\'Cats split in Topeka, clinch third in South
March 23, 2009 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
A four-goal second propelled the Topeka Roadrunners to a big lead that the Wildcats couldn't recover from, losing Thursday night 4-2. Adam Kuhn and newcomer Kyle Gallegos led the way with a power play goal each for the Wildcats.
Topeka opened the scoring in the second period on a breakaway after blocking a Wildcat shot, taking it down and lifting a backhander past Phil Graveline for a 1-0 lead. Minutes later, Randy Swank's shot hit off the leg of Martin Sundstedt and trickled in past Graveline for a 2-0 lead. The Roadrunners would get two power play goals late in the period, courtesy of a blast from Andy Inderieden and then an Inderieden pass that deflected off the skate of Bryon Paulozzo.
The Wildcats led off the third with Kuhn's goal, redirected off a centering pass from Anthony Iaquinto, only 30 seconds into the third, followed by Gallegos ripping a shot over Topeka goaltender Bryce Merriam's shoulder, cutting the deficit to 4-2.
The chances kept coming for the Wildcats, but they were unable to overcome the two-goal deficit. "I thought we really controlled that third period," said head coach John Bowkus.
On Friday, Topeka's 2-0 lead in the second did little to faze the Wildcats, as they scored four unanswered goals to pick up a 4-2 victory.
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"The guys battled hard, they were tired," said Bowkus. "We had to roll only three lines, really less than three since we had two forwards who were sick and some banged up defense."
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Topeka got on the board in the first with Andrew Blazek tapping in a puck sitting on the doorstep for a 1-0 lead. At the 3:13 mark of the second, Edgars Lipsburgs slid one under Phil Graveline's pads for a 2-0 Topeka lead. Graveline would go on to stop the next 18 Roadrunner shots he faced en route to the victory.
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"Phil owned up to that goal in between periods," said Bowkus. "He straight up told the guys 'Sorry, that one was my fault,' and he didn't let it happen again... We're at a point where we could go with either him or [Nick] Hopper in the playoffs."
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The Wildcats' rally started at the 8:52 mark of the second, with Tyler Briola ripping a shot from the point through a few screens in front, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Jeff McNeil got the lone assist. Chad Hudson tied it up in the second, flipping a puck over Topeka goaltender Lyle Rocker off assists from Kyle Gallegos and Ryan Amin, tying it up at 2. The Wildcats took the lead in the third with Ryan Amin redirecting Gallegos' centering pass past Rocker for a 3-2 lead. The goal would prove to be the game-winner, with Brett Kaneshiro adding a shorthanded empty-netter late in the third after Topeka pulled Rocker for a sixth attacker.
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Briola and Gallegos, newcomers from the Pikes Peak Miners AAA squad, combined for two goals and two assists in their first weekend with the Wildcats. Andrew Blazek was named Friday's third star with a goal, Sean McKenzie received the second star, while Ryan Amin was the game's first star with the game-winning goal and an assist.
With Springfield also splitting over the weekend in their series with Owatonna, the Wildcats hold a five-point advantage on them in the South Division, officially clinching the Division's #3 seed. The Wildcats will face the Topeka if the St. Louis Bandits beat them this Friday or Saturday. If the Roadrunners sweep the Bandits this weekend, the Wildcats will go up against the Bandits in the first round of the Robertson Cup Playoffs. The playoff schedule will be announced within the next two weeks. Please check http://www.wfwildcatshockey.com over the next few weeks to see what the Wildcats' schedule will be.
Wildcats in the Community
This week, the Wildcats will be appearing at Double Dave's Pizza on Kemp Blvd. to sign autographs and meet fans from 6 pm until 8 pm on Wednesday, March 25. On Thursday, Wildcats players will be at Village Bowl from 11 am until 1 pm with Universal Services.
Upcoming Home Games and Events
The Wildcats will finish out the regular season at home against the Springfield Junior Blues this Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28. Friday the 27th is Whataburger Kids' T-Shirt Night, while Saturday is the Fan Appreciation Night Prize Patrol.
The Wildcats' End of Season Banquet is tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24. It will be at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel at 6 pm. The cost is $10 per person. You can reserve your spot at the banquet by calling the Wildcats' office at 940-716-5587.
The Wildcats Golf Tournament will be held at noon on Tuesday, April 7 at River Creek. You can reserve your spot through the Wildcats' office for $40, which includes lunch, greens fees, and cart fees. Every foursome will feature a Wildcats player or coach. Anyone interested in sponsoring a hole can also do so through the Wildcats' office, 940-716-5587.
Wildcats Alumni News
The road to the Frozen Four begins this weekend, and several former Wildcats will be playing for their chance at the NCAA Division I National Championship. Denver (Luke Salazar, Chris Nutini) is the top team in the Western bracket. Northeastern (Kyle Kraemer) is #2 in the Midwest and faces Cornell (Dan DiLeo), while Bemidji State (Shea Walters) is #4. Ohio State (Sean Duddy, Cal Heeter) is #4 in the Northeast. Play begins on Friday.
Wisconsin-Stout fell short of their Division III Championship hopes, dropping a 3-2 game in overtime versus Gustavus Adolphus in the D-III Semifinals. Nick Klaren picked up an assist in the loss. GA would go on to lose to Neumann 4-1 in the D-III Finals.
In Club Hockey, Lindenwood University picked up its first ACHA National Championship, defeating Illinois 4-1. Bret Morrell and Adam Krefski were held off the scoreboard in the Championship Game, but Krefski was named as the Tournament's Most Valuable Player.
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North American Hockey League Stories from March 23, 2009
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- Phantoms Give Back with Fan Appreciation Week - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- âCats split in Topeka, clinch third in South - Wichita Falls Wildcats
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