Another Four Points as 'Cats sweep Tornado
March 2, 2010 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
The Wildcats pulled off a repeat performance of Mike Flanagan's debut weekend as the Wildcats' interim head coach, with another sweep of the Texas Tornado. Friday night's game was a close affair, with the Wildcats holding on for the 3-2 victory, while Saturday saw an explosion of offense for a 9-4 victory.
On Friday, the second period was the key, as the Wildcats scored three goals in a row on their way to a 3-2 win. While Texas got on the board with 13 seconds left in the first on a Rock Einersen breakaway, the Wildcats would even things up only 48 seconds into the second, as Brian Sheehan put the puck past Tornado goalie Dan Sullivan. Six minutes later, Bryan Kozlowski's centering pass to Brandon Stroud was pushed home to give the Wildcats a 2-1 lead. Chris Leone would add a goal on a shot from the high slot for a 3-1 lead. Texas would fight back to within a goal on a J.D. Howard tally with under five minutes left in the second, but the teams were both shut down through the final period despite combining for 23 shots on goal. P.J. Musico made 31 saves in the victory.
Saturday night bore witness to a burst of Wildcats' goal scoring in a 9-4 victory. The 9 goals were the most the Wildcats' had scored at home since they beat Texarkana 9-0 on March 26, 2005. It took only 1:32 of playing time before Tyler Lundey scored to give the Wildcats an early lead, aided by Ryan Frost and Brian Sheehan. Five minutes later, it was Frost's turn to score, this time on the power play from Lundey and Sheehan. The trio would strike again at the 9:44 mark, this time at even strength, for a 3-0 lead, ending Dan Sullivan's night. New Tornado netminder Fred Edwards would not fare much better as J.T. Osborn picked up a power play goal with 1:22 to go and the Wildcats led 4-0 at the first intermission.
Texas came out with guns blazing in the second period, getting on the board 29 seconds into the period, but the Wildcats kept the heat on, putting up four more goals. Brian Sheehan joined linemates Frost and Lundey, scoring a goal with their assists. Chris Leone picked one up for his second in as many nights. And J.T. Osborn would pick up the hat trick, adding two power play goals at the 4:35 and 11:05 marks. Daniel Gentzler assisted on each.
The third period ended up delayed after the Zamboni ended up with a t-shirt lodged inside it, rendering it inoperable. With rough ice, the Tornado would score three in the first eight minutes before Andy Cramer would add the final nail to the coffin at the 13:25 mark. P.J. Musico stopped 36 of 40 shots in the victory, while Brian Sheehan, Daniel Gentzler, Ryan Frost, and Tyler Lundey each had four points. Osborn's hat trick was the 23rd in team history, and the third this season.
The Wildcats hit the road this weekend, playing two games in Wenatchee, WA on Saturday and Sunday. The games can be seen on the B2 Networks.
Players of the Week
Congratulations to Ryan Frost for being names as the Sherwood/NAHL South Division Player of the Week. Frost picked up six points on the weekend with two goals and two assists and was a +4. An Honorable Mention also went to J.T. Osborn for his hat trick on Saturday.
Never Waste a Ticket Night
The Wildcats will have their final "Never Waste a Ticket" night at their next home game, Friday, March 19 vs. the Topeka Roadrunners. Season Ticket Holders can exchange any unused tickets for tickets to that night's game to bring family and friends along.
It's the final home series of the regular season, so come on down and cheer on the Wildcats in their final regular season home series!
Wildcats Alumni Update
Kyle Delaurell picked up a goal and an assist as Air Force laid a hurting on Sacred Heart, sweeping their weekend series 6-3 and 8-1. Kyle leads the Falcons' freshmen in all offensive categories, with 6 goals and 12 assists for 18 points on the season.
Kyle Kraemer scored twice as the Northeastern Huskies tied and lost to New Hampshire this past weekend. The senior forward leads the team in goals with 15 and is third in points with 26 as they go into the final series of the regular season this weekend against Boston University.
Wentworth advances to the second round of the ECAC-Northeast tournament with a 10-7 win over Salve Regina. Skylur Jameson scored twice with three assists, while brother Shaun Jameson had a goal and an assist. The pair figured into the scoring of 6 of the Leopards' 10 goals.
Alex Molnar scored twice (with one goal assisted by Matt Kenline) as the Salem State Vikings rolled to a 10-1 victory over Worcester State on Saturday. They kick off the MASCAC Tournament on Thursday.
Chad Costello picked up two more assists this weekend for the Corpus Christi Ice Rays, putting him at 37 on the year, good for 15th in the CHL.
Dan Sexton got the call again. After being sent to Manitoba of the AHL prior to the Olympic break, Sexton was recalled to the NHL's Anaheim Ducks this past week, and will likely be in uniform for tonight's game at the Dallas Stars.
North American Hockey League Stories from March 2, 2010
- Rangers Home For 3 Huge Games - Marquette Rangers
- NAHL Approves Relocation Of North Iowa Membership - Motor City Metal Jackets
- Another Four Points as 'Cats sweep Tornado - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Wildcats Raise Money For CMN - Wichita Falls Wildcats
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