A Not-so-Happy New Year
January 4, 2010 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
If the Topeka Roadrunners made a new year's resolution of scoring 7 goals a game in 2010, they're off to a great start. Unfortunately, it was the Wildcats who were the first victims, dropping a three-game series on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and the second day of 2010.
On Thursday, Topeka exploded for three goals in the first period en route to a 5-2 victory. The Wildcats made a valiant effort to cut the deficit to 3-2 early in the third period, with goals from Daniel Gentzler and Zach Ledford. But only three minutes later, a strange hop of the puck off the boards fooled everyone except Topeka forward Bryce Johnson who was left with a short tap-in for a 4-2 lead. Topeka would add an insurance goal late for a 5-2 win. The third period also saw a physical tone set by the two teams, as they combined for 82 PIM (including 6 majors and three misconducts) inside the final 8 minutes of play.
The first game of 2010 saw more of the same, with Topeka coming away with a 7-2 victory. The Roadrunners again jumped out to a first period lead, but in the final two minutes of the opening frame Steven Hoshaw scored his first goal of the season to cut the deficit to 2-1. That was as close as the Wildcats would get though, as the Roadrunners put up three goals in the first 8 minutes of the second period before the Wildcats would score again. This time it was Andy Cramer with his third of the season to make it a 5-2 game. Topeka would pick up two more goals among more roughness in the third period for a 7-2 final. Once again, the teams combined for 99 PIM in the final 6 minutes of the game.
Offensive woes continued for the 'Cats on Saturday, as the Roadrunners blanked them 8-0. Nate Milam and Erik Higby each had hat tricks, as the Roadrunners outshot the Wildcats 41-20. Each team had to play with their lineup short a skater due to injuries and suspensions from the previous night. Phil Graveline stopped 33 shots in the loss, while Sean Keane, J.T. Osborn, and Ryan Frost led the offensive effort, each putting three shots on goal.
The Wildcats look to rebound this week, but it certainly won't be easy. They play three games against the West division leaders from Washington, the Wenatchee Wild.
Free Tickets Still Available!
Help the Wildcats Pack the House on Wednesday January 6 as they take on the West Division leading Wenatchee Wild at 7:05 pm. All tickets anywhere in the rink are free for this game! We want a big loud crowd on hand to cheer on the Wildcats in this important game. Tickets are limited, so call now to get yours: 940-716-5587.
Wildcats Alumni Update
Zach Trotman has discovered his college scoring touch. Picking up three assists earlier this season, the freshman defenseman scored his first goal and added an assist in Lake Superior State's 7-6 victory over Robert Morris on January 2.
Moving on to another defenseman named Zach, Zach Josepher tallied a goal and two assists in Michigan State's games at the Great Lakes Invitational. The Spartans won the tournament, upending Michigan Tech 10-1 and Rensselaer 6-1.
Kyle Kraemer picked up three points in the Ledyard Bank Classic, putting up a goal and an assist as his Northeastern University Huskies walked off with the tournament championship.
Even the Division 3 programs are getting in on tournament season. Skylur Jameson scored a goal and added two assists in Wentworth's third place finish at the St. Michael's Tournament. Jameson leads the Leopards with 10 goals, and is second on the team in points with 13.
Sexton Watch
Though his December hot streak has cooled a bit, Dan Sexton is still putting up points for the NHL's Anaheim Ducks. Through 15 games, the former Wildcat has tallied 6 goals and 5 assists for 11 points, ranking him 19th among all NHL rookies. Every player above him in the rookie points standings has appeared in more than twice as many games.
North American Hockey League Stories from January 4, 2010
- Wenatchee Wild Series Preview Vs. Wichita Falls - Wenatchee Wild
- Bandits Ring In New Year Right - NAHL
- Jacobson Nabs Player Of The Week Honors - Bismarck Bobcats
- A Not-so-Happy New Year - Wichita Falls Wildcats
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