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ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

Fast start leads to victory for K-Wings

January 24, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


CINCINNATI- A fast start offensively and stellar goaltending was the recipe the Kalamazoo Wings used to extend their season-long winning streak to eight games (7-0-0-1) with a 5-2 victory Saturday night over the Cincinnati Cyclones.

Jumping ahead just 46 seconds into the contest, Matt Caria dangled around the Cyclones and lifted a wrister over the shoulder of Sam Brittain. The tally from Caria was the quickest to start a game this season for Kalamazoo.

After intercepting an errant pass the Cyclones capitalized on a two-on-zero breakaway with a goal from Steven Hodges (3rd) to tie the game at 1-1 8:28 into the period.

Responding immediately, the K-Wings regained the lead 1:23 later with a backhanded marker from Lane Scheidl (8th).

Kalamazoo closed out the scoring in the stanza with a rebound tally from Justin Taylor (4th).

Neither team was able to score in the second period. Cincinnati generated a majority of the scoring chances in the stanza, as they outshot the K-Wings 15-4.

Caria earned his second of the night 48 seconds into the third period with a breakaway tally. With 11 goals, Caria is tied with Curtis Valk and Dane Fox for the team lead in goals scored.

Cincinnati attempted a comeback minutes later with a goal from Joe Basraba (6th). However, Kalamazoo grew the lead by to three goals with a goal from Ray Kaunisto (3rd). Coming out the box, Kaunisto snuck behind the defense and receive a pass in stride from Sam Ftorek for the breakaway tally.

As good was the K-Wings offense was, the goaltending was better. Joel Martin (13-8-1-1) stood on his head making 35 saves, including 15 in the second period.

The K-Wings registered three goals on nine shots in the first. By scoring three goals in the opening period, the K-Wings tied their best offensive output to start a game. Prior to Saturday the K-Wings, who netted three goals in the first period on four separate occasions, won all four of those previous contests.

The K-Wings will return home tomorrow, Sunday, January 25th for a 3 p.m. face-off versus the Allen Americans on Family Hockey Day in the 'ZOO, presented by Consumers Credit Union and United Healthcare, where the first 500 kids receive a Checkered Flag and a FREE kids meal.

Tomorrow will also be Kids on the Go and Kalamazoo 500 Day. Following the game, the K-Wings will host a post-game skate with the players courtesy of United Healthcare.

Kalamazoo will also debut this season's Slappy jersey's that will be worn during all home Sunday games.

Tickets for all K-Wings home games are currently on sale at Wings Stadium Ticket Office, all Ticketmaster locations, including www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000.

Fans that plan on attending multiple games can avoid service fees plus enjoy a discount from the single-game price by purchasing a 12, 24 or 36-game flexi-plan. These plans along with group (15 or more people) ticket packages may be ordered through the K-Wings front office by calling (269) 743-6011.

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