Fuel Blanked in First Visit to Fort Wayne
November 4, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Indy Fuel News Release
FORT WAYNE, IND. - In their first outing following an explosive six-goal performance, the Indy Fuel's sticks came up empty. The Fuel (2-4-1-0) fell victim to a 31-save shutout from goaltender Eric Hartzell Friday night in a 4-0 loss to the Fort Wayne Komets at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. With the defeat, Indy's winless streak grows to five games (0-4-1-0), dating back to a 2-1 victory in Cincinnati on Oct. 14. The Fuel finishes a Central Division doubleheader Saturday night when they return home to take on the Quad City Mallards.
A three-point night from forward Trevor Cheek and three third-period goals from the Komets spoiled what was a solid display of defense by Indy. Fuel goaltender Eric Levine was stout in the loss with 38 saves, and Indy's penalty kill unit clocked out at a respectable 4-for-5. However, it was Hartzell and the Komets defenders that kept the Fuel off the scoreboard and gave Fort Wayne the edge in the first of nine meetings this season between the Hoosier State rivals.
In his first action with the Komets since returning from a stint with AHL Tucson, Cheek helped the Komets open the scoring late in the first period with the first of his two assists. Picking up a feed from David Friedmann, Cheek toe-dragged his way around an Indy defender, drawing the attention of Levine before setting up Garrett Thompson with an open tap-in. Thompsons's third goal in three games and fourth of the season made it 1-0 Fort Wayne at 16:04 in the opening frame.
After a scoreless second period, the Komets tallied three in the second half of the third to put the game away. Defenseman Gabriel Beaupre gave Fort Wayne a 2-0 lead with a power play blast from the high slot at 11:27. Just over two minutes later Cheek took a drop pass from Thompson and tucked it behind a diving Levine to extend the home team's lead to three. Cheek added one last helper on a Shawn Szydlowski empty net tally with 1:21 left in regulation to finish the night's scoring.
Despite finishing the night 0-for-4, Indy's power play generated several quality scoring chances on Hartzell, especially in late in second period. The Fuel have struggled offensively away from home in the early going this season, netting only four goals through four total games.
Next Home Game: Saturday, November 5 vs. Quad City Mallards - 7:35 p.m. It's a night for our four-legged companions A few furry friends will be making special appearances, while fans can make a difference in an animal's life by bringing dog food to donate to Indianapolis Animal Care Services. For those who raise animals of the virtual variety, we'll also be setting Pokémon Go lures throughout the night! The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a pet bowl courtesy of Church Brothers Collision Repair.
Single-game tickets are now available for the third season of Fuel hockey in Indianapolis at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum box office or at all Ticketmaster locations. Ticket Plans of all sizes are also available, from Full-Season Plans to six and three-game packages, in addition to Group Ticket options. Learn more by visiting IndyFuelHockey.com or calling 317-925-FUEL. Stay up to date throughout the offseason by following the Fuel on Twitter and Instagram (@IndyFuel) and don't forget to 'Like' the Fuel on Facebook.
ECHL Stories from November 4, 2016
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- ECHL Announces Fine, Suspension - ECHL
- Worcester Railers Hockey Club Closing in on 1,000 Memberships - Worcester Railers HC
- Defenseman Josh Wesley Assigned to Everblades - Florida Everblades
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