Early Goal, Lead Can't Hold
October 31, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
A strong first period gave some early hope, but Amarillo struck back in the final two periods for a 4-1 victory Saturday night at the Cal Farley Coliseum.
Only five minutes into the game, Jason Eddy tallied his first NAHL goal, tapping home a rebound off Nick Szopinski's shot for a 1-0 game. The Wildcats controlled much of the first period, outshooting the Bulls 12-10 in the opening frame. But the second period was all Amarillo, scoring twice and outshooting the Wildcats 14-5. Brooks Behling and Joe Kozlak tallied the goals to give the Bulls a 2-1 lead.
The Wildcats came out strong in the third looking to tie the game up, despite being down two players due to injuries. Unfortunately their only two penalties of the period would bring on the death knell, as Amarillo scored twice on the power play to cap the game at 4-1. The Wildcats outshot the Bulls in the final period 17-13.
The Wildcats return home the next two weekends, facing Corpus Christi in their next 4 games.
WEEKEND NOTES: This is the final single-game week for the Wildcats until the week of December 18-the Wildcats will play the Bulls in Wichita Falls on the 19th that week before going on holiday break. Two players, Dennis Kravchenko and Adam Wilcox, are featured on the NHL Central Scouting Watch List for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Both are on the C List for players who could be potential late-round picks.
Preview: Wildcats vs. Corpus Christi Fri. and Sat. Nov. 4 and 5
The Wildcats will get to host the Corpus Christi Ice Rays this weekend for the first time this season. The teams will face each other four times in the next two weeks, and a total of 12 times on the season as a whole. Last year, the Wildcats fared well against the Ice Rays, going 7-3-2 in 12 games.
The Ice Rays are led by Eric Purcell's 10 goals and 14 points on the season. Leading in helpers are Dmitry Ermakov and Matthew Weis, each with 8 assists so far. Two other players to watch are defenseman Chris Taff (NHL Central Scouting C List) and goalie Anthony Stolarz (NHL Central Scouting B List; 1.82 GAA, .942 save percentage).
Upcoming Wildcats' Events
Hockey In Heels returns to the Kay Yeager Coliseum on Thursday, November 3 at 7 pm. It's a Hockey 101 course for women, taught by the Wildcats' coaches. The cost is $25, or $18 for those under 18 and is sponsored by Kathy's Bakery in Iowa Park. To register, call Katherine Isenhour in the Wildcats' office.
We're back 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
Andrew Conboy picked up his first goal of the season on Wednesday as the Hamilton Bulldogs beat Rochester 3-2 in overtime in AHL action
Dan Sexton is also getting things back on track in the AHL, picking up a goal and two assists this past week after being held scoreless for 5 straight games. He had a goal and an assist in Syracuse's 7-0 win over Lake Erie.
Chad Costello is the ECHL's second-leading scorer with 12 points through 7 games. He had 4 points this past week and leads his team in scoring.
Anthony Iaquinto picked up his first goal of the Federal Hockey League season in a 7-4 loss to New Jersey. Iaquinto also has 10 PIM for the Brooklyn Aviators via two fights.
Nick Klaren had a goal Friday in the Mississippi Surge's 3-0 win over Huntsville in the SPHL.
COLLEGE
Cal Heeter tossed a shutout, stopping all 27 shots he faced in Ohio State's 6-0 win over Alaska on Friday.
Ian Young tallied his first NCAA point, assisting on a goal in Colorado College's 4-1 win over RPI Saturday.
Brett Hartung had a strong week for Bentley. He picked up a goal Tuesday against Sacred Heart, again on Friday, and then again on Saturday in a two games with Clarkson.
Speaking of Sacred Heart, Brian Sheehan is getting off to a hot start with them, scoring four goals over two games this week against Bentley and American International College.
Former Wildcat and Boston Bruins draft prospect Zach Trotman picked up the game-winning goal for Lake Superior State on Friday, beating Miami 3-2 in overtime. He also had an assist in regulation.
Kyle Delaurell picked up a goal in Air Force's 3-3 tie with Canisius on Saturday.
Justin Javorek is playing college hockey in Canada for Dalhousie University.
Division III hockey is getting underway as well. Here's where some of your favorite Wildcats are plying their trade!
ECAC-East
Castleton: Braden Kinnebrew, Ryan Frost, Erick Cinotti
ECAC-Northeast
Curry: Brett Kaneshiro
Western New England: Brandon Stroud, Andy Cramer
Wentworth: Skylur Jameson, Shaun Jameson, Mike Jarboe, Curtis Heinz
MASCAC
Massachusetts-Dartmouth: Bill Colclough
Salem State: Matt Kenline
MCHA
Lake Forest: Jason McAloon
MIAC
Augsburg: Daniel Hildebrandt
Concordia (MN): Kelly Andrew (stopped 35/37 shots in 3-2 win vs. Gustavus Adolphus Friday)
NCHA
St. Norbert: Chris Rial (tallied first college goal in 8-0 win vs. Concordia WI Tuesday)
Wisconsin-Stevens Point: Tyler Krueger, Kent Detlefsen
Wisconsin-Stout: Nick Hopper
Wisconsin-River Falls: Tyler Briola, Adam Cardwell
NESCAC
Amherst: Eddie Effinger
Tufts: Kyle Gallegos, Brian Phillips
Missing anyone' Let Drew know at dpelto@wfwildcatshockey.com and he'll add them to the list!
North American Hockey League Stories from October 31, 2011
- Lewis, Carey Named First Two Stars of the Week - Wenatchee Wild
- SPHL Preview, IceRays Coach on Puska on Pucks - OSC Original by Denis Puska
- NAHL Announces Combat Hockey 3 Stars of the Week - NAHL
- Payne Honored By League - Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
- Early Goal, Lead Can't Hold - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- 'Runners Fall Flat in Amarillo - Topeka Pilots
- Jr. K-Wings Weekly - Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings
- Benedict Records First Collegiate Goal in Upset Victory - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Tony Curtale Breaks All-Time Wins Record - Texas Tornado
- Bulls Blast Topeka 7-1 for Seventh Win in a Row - Amarillo Bulls
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.
