Cats beat Bulls in OT
November 28, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
A strong second period helped lead the Wildcats to a 4-3 overtime victory over the Amarillo Bulls on Wednesday night. Jason Eddy, Zach Pochiro, and Tanner Fahlstedt all scored in the middle period, as the Wildcats outscored the Bulls 3-1 despite getting outshot 26-12.
Amarillo grabbed an early 1-0 lead, scoring just over a minute into the game. But the Wildcats tied things up early in the second as Eddy scored off an assist from Dennis Kravchenko to knot things up at a goal apiece. Moments later, the momentum swung further the Wildcats' way as Nick Szopinski and Ryan Taylor squared off in a fight. Szopinski took a decisive win, quieting the crowd at the Cal Farley Coliseum. Five minutes later, Zach Pochiro gave the Wildcats a 2-1 lead off assists by Tucker Poolman and Tanner Fahlstedt. Fahlstedt followed it up just over three minutes later with a goal of his own from Brad Shumway and Renato Engler, giving the Wildcats a 3-1 lead.
Amarillo got back to within a goal late in the period, then re-tied the game at three-all with a powerplay goal four and a half minutes into the third. The Bulls outshot the Wildcats 18-6 in the third-- and 44-18 overall in the final two periods, but Matt Leon kept the game tied, stopping a total of 51 of 54 shots in the game. With 42 seconds left in the game, Jason Eddy drew a tripping penalty against the Bulls, giving the Wildcats a man advantage late. Though they wouldn't score in regulation, the penalty carried into overtime, where Dennis Kravchenko took advantage of an Amarillo turnover, tapping the puck in the net off an Amarillo player for a 4-3 overtime win.
The Wildcats are off Thanksgiving weekend, but will return to action on December 2 and 3 in Odessa.
WEEKEND NOTES: The 26 shots on goal by the Bulls in the second period are the most allowed by the Wildcats in a game this season. Leon's 51-save effort is tied for fourth-best in a single game in Wildcats' history. The last Wildcats' netminder to stop 50 shots in a game was Bryan Jones, who stopped 54 of 56 on September 17, 2010 vs. Bismarck at the Minnesota Showcase.
Preview: Wildcats at Odessa Jackalopes December 2-3
The Wildcats take on the all-new Odessa Jackalopes for the first time this weekend out at the Ector County Coliseum. Odess is currently in fifth place in the NAHL South Division at 8-12-3. The Wildcats are right behind them in sixth at 8-14-1.
Prior to their move to Odessa, the team was known as the Owatonna Express. The Wildcats never faced the Express, making this the first ever matchup between the two organizations. Odessa's top scorer is Jalen Krogman, who has 16 points, coming from 2 goals and a team-leading 14 assists. Their top goal scorer is Willie Faust, who has tallied 10 on the season. Also, keep an eye on Connor Hellebuyck in goal. His .937 save percentage is fourth in the NAHL among qualified netminders.
Upcoming Wildcats' Events
We're on the air! Join us for the Wildcats' Coaches' Radio Show at P2 The Deuce downtown on Tuesdays at 7 pm. The Voice of the Wildcats, Drew Pelto, will interview the Wildcats' coaches and your favorite Wildcats' players. If you can't get to the show, tune in on the radio at 7:30 pm on 94.9, KOLI, The Outlaw.
Adult hockey and open skating: Check WFWildcatsHockey.com for the schedule under the Games and Ice Events tab! We also offer birthday party packages at a Wildcats game or an open skating session. Any questions about our ice programs? Contact Sarah Scrivner in the Wildcats office.
Alumni Report
NORTH AMERICAN PRO LEAGUES
Dan Sexton picked up a pair of assists in the Syracuse Crunch's 4-1 win over Binghamton on Friday. He is currently tied for the team lead in assists with 13 on the season. Picking up the secondary assist on one of those goals? Former NAHL foe turned AHL teammate Pat Maroon.
Chad Costello leads the ECHL with 27 points this season. In three games this past week, he put up a goal and five assists as the Colorado Eagles took two of three from the Idaho Steelheads.
COLLEGE, DIVISION 1
Kyle Delaurell scored twice and had two assists as Air Force beat Connecticut in two games 3-1 Friday and 4-3 Saturday.
Zach Trotman picked up a goal and an assist as Lake Superior State beat Notre Dame 5-2 Saturday.
COLLEGE, DIVISION 3
Skylur and Shaun Jameson both assisted on the game-winning goal for Wentworth on Sunday, in a 4-3 win over Trinity. Mike Jarboe stopped 36 of 39 shots in the victory.
Ryan Frost tallied the game-winner for Castleton on Sunday in a 4-3 win over Morrisville.
Kyle Gallegos had two goals and two assists in a pair of losses this past week for the Tufts Jumbos.
Eddie Effinger had a goal and two assists as Amherst picked up wins over Salem State and Westfield State this past week.
• Discuss this story on the North American Hockey League message board...
North American Hockey League Stories from November 28, 2011
- Jr. K-Wings Weekly - Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
- Cats beat Bulls in OT - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Bulls Rally to Top 'Runners - Topeka Pilots
- Rays Report: Weekend Split - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Bulls' Third Period Burst Dooms 'Runners - Topeka Pilots
- Tornado Weekly - Texas Tornado
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
