This date in Indianapolis hockey history: May 3

In today's installment, the Ice close their IHL history with a sudden goal, and wish happy birthdays to former Checker Paul Boutilier, and former IHL Ice Beau Bilek.  

May 3 in Indianapolis hockey history
1999: The Ice play the final game in their IHL history, and it ends suddenly. Detroit's Stan Drulia scores off a turnover with six seconds left, sending the Ice to a 3-2 defeat and a three games to one loss in their second-round playoff series against the heavily-favored Detroit Vipers. Three of the four games in the series -- and six of the seven Ice games in the postseason -- were decided by a goal, and this game came close to being the third decided in overtime. Mike Hall and Sylvain Cloutier score third-period goals for the Ice to tie the game. Marc Lamothe stops 26 shots in a losing effort, being outdueled by former teammate Andrei Trefilov, who stops 29 shots. Shortly after the season ends, the Ice announce they will compete in the Central Hockey League the following season.

Happy birthday to ... 
Paul Boutilier: Defenseman who joined the Checkers as a rookie in 1983-84. In 50 games, he had six goals and 17 assists. He wouldn't stay with the Checkers long -- he would be called up to the parent Islanders and would have eight playoff points as the Isles advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the fifth straight year. He also had a taste of the playoffs the previous year, playing two postseason games for the Stanley Cup champions after finishing his junior career. He had 110 points in 288 NHL games from 1983-89, with the Islanders, Bruins, North Stars, Rangers and Jets. He continued playing in Europe through 1991, and later became a major player on the curling circuit. He is a member of the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame. A native of Sydney, NS, he is 51. 
Beau Bilek: Played 11 games for the Ice from 1995-98, spending the majority of each season with ECHL Columbus. He began his professional career after three years playing collegiately at Air Force. He retired after the 1998-99 season. A native of Des Moines, Iowa, he is 41.