Another Sweep in Springfield
Published on December 8, 2008 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
The hot streak continues for the Wildcats as they sweep a two-game weekend series against the Springfield Junior Blues, beating them 4-3 and 3-1. The weekend featured all of the Wildcats' offense coming in one long streak, scoring four unanswered to finish the game Friday, and three in a row on Saturday.
Friday night, Springfield took a 3-0 lead by the 4:04 mark of the second period, courtesy of goals by Trent Frey, Derek Kimbro, and Matt Globke. However, the Wildcats would cut the deficit to only one goal before the second intermission. Anthony Iaquinto, in his first game as a Wildcat, found Ricky Brown in front of the Springfield net with 1:14 left in the period, followed by the Wildcats getting a good bounce from behind the net, with Brett Hartung getting credit for the goal, assisted by linemates Chad Hudson and Kyle Delaurell. It took only three minutes in the third for the Wildcats to tie it up, with Jeff McNeil scoring his second of the season, assisted by Hartung and Delaurell. Midway through the final frame, the Wildcats took the lead, with Hartung scoring his second of the night, assisted by Delaurell and Sean Coffey. Hartung's goals got him named the game's first star and also moved him into the Wildcats' all-time top 10 in career goal scoring. Second star went to Delaurell for his three assists, while the third star went to goaltender Phil Graveline, who stopped 39 of 42 shots in the victory.
Saturday night featured a faster start for the Wildcats. While the first period saw no goals or even any penalties called, the second was all Wildcats. At the 1:14 mark, Brett Hartung tickled the twine for his third goal of the weekend, followed only 8 seconds later by Anthony Iaquinto ripping off a slap shot just inside the blue line, beating Springfield goaltender C.J. Groh through the five-hole for a quick 2-0 lead. Iaquinto added an assist late in the period, meeting Adam Kuhn with a cross-ice pass that he put in the back of the net for a 3-0 lead. The Junior Blues managed one goal in the third from Scott Barrera to ruin Mike Jarboe's bid for the Wildcats' first shutout of the season. Jarboe was named first star of the game, while the second star went to Anthony Iaquinto. Springfield's Groh was named the third star.
For his three-goal effort this past weekend, Wildcats' captain Brett Hartung was given an Honorable Mention in the race for Sherwood/NAHL South Player of the Week honors.
The Wildcats are 5-0-1 for 11 points in their last six games and have moved into third place in the NAHL South Division, two points ahead of Springfield and eighteen points behind Topeka for second place. They hope to keep the hot streak rolling as they return home this weekend to face the St. Louis Bandits on Friday, December 12, and Saturday, December 13.
Upcoming Home Games
The Wildcats will be playing four home games in the month of December, their first games at the Kay Yeager Coliseum since November 14th and 15th. On December 12 and 13, the Wildcats will play host to the St. Louis Bandits, with both games starting at 7:05 pm. Friday, December 12th will be Children's Miracle Network Chuck-A-Duck night, while Saturday, December 13th is our annual Teddy Bear Toss Night. Bring a new or gently used stuffed animal to donate and you will receive a pass to skate with the Wildcats after a game free! After the Wildcats score their first goal, throw the stuffed animals out on the ice!
The Wildcats will be back at the KYC the following week as well, taking on the Topeka Roadrunners on December 19th and 20th. Friday, December 19th is Guns N' Hoses Night. All police and fire personnel will get in to the game free, while their families can purchase tickets for $6. All free and discounted tickets must be purchased in advance through the Wildcats office. Saturday, December 20th is Ugly Christmas Sweater Night. Wear the ugliest Christmas sweater you have while you cheer on the Wildcats!
Wildcats In the Community
This week, the Wildcats will visit a few local schools to help promote our reading program. Our players will be at Jefferson Elementary School on Tuesday, December 9, and Thursday, December 11. They will also be at Lamar Elementary School on Wednesday, December 10.
If you are interested in having Wildcats players appear at your school, church, or other function, please contact us, at 940-716-5587.
North American Hockey League Stories from December 8, 2008
- North Iowa rings in December right - North Iowa Outlaws
- Another Sweep in Springfield - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Paul Named NAHL Central Division POW - North Iowa Outlaws
- Jordan George Named NAHL South Player of the Week - Topeka Pilots
- Outlaws Weekly - North Iowa Outlaws
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