Josh Cousineau scores natural hat trick, Ice Flyers win 4-1

PENSACOLA, FL – The Pensacola Ice Flyers defeated the Knoxville Ice Bears 4-1. Newly named captain Josh Cousineau scored a natural hat trick and Robert Lepine scored a goal in his first game back with the Ice Flyers.

The first period began with a goal for Knoxville from Charlie Granath assisted by Danny Cesarz and Stefan Brucato at 4:27. At 8:15, Josh Cousineau scored his first goal of the season to send the teddy bears flying onto the ice. He was assisted by Andrew Schmit and Tim Moore.

Cousineau scored the lone goal of the second period at 3:09. He was once again assisted by Tim Moore and Andrew Schmit. The Ice Flyers outshot the Ice Bears 11 to 9.

At 9:11 in the third period, Cousineau scored his third goal for a natural hat trick. His goal was unassisted and short handed, bringing the Ice Flyers to a 3-1 lead. The Ice Flyers went up 4-1 late in the third period with a goal from Robert Lepine. The powerplay goal was scored at 17:47 with assists from Ryan Marcuz and Brantley Sherwood.