Cats take 5 of possible 6 points vs. Springfield
December 8, 2009 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
The Wildcats' improvement on the week could be seen just by looking at the scores of their three games against the Springfield Junior Blues. The team came into the week mired in a slump of one point in their previous five games, but came on strong to end the slump with hopes of starting on a new hot streak. The Wildcats picked up a point in Wednesday's 4-3 shootout loss, then won a 3-2 decision on Friday, followed with a 4-1 victory on Saturday.
The Wildcats got a good effort all around, but their shootout struggles continued in the 4-3 loss on Wednesday night.
"Much improved effort tonight," said head coach John Bowkus. "And [goaltender Kelly Andrew] was good for this being his first game with the team."
The Wildcats got on the board first with Kyle Gallegos slipping a puck past Springfield goalie Tanner Milliron for an early 1-0 lead. Adam Kuhn and Brian Sheehan picked up the assists.
Springfield tied the game late in the period and even took a 3-1 lead in the second. The Wildcats would not be outdone though, as J.T. Osborn picked up a power play goal, cutting the deficit to 3-2. Early in the third, Ryan Frost would poke a puck home on a scramble in front, tying the game at 3. In the third period and overtime, the Junior Blues outshot the Wildcats 16-9, but Andrew came up big in net, making several tough saves down the stretch. He and Milliron matched each other save-for-save in the first five rounds of the shootout before Springfield's T.J. Moor lifted a backhander past Andrew for what would prove to be the winner.
Another strong effort from everyone in the lineup led to the Wildcats snapping their losing streak, picking up a 3-2 victory over the Springfield Junior Blues.
"I'm happy for the boys," said Bowkus. "They needed this confidence booster and hopefully it sends us going in the right direction."
The Junior Blues got on the board first, as Brian Prost's third of the year gave them a 1-0 lead, but the Wildcats' line of Kyle Gallegos, Adam Kuhn, and Brian Sheehan would come up with a goal in each period en route to the victory. The first came from Kyle Gallegos getting the puck, dangling through three defenders, and depositing the puck in the corner over Springfield goalie Andrew Martin's glove, knotting the game at a goal apiece.
With five minutes to go in the second, it was Sheehan's turn to score, off assists from Kuhn and Gallegos, giving the Wildcats a 2-1 lead.
Just over a minute into the third, Springfield re-tied the game on Jared Rickord's team-leading 13th goal of the season. But it was Wildcats' captain Adam Kuhn getting the decisive goal midway through the period on a scramble in front of Martin.
The Wildcats' defense, led by the goaltending of Kelly Andrew and the help of newcomer Steven Hoshaw who was acquired from the USHL's Lincoln Stars, shut Springfield down for much of the game. "Defensively, we were a heck of a lot better," said Bowkus. "He made the timely saves, which can help lift the boys." Andrew stopped 22 of 24 shots, including a perfect 12 of 12 in the second period.
The Wildcats capped the weekend off with a 4-1 victory over the Springfield Junior Blues on Saturday. Aaron Quick led the way with his first career hat trick, while Kelly Andrew continued his excellent play in goal, stopping 30 of 31 Springfield shots.
Quick got the Cats on the board via the power play in the first period, picking up a rebound in the slot off Daniel Gentzler's shot and putting it past Springfield's Tanner Milliron for a 1-0 lead. Stuffed animals rained down from the fans, as Quick's goal brought on the annual "Teddy Bear Toss" celebration, with all stuffed animals being donated to BPO Elks Lodge #1105.
Springfield would follow suit with a power play goal in the second, before Quick would score from the same spot for a 2-1 lead a minute later. They would extend the lead to 3-1 late in the second with Ryan Frost finding the back of the net. Frost's goal was the 1000th scored in Wildcats history.
Quick would finish off the hat trick with an empty-net goal late in the third period. Kevin Liss and Daniel Gentzler each had two assists on the night. Liss' were the first points of his NAHL career.
The Wildcats look to carry their sudden hot streak into next week as they take on the Texas Tornado in Frisco, TX. The games will be Friday at 7:30 and Saturday at 7. If you can't make the trip down, tune in on 94.9 KOLI, The Outlaw.
Quick named Sherwood/NAHL South Player of the Week!
From NAHL.com.
Wichita Falls forward Aaron Quick rang up three goals and an assist as the Wildcats picked up five points in three games against Springfield. On Wednesday, the Monument, Colo., native recorded an assist in a 4-3 shootout loss. After being held scoreless in a 3-2 win on Friday, the 20-year-old connected for a hat trick, including the game-winning goal, the next night as the Wildcats downed the Jr. Blues, 4-1. He was also a plus-1 on the weekend.
"I'm extremely proud for Aaron," said Wildcats head coach John Bowkus. "He played great in all three games and was finally rewarded for his hard work. We hope he continues to make strides in his offensive game."
Goaltender Kelly Andrew was also named as an Honorable Mention for the Sherwood/NAHL Goalie of the Week honors.
Wildcats Alumni Update
Brett Hartung picked up some accolades from Atlantic Hockey, being named the Rookie of the Month for November. Hartung picked up 4 goals and 2 assists for a total of 6 points in 9 games with Bentley University. He was also named as an honorable mention for the Hockey Commissioners' Association's Rookie of the Month award. Hartung's excellent play has continused into December, as he had the game-winning goal on the power play on Saturday in Bentley's 5-4 win over Canisius.
The biggest alumni news of the week comes out of Southern California, as former Wildcat Dan Sexton was called up to make his NHL debut on December 4. Sexton, a member of the Anaheim Ducks, made his debut on Friday night against the Minnesota Wild. He played 13 minutes and was credited with 2 blocked shots. He also got 14:17 of ice time on Sunday night against Ottawa, registering 4 shots on goal, a hit, and a blocked shot. Sexton is the first former Wildcat to play in an NHL game.
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- Cats take 5 of possible 6 points vs. Springfield - Wichita Falls Wildcats
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