NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



 Aberdeen Wings

Game Preview: Wings vs. Chill

September 20, 2014 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Aberdeen Wings News Release


The Aberdeen Wings head into their final game of the NAHL Showcase Tournament tonight against the Coulee Region Chill at 7:00pm CST. The game will be broadcast on FASTHockey.com only. Wings fans can also enjoy the game at Tapz Pub inside in the Ramada on their many big screens plus delicious food items.

The NAHL Showcase Tournament started out rough for the Wings, losing 3-2 to the Johnstown Tomahawks. But the team redeemed themselves Thursday with a big 5-1 win over the Michigan Warriors. Yesterday, the Wings battled back and forth with the Keystone Ice Miners winning 4-3. The final game of the showcase for the Aberdeen Wings could be the toughest matchup yet, the Coulee Region Chill.

The Coulee Region Chill currently are 2-1-0 on the season after defeating the Odessa Jackalopes and Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. Yesterday, the Chill lost to the Lone Star Brahmas in a thriller of a game. The Wings will have many eyes on some key players for the Chill. Veteran forward Adam Lovick is entering his third NAHL season and in just three games has 7 points (3G, 4A). To date, in his NAHL career, Lovick has tallied 24 goals and 32 assists for 56 points. Also in his third NAHL season is Chill forward Eddie Matsushima who has scored 3 goals in 3 games. Last season, Matsushima had 11 goals and 21 assists for 32 points while playing for Coulee Region. Another returner on the forward line is Czechoslovakia native Richard Zernal who has 1 goal and 4 assists this season, after an impressive rookie year putting up 15 goals and 25 assists. Defenseman Cameron Cooper is beginning his 2nd year in the NAHL with two goals and an assist in three games. Last season, Cooper played in 43 regular season games total after being acquired by Coulee Region in a trade with the Amarillo Bulls. The Chill return goaltender Adam Carlson after he was 13-12-0 with a 92% save percentage in 2013-2014. Carlson has started two games in the showcase already, so the Wings could potentially see rookie goaltender Jimmy Thomas who got his first career NAHL win against Rio Grande Valley on Thursday.

The Aberdeen Wings are going into their fourth and final game of the tournament similar to last season. So far, the scoring has been pretty spread out among all forwards and defensemen. Forwards #16 Kyle Haak (F-Okemos, MI) and #24 Ronnie Hein (F-Chelsea, MI) lead the team in scoring with 3 goals and 1 assist each. Newly signed forward #20 Jack Nile (Lisle, IL) has put together a goal and two assists in three games after joining the team from the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL. 13 Aberdeen Wings players have scored points so far in three games of the 2014-2015 season. Veteran goaltender #1 Chad Catt (G-Williamstown, MI) is now in his 3rd NAHL season. Since being acquired in a trade with the Amarillo Bulls in the 2012-2013 season, Catt has a record of 26-18-3 with a 2.41 goals against average and 91% save percentage. Rookie goaltender #35 Andrew Shortridge (G-Eagle River, AK) recorded his first NAHL win over the Michigan Warriors and could possibly get the call today at the NAHL Showcase Tournament.

The game begins at 7:00pm CST in Blaine, Minnesota. To watch-listen, you can go to FASTHockey.com or stop down to Tapz Pub and watch it on the many big screens inside the Ramada in Aberdeen. Tapz is the official fan party of the Aberdeen Wings.

The Aberdeen Wings return home to the Odde Ice Center next Friday for the home opener against the Bismarck Bobcats. Doors open at 5:30, general admission tickets can be purchased at that time. The Wings Pro Shop also features new merchandise items and will officially open at 5:30pm on Friday. Come early for beer specials, see the Wings warm-up and get ready for the #1 rated entertainment show in the North American Hockey League. Be a part of the wild fun at The Odde, which the NAHL dubbed the "Toughest Place To Play" for its fans' passion and entertainment value. General admission tickets are $10, reserved seating is $12.

Post pictures to Facebook/Twitter while you're at the rink or enjoying Aberdeen Wings hockey AND use the HASHTAG #GoWings to share with the Wings community.


• Discuss this story on the North American Hockey League message board...

North American Hockey League Stories from September 20, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central