Biloxi, MS - From the moment they got on the ice, it was clear the Surge came to win. In a physical opening period that saw seven minor penalties, the Surge struck first when Bill Baker scored his first goal of the game, assisted by Joe Tolles and Ian Boots.

Off a pass by Nicholas Kuqali in the second period, Tom Craig, who played 18 games for the RiverKings earlier this season, centered a shot for Brett Vandehogen, who slipped the puck by Dan McWhinney. Later in the second, Tom Craig scored against his former team, giving the Surge a 3-1 lead (assisted by Justin MacDonald and Mark Thorburn.

Despite a goal by Left Wing Matt Whitehead responding to an early Surge score, the RiverKings were unable to gain any momentum in the first two periods. The Surge continued to control the ice in third as Bill Baker scored top shelf, sniping the puck past McWhinney. Unable to get anything going, the RiverKings conceded a fifth goal to Ian Boots, effectively sealing the deal for the Surge.

In his first game against his former team as a member of the Surge, Tom Craig played his best game of the year, with an assist and a goal in his first multi-point game this season. Tom Craig on the win, “It’s always a great feeling when you win, the guys feel good and look forward to tomorrow.”

Ian Boots and Bill Baker both registered a multi-point game, Baker with two goals, and Boots with a goal and two assists registering his second game with 3 points, both coming against the RiverKings this season. 

“Tonight was an good team effort by everyone, and shows when we work together, we can be successful,” said Surge Head Coach Jeff Bes after the game. “It's a step in the right direction; we need to use this as a stepping stone and continue to grow.”

RiverKings net minder Dan McWhinney, losses to the Surge for the second time this season, while Surge goaltender Mathieu Dugas improves his record to 3-0-0 against the RiverKings this year, stopping 31 of 32 shots. Neither team found success with the man advantage, the RiverKings scored 1 out of 6 times and the Surge 1 out of 5 times.

The Surge will look to continue their offensive rhythm against the RiverKings tomorrow night at home in Biloxi, Mississippi.