AHL Springfield Thunderbirds

Bednard Blanks Wolf Pack Before Sold out "What If?" Night Crowd

Published on February 1, 2020 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Thunderbirds News Release


Springfield Falcons in their Ice-O-Topes jerseys
Springfield Falcons in their Ice-O-Topes jerseys
(Springfield Thunderbirds)

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The Springfield Ice-O-Topes (Thunderbirds) improved to 26-20-2-0 thanks to a 28-save shutout performance from rookie goaltender Ryan Bednard in a 2-0 victory over the Hartford Wolf Pack (26-11-4-5) on Saturday night before a sellout crowd of 6,793 on What If? Night at the MassMutual Center.

It took the Ice-O-Topes less than four minutes to get the sellout crowd to its feet. After a man advantage resulted in no chances for Springfield, Jonathan Ang took matters into his own hands, receiving a stretch pass on the left wing from Matt Mangene. The second-year pro quickly slammed on the brakes, forcing a Hartford defender to stumble. With extra ice room available, Ang rushed the front of the net before punching a forehand shot through Wolf Pack goalie Tom McCollum to open the scoring, 1-0, at 3:54.

The Wolf Pack would fire 11 shots in response in the opening period, but rookie netminder Ryan Bednard was on his game early, stopping each of the shots that came his way in the first frame. McCollum stopped eight out of nine Springfield shots on net.

The stalemate continued in the second, but not without a few chances for the Wolf Pack to tie it. Hartford could not take advantage on a second power play past the midpoint of the period, and moments later, after a broken stick slapper by Vincent LoVerde arrived on the doorstep, Matt Beleskey missed a seemingly open net with Bednard battling to get back in front of the shot.

Wanting to add some insurance in the third, Dryden Hunt deflected a shot over the shoulder of McCollum at the 4:00 mark of the final period to make it a 2-0 game. Mangene picked up his second assist of the night, as his shot got to the front of the net for Hunt's backhand tip.

From there, Bednard stole the show, including one phenomenal sliding save from post-to-post on Vinni Lettieri near the midpoint of the third. Springfield clamped down and ushered home their second shutout win of the season and the first in Bednard's AHL career. The rookie goalie is now 3-0-0 with Springfield, having stopped 98 of 101 shots.

The T-Birds embark on a five-game road trip, beginning with a Wednesday rematch in Hartford, the team's third straight matchup against the Wolf Pack on the schedule.

For more ticket information or to become a 2019-20 Springfield Thunderbirds ticket package member, or to purchase single game tickets, call (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.

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Springfield Falcons in their Ice-O-Topes jerseys
Springfield Falcons in their Ice-O-Topes jerseys
   



American Hockey League Stories from February 1, 2020


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