Cats Swept for First Time of Season
December 19, 2015 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
The Wildcats had much to play for on Saturday night and fought hard against the Lone Star Brahmas, but were defeated by a score of 6-4.
The Brahmas wasted no time setting the tone in the game, scoring just 22 seconds into the game. Alex Berardinelli carried the puck down the left side and fired a shot-pass that redirected past Justin Kapelmaster and into the net. The Brahmas took full advantage of the momentum gained from the fortunate bounce, and scored another goal four minutes later. Brandon Estes slid the puck backdoor to an open Kyle Patava, who one-timed a shot into an open net. Shortly after Patava's goal, Hogan Davidson redirected a pass from Cameron Clarke into the net to give the Brahmas a commanding 3-0 lead and stun the Wildcats.
After a handful of penalties handed to both sides, the Wildcats found themselves on a 5-on-3 power play opportunity late in the first period. They utilized the extra men and open ice extremely well with some crisp puck movement, and Aleksi Poikola set up Jeff Baum for his fourth goal of the season. Baum's goal energized the KYC and prompted the Teddy Bear Toss, ending the first frame.
The second period started with the Cats on the power play. They failed to convert and found themselves playing on their heels a bit, which is when Bud Madej rifled a shot past Kapelmaster to further reinforce the Brahmas' lead. Austin Albrecht was set up moments later by Jonny Lazarus to make the score 4-2, but another penalty taken by the Cats cost them with another Bud Madej power play goal. There was some controversy surrounding the goal, as it appeared to be deflected by a high stick. However, play continued and the second period concluded.
The Wildcats did exactly what they needed to do to get themselves back in the game. Ryan Burnett and Austin Beaulieu had a 2-on-1, and Burnett fired off Kaczperski's pad and right to Beaulieu, who pounded home the rebound. Taking another penalty did not faze the Cats. Burnett set up Garrett Van Wyhe for his sixth goal as a Wildcat. The shorthanded goal electrified the building, as the Wildcats were down by just a goal. Sensing a comeback, the Wildcats threw everything they had at Kaczperski, but the Lone Star goaltender stood tall.
Peter Kessel took the puck over the Wildcats blue line and fired a slot shot off of Rourke Russell's skate and into the net. Another fortunate bounce for the Brahmas gave them a 6-4 lead, and took the wind out of the sails for the Wildcats, who were never able to recover.
Kapelmaster made 22 saves in his third regulation defeat, while Kaczperski made 27 stops in his 10th win. The Wildcats head home for the holidays before playing a road game on New Year's Eve in Amarillo against the Bulls.
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North American Hockey League Stories from December 19, 2015
- Late Goal Stuns Titans in Weekend Finale - New Jersey Titans
- Cats Swept for First Time of Season - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Bruins Finish First Half with Win in La Crosse - Austin Bruins
- Jr. Blues Split Weekend with Topeka - Springfield Jr. Blues
- IceRays Claim Statement Win over Bulls, 6-2 - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Tomahawks Victorious Over Knights in Road Contest - Johnstown Tomahawks
- Brahmas Steal Game Two in Wildcat Country - Lone Star Brahmas
- Rebels Beat Brown Bears 4 -1 - Philadelphia Rebels
- Amarillo Bulls Beat Corpus Christi 3-1 - Amarillo Bulls
- Rally Starts Too Late as Cats Fall to Minot - Bismarck Bobcats
- Bruins Can't Complete Late Comeback, Fall to Wilderness - Austin Bruins
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