Unfortunately, the Providence offense (less stars Fred Knipscheer and Sandy Moger who were called up to the Boston Bruins) mucked one too many past Gordon and were able to hold on to their late-game lead.
The game proceeded typically for the IceCats; they played hard and tied the game twice, only to give the lead back to the Bruins a few minutes later.
Right wing Sean Whyte scored late in the second period, despite a shoulder injury, to tie the game at 1-1. One minute later, Providence grabbed the lead back on a goal by defenseman Jeff Serowik.
Fortunately, the IceCats went on a power play just after the goal, and were able to tie it up again just 19 seconds into the third period on a goal by right wing Blair Atcheynum. Captain Jim Nesich and left wing Jarrett Deuling assisted on Whyte's goal, while center Denis Chalifoux and defenseman Terry Virtue set up the goal by Atcheynum.
Providence regained the lead one final time, about five minutes later, and despite a strong effort by the IceCats (including several shots that deflected off the posts), the score held at 3-2.
"It's too bad we had to lose this one," commented Nesich after the game, "This isn't the way we'd like to end the home season."
True enough; most players and fans alike would rather have had Monday night's 5-4 victory over the Springfield Falcons be the last home memory for the IceCats '94-'95 season. At least that game included lots of scoring and a couple of good ol' fights!
One thing all the players I talked to agreed on, however, was that their experience in Worcester under the strong leadership of coach Jim Roberts was a positive one.
"[Roberts] is a tough coach, but he enforced a strong work ethic," remarked Nesich, "I think every guy on this team has developed into a better player because of it and has had a positive experience this year."
As for Worcester's struggling record this season, the IceCats Captain responded:
"It's tough to come into a team that has no experience playing together; it takes awhile to develop a playing style and a team spirit."
"It's very difficult to learn how to play with guys you've never played with," added center Shawn Heaphy, "It took us a long time to figure out the right line combinations and to click. The coaching was really good, though, and the guys really got along without any real attitude problems."
Well, no matter what happens next season with the whole St. Louis-NHL affiliation, no matter which players stay and which leave, one thing is certain: the IceCats have found a home and strong fan support right here at the Worcester Centrum, and that shouldn't change any time soon!