy back in the crowd. It was followed by a tying goal by Malik Johnson just two minutes after that one. Johnson was set up with a great pass from Lucas Herrmann and his one-timer shot soared past Fayetteville goalie Ryan Kenny.
THIRD PERIOD
This started badly for the Ice Flyers. The Marksmen took advantage of a lapse and scored just 11 seconds into the period.
The scored stayed that way until the Ice Flyers scored on their third power play chance in a five-minute span. The charm on this one occurred when Sean Gulka was in front of the net and had a wrist shot by Jordan Henderson deflect off his leg into the net with 3:58 left in the game.
Milan just missed seconds later on a rush and Widmar just missed a game-winning hat trick with a breakaway chance.
OVERTIME
The Ice Flyers controlled play in the 3-on-3 sequence. Fayetteville never got a shot on goal. By keeping the puck mostly in the Marksmen zone, Milan made a play with some spin moves, worked free in a crease area, then flicked a pass attempt that a Marksmen player mistakenly wristed into his own net with 2:56 left in overtime.
QUOTABLES:
Ice Flyers Coach Gary Graham:
“Garrett said it best in the lockeroom…had if it were probably four or five weeks ago, we lose that game probably 4-1. We just don’t have (past tense) that sense of belief where we can come from behind. I think what we have shown over the last month is the team is starting to get more confident and belief that we can score goals in critical times.
On Garrett’s Goal: “I’m sure he didn’t want his (record) goal to be like that, but I wanted it to be like that. Let me tell you why, I’m very superstitious. And we’ve had crap luck the entire season. We’ve had so many stupid goals go on our team and lose games off bounces of a guy’s butts in the net, skates in the net. We’ve had barely any puck luck this year. And so we have been due. And I told Garrett, it’s funny your record goal is this ugly goal that basically they score on their own net…. we’re going to take it.
Ice Flyers Captain Garrett Milan
“I think it’s huge for not only the morale, but the confidence in the locker room that we came back from one goal, then came back from 3-1 and obviously at the end. I think that is huge moving forward and we’re a whole different team now with confidence going into this final stretch here.”
NOTABLES –
— Before the game, Ice Flyers’ long time radio broadcaster Paul Chestnutt was welcomed into the team’s locker room by invitation from Gary Graham to read the starting lineup and speak to the team. He received a loud cheer by the players for his recent induction into the Pensacola Sports Hall of Fame. Chestnutt was also honored by the Ice Flyers on the video board during a timeout in the second period, eliciting a loud applause from the crowd.
— Like always, the small dog races were a big hit with numerous preliminary heats, a consolation and championship race in the second intermission sponsored by Olive Branch Pet Hospital.
— Always a fan favorite, the “Kiss Cam” Friday night came with a marriage proposal when a gentleman in the crowd got down on one knee in the seats and proposed to his girlfriend, who was attired in an Ice Flyers specialty jersey.
NEXT FACEOFF
WHO: Fayetteville Marksmen vs. Ice Flyers.
WHEN: Saturday, 7:05 p.m
WHERE: Pensacola Bay Center
The Night The Lights Went Out In Bratt: Northview Varsity Postponed, JV Defeats JUB
March 1, 2024
On the night the lights went out in Bratt, the Northview junior varsity Chiefs defeated J.U. Blacksher of Uriah, Alabama, 15-1 and the varsity game was postponed due to a lighting failure.
Varsity (Postponed)
J.U. Blacksher was up 3-2 over the Northview Chiefs in the first inning Thursday night in Bratt when the lights went out for an unknown reason. The game was postponed when no one was able to get the field lights back on.
Jackson Bridges pitched that first inning for the Chiefs, allowing no hits and three runs while striking out two and walking one.
Grayden Sheffield and Wyatt Scruggs both recorded hits for the Chiefs.
Northview 15, J.U. Blacksher 1 (JV)
The Northview junior varsity chiefs beat J.U. Blacksher 15-1 on a chilly afternoon in Bratt.
For more JV photos, click or tap here.
Gabe Harrison earned the win for Northview JV, giving up no hits and one run in four innings, striking out nine and walking one.
Harrison and Strawbridge had two hits and two RBIs each for the JV Chiefs. Nate Jones went 1-1 with three RBIs. Luke Chavers, and Tyler Gilmore both added a hit.
Pictured: Northview JV beat J.U. Blacksher 15-1 on a chilly afternoon in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Beat Pace 8-6
March 1, 2024
Tate 8, Pace 6 (Varsity)
The Tate Aggies defeated Pace 8-6 Thursday night at Tate.
Zane Warrington earned the Aggies’ win on the mound, giving up three hits and four runs in four innings while striking out one and walking one. Gabe Patterson started for Tate, surrendering one hit and two runs in three innings, striking out seven and walking three.
Conner Hassell went 3-4 with 2 RBIs for Tate. Madox Land, Bray Touchstone, Clif Quiggins, and Nate Ozuna each added a hit. Ozuna was 1-3 on the night with three RBIs.una each added a hit. Ozuna was 1-3 pm the night with three RBIs.
Tate improved to 3-0 on the young season while Pace dropped to 0-4.
Up next, Tate will travel to Navarre on March 5.
Tate Tennis Boys And Girls Both Defeat Escambia 7-0
March 1, 2024
Tate 7, Escambia 0 (Boys)
Tate 7, Escambia 0 (Girls)
Tate High School boys and girls tennis teams both defeated the Escambia Gators 7-0 Thursday afternoon
Up next, Tate will be at Washington on March 5.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Lady Aggies Down Milton 7-6
February 29, 2024
Tate 7, Milton 7 (Varsity)
The Tate Lady Aggies defeated Milton 7-6 Wednesday night in Milton.
Peyton Womack earned the win for the Aggies in the circle, giving up four hits and four runs in five innings, while striking out four and walking three. Jordan Smith earned the save, going for two innings, allowing three hits and two runs while recording three strikeouts and two walks.
Womack went 2-4 at the plate for the Aggies. Smith, Amburleigh Laird, Kara Wine, Blakely Campbell, and Kaylie Mitchell each added a hit for Tate.
The Panama City Tournament is up next for the Aggies.
Tate 11, Milton 0 (JV)
Photos by Dellaina O’Donovan for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Beat Milton 3-2
February 29, 2024
The Tate Aggies defeated Milton 3-2 Wednesday night in Milton.
Zane Warrington earned the win for the Aggies, allowing no hits and no runs over one inning, striking out one and walking two. Neal Croom opened on the mound for Tate, giving up two hits and no runs in five innings, walking one and striking out seven. Madox Land went for one-third of an inning surrendering one hit and two runs while walking two. Gabe Patterson pitched two-thirds of an inning, recording no hits, no runs, one strikeout and one walk.
Ketch King went 2-3 at the plate for Tate. Land, Bray Touchstone, Clif Quiggins, Conner Hassell, and Cole McNair each had a hit for the Aggies.
Up next, the Aggies will host Pace on Thursday with the JV at 4 p.m. at the Varsity at 7 p.m. The games were previously scheduled for Friday but were moved due to forecasted rain.
Northview Softball, JV Baseball Defeat Flomaton, ‘Canes Varsity Tops NHS
February 28, 2024
Here are softball and baseball recaps from Monday night:
BASEBALL
Flomaton 6, Northview 0 (Varsity)
The Flomaton Hurricanes got past Northview 6-0 Tuesday night in Flomaton.
Flomaton’s Sessions surrendered one hit and no runs while striking out 13 and walking none.
Northview’s Grady Sheffield gave up five hits and six runs in six innings, striking out sven and walking three.
Phillips went 2-2 For the ‘Canes. Tieppo, Alaniz and Newton had one hit each.
Sheffield went 1-3 for the Chiefs.
The Chiefs will host J.U. Blacksher of Uriah, Alabama, Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Flomaton will travel to Jay at 6:30 P.m. Thursday.
Northview 11, Flomaton 2, (JV)
The Northview junior varsity Chiefs defeated Flomon 11-2 in Flomaton.
Taylor Curtis started on the mound for the JV Chiefs, allowing two hits and two runs in four innings while striking out seven and walking two. Gage Harrison pitched an inning in relief for NHS, giving up no hits, striking out two and walking one.
Flomaton’s Fowler gave up nine hits and 11 runs, five of them earned, in five innings, recording two strikeouts and four walks.
Fore and Lee each had a hit for Flomaton.
Nate Jone and Tyler Gilmore had two hits each for Northview. Harrison, Brayden Gindl, Kobi Fiorenti, Luke Chavers, and Will Strawbridge, added one hit apiece.
The JV Chiefs will host J.U. Blacksher of Uriah, Alabama, Thursday at 4 p.m.
SOFTBALL
Northview 16, Flomaton 1 (Varsity)
The Northview Lady Chiefs rolled past the Flomaton Hurricanes 16-1 Thursday night in Flomaton.
Jamison Gilman opened in the circle for the Lady Chiefs, giving up no hits and no runs in three innings while striking out seven and walking none. Avery Stuckey closed in relief for Northview, surrendering three hits and one run while recording two strikeouts and one walk in three.
Flomaton’s EG Fuqua allowed eight hits and eight runs in four innings, stiking out one and walking three. Bentley Edwards pitched two innings for the ‘Canes, giving up four hits and six runs while striking out one and walking one.
Kylee Landham had a triple in the third, a double in the sixth and single in the fourth for the Chiefs. Gilman, Chloe Ragsdale, and Mikayla McAnnally each added two hits while Stuckey, Rylie Books,, Makayla Golson, Keeli Knighten and Mayson Edwards had one.
Karrie Cuts, Kailee Herndon and Rylee Rogers each had a hit for Flomaton..
The Lady Chiefs will next play in a tournament Friday and Saturday in Panama City. Flomaton will be at J.U.Blacksher at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Northview Walks Off With Big Win Over J.U. Blacksher (With Photo Gallery)
February 27, 2024
The Northview Chiefs walked off run-rule winners Monday night in Bratt defeating J.U. Blacksher of Uriah, Alabama, 15-4 on Kylee Langham’s game-winning triple in the fifth inning.
Avery Stuckey had a grand slam for the Lady Chiefs in the bottom of the second.
For more photos, click or tap here.
The Chiefs improved to 2-0 on the young season with the win.
Jamison Gilmon earned the win with five innings in the circle for the Chiefs. She gave up four hits and three unearned runs, striking out five and walking four.
Gilman went 3-4 and Makayla Golson was 2-3 for the Lady Chiefs.
In other Monday action, J.U. Blacksher junior varsity defeated Northview JV 3-22 .
Pictured top: The Northview Lady Chiefs celebrate a grand slam homer by #48 Avery Stuckey. Pictured first below: Stuckey hits her bomb. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Boys Tennis Defeats WFHS
February 27, 2024
The Tate Aggies boys tennis team defeated West Florida 6-1 Monday.
Up next, Tate tennis will host Escambia on Thursday.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Varsity, Junior Varsity Both Beat Escambia (With Gallery)
February 24, 2024
Northview 7 Escambia 4 (Varsity)
The 1A Northview Chiefs beat the 5A Escambia Gators 7-4 on a cool Friday night in Bratt.
Jackson Bridges earned the win for the Northview Chiefs. In four innings, he gave up three hits and three runs while striking out six and walking three. Jason Portwood threw three in relief for NHS, giving up five hits, one run, one error and striking out one.
Wyatt Scruggs went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead Northview Varsity Chiefs in hits. Jase Portwood batted in three runs, going 1-3 on the night.
Up next, the Northview Chiefs will be at Flomaton on Tuesday, February 27. JV will begin at 4 p.m. followed by varsity at 6:30 p.m.
For more varsity photos, click or tap here.
Northview 8 Escambia 3 (JV)
The Northview High School Junior Varsity Chiefs beat Escambia 8-3 Friday.
Gage Harrison led for the Northview Junior Varsity Chiefs on the mount. The starting pitcher surrendered four hits and three runs over three innings, while striking out three and walking three. Taylor Curtis threw two innings of relief for the JV Chiefs, allowing no hits while striking out one and walking one.
Kobi Fiorenti, NateJones, and Luke Chavers had one hit each for Northview. K. Riorenit had two RBIs.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
