With 280 games being completed, the regular SPHL season has come to an end.
The Pensacola Ice Flyers clinched the first-place spot in the regular season. They secured their spot with 81 points for the season, 38 wins and only 13 losses.
This season, the 10 teams in the league banked a total of 10,766 penalty minutes. Tenth-place Bloomington Thunder lead the league with 1,383 penalty minutes, followed closely behind by the sixth-place Columbus Cottonmouths with 1,313 penalty minutes.
Playoff standings dangled in the balance as the last night of the regular season approached. Pensacola, Louisiana and Peoria all clenched spots 1-3 while the Surge clinched the eighth-place spot. Playoff spots 4-7 would be decided after the games on March 22nd.
Knoxville’s loss to the third-place Ice Gators and Columbus’ loss to Huntsville gave Knoxville the seventh-place position. The Riverkings’ win over the Surge gave them the fourth-place spot, while Huntsville took fifth place and Columbus took sixth.
Normally, higher seeded teams have home ice advantage, but due to the fact that the Cajundome has been previously booked, Knoxville will host all the first-round games against Louisiana.
The SPHL will announce the winner of the seasons awards this week.
- The All Rookie team will be announced on Wednesday, March 27th.
- The All SPHL first and second teams will be announced on March 28th.
- Defenseman of the year will be announced March 29th.
Last years Defenseman of the year was Andrew Smale, of the Fayetteville Fireantz. - Rookie of the year will be announced on April 1st.
Last years Rookie of the year was Matt Gingera, of the Columbus Cottonmouths. - Goaltender of the year will be announced on April 2nd.
Last years Goaltender of the year was Riley Gill, of the Louisiana Ice Gators. - Coach of the year will be announced on April 3rd.
Last years Coach of the year was Mark DeSantis, Fayetteville Fireantz. - Most Valuable Player will be announced on April 4th.
Last years Most Valuable Player was Josh McQuade, of the Fayetteville Fireantz.
Stay tuned for SPHL updates
Now, as many of you have probably already seen, a video of Columbus Cottonmouths‘ goalie Andrew Loewen has gone viral. During the second intermission on March 15th, Loewen showed off his dancing moves. I spoke with Andrew about this and got the inside scoop.
Andrew went on to tell me that he was encouraged to do the wobble during one of the intermissions with team owner, Wanda Amos. He says that even though he can’t remember why or how it was started, it’s become part of his job whenever he is playing backup.
Without further ado, here is the video that has already reached over half a million views.
Let’s see if we can get Andrew Loewen, the SPHL’s dancing goalie, to one million views. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @a_loewen1. #FangsUp Cottonmouths Fans!
Oh, and if that isn’t entertaining enough…here is last year’s Columbus Cottonmouths‘ team doing the wobble.
