ECHL Indy Fuel

Carlsson's Late Goal Lifts Fuel to Shutout Win

January 10, 2017 - ECHL (ECHL)
Indy Fuel News Release


WICHITA, KANSAS - Following a pair of strong performances in Allen over the weekend with nothing to show for it, the Indy Fuel knew they were due for some success on the road. That breakthrough came Tuesday night as the Fuel (10-22-1-2) grinded out a 1-0 victory over the Wichita Thunder at INTRUST Bank Arena. Goaltender Jake Hildebrand stopped 28 shots for his second shutout of the season, and Jonathan Carlsson scored the late go-ahead goal to help Indy snap an 11-game winless skid away from home ice.

The Fuel, who also nipped a four-game losing streak with Tuesday's victory, wrap up their four-game road swing Friday night against the Quad City Mallards before returning to Indiana Farmers Coliseum Saturday for Blackhawks Night against the Tulsa Oilers.

After over two and a half periods of scoreless hockey, Carlsson finally got Indy on the board when he pounced on a loose puck in front of Thunder netminder Drew Owsley. With Wichita pinned deep in their own end thanks to a strong offensive shift, the defenseman took a drop pass from Alex Wideman at the blue line and made a drive to the net. Josh Shalla got the initial whack at the ensuing rebound, but Carlsson was able to connect on the second chance opportunity, giving the Fuel a 1-0 lead with 7:14 to play in regulation.

Carlsson's second strike of the season was all the scoring Hildebrand needed to secure the needed two points for Indy, which pulls to within three points of Wichita for sixth place in the ECHL's Central Division standings. The rookie stopped 23 shots through the first two periods of play, before the Fuel pulled together defensively in the third - outshooting the Thunder 13-5 in the final 20 minutes of play.

Owsley stopped 31 shots for Wichita, in what was the only meeting of the season between the two clubs.

Neither team was able to connect on the power play; Indy went 0-for-4 while Wichita finished 0-for-3.

Next Home Game: Saturday, January 14 vs. Tulsa Oilers - 7:35 p.m. (Blackhawks Night) The "Madhouse on Madison" returns to Indy as the Fuel celebrate their NHL affiliate! Meet Chicago hockey legend Denis Savard, along with iconic anthem singer Jim Cornelison, mascot Tommy Hawk and other Blackhawks personalities! The Fuel will be looking the part in specialty jerseys - which will be up-for-grabs during a post-game auction, with a portion of the net proceeds benefitting Prevail.

Single-game tickets are now available for the third season of Fuel hockey in Indianapolis at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum box office or at all Ticketmaster locations. Ticket Plans of all sizes are also available, from Full-Season Plans to six and three-game packages, in addition to Group Ticket options. Learn more by visiting IndyFuelHockey.com or calling 317-925-FUEL. Stay up to date throughout the offseason by following the Fuel on Twitter and Instagram (@IndyFuel) and don't forget to 'Like' the Fuel on Facebook.

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ECHL Stories from January 10, 2017


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