The second-place Georgia Ice Dawgs tried to make a mad dash for a win in a 4-2 loss to the third-place Florida Gators on Saturday night, but ultimately lost the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference championship. I missed the right to participate.
Georgia didn't get on the scoreboard until the third quarter after sophomore forward Dylan Punzenberger scored on a power play off a lateral assist from senior Josh Meszaros. The Ice Dawgs gave up three goals in the early going and were trailing 0-4.
Moments later, the Ice Dawgs gained momentum and scored the extra point on a slap shot by Jack Gannon, assisted by Ryan Bailey and Meszaros.
But the Ice Dawgs' last-ditch effort ultimately wasn't enough to overcome the Gators, who dominated the SEC matchup early on. There was not enough time to overcome the deficit.
Florida started the first period with a goal from Michael McCoy, followed by another goal from Connor Nicholson to give Georgia a one-man lead. Michael Katz, who had 30 points of the season, slipped past Georgia goaltender Nick Newbold for the game-winning goal.
The Gators' Nicholson scored another point late in the second period, ultimately securing Florida's chance to advance to the SECHC Championship Game.
Georgia will play its final game of the season against No. 5 Tennessee in the third-place game on Sunday. The pack is scheduled to drop at noon ET.
