Grand Rapids Blanks Iowa 3-0
February 27, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Iowa Wild News Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Iowa Wild (18-32-3-4, 43 points) were defeated by the Grand Rapids Griffins (32-20-1-1, 66 points) 3-0 in front of 9,547 fans at Van Andel Arena on Saturday night. Griffins' goalie Tom McCollum (7-9-0) made 29 saves for the shutout, helping Grand Rapids win its sixth straight at home over Iowa. The Griffins scored one goal in each period, with tallies by Robbie Russo, Louis-Marc Aubry and Martin Frk. Iowa goalie Steve Michalek (4-2-0) took the loss with 39 saves. Iowa travels to Texas to face the Stars at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
The Griffins struck for the first period's only goal at 11:54, taking a 1-0 lead into the intermission. Defenseman Robbie Russo received a pass at the Iowa blueline off a sustained cycle. Russo stepped to his left and ripped a slapshot to the Iowa net. His shot bounced off a Wild defender and past goalie Steve Michalek for the game's first goal. Forwards Martin Frk and Tomas Nosek each had an assist on Russo's third goal this season.
Grand Rapids extended its lead to 2-0 with the lone second-period goal at 11:20. Defenseman Nick Jensen held the puck at the right point of the Iowa zone. He side-stepped a defender and fired a cross-ice pass to Louis-Marc Aubry. The Griffins forward snapped a wrist shot over the shoulder of Michalek, scoring his 10th goal of the year for a 2-0 advantage.
With their first power play of the contest, the Griffins extended their lead to 3-0 at 4:38. Defenseman Ryan Sproul sent a pass to the top of the left-wing circle for Martin Frk. The Griffins forward cranked a slap shot to the Iowa net. Michalek initially made the save, but the puck trickled in behind him for Frk's team-leading 22nd goal of the year. Center Andy Miele added an assist on the team's third goal of the evening.
The Wild continues a seven-game road trip on Wednesday, Mar. 2. The team makes additional stops in Texas (2), Manitoba (2), and Milwaukee (1) before returning home on Sunday, Mar. 13 to host the Milwaukee Admirals at 5 p.m. The Subway/Star 102.5 Combo Pack is available for purchase starting at $12. The combo pack includes one ticket, one hot dog, one soda, and one Subway coupon. The Wild hosts a live Red jersey auction following the game courtesy of the American Heart Association. A canned food drive presented by Billion Buick, Price Chopper, and Zeroez takes place during the game, benefitting MoveTheFood.org.
Fans may purchase single-game tickets multiple ways, either through the team's website - www.Iowawild.com , the Wells Fargo Arena box office or participating Hy-Vee food stores. Tickets are available online at www.Iowawild.com under the single game tickets tab. The Wells Fargo Arena box office is open Monday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and closed on Sunday. For Saturday game days, the box office will open at 10 a.m. For Sunday game days the box office will open at 12 p.m. Fans may also purchase tickets by calling 1-844-55-HYVEE or by visiting participating Hy-Vee food stores locations in the greater Des Moines area. Those interested may also visit www.hy-veetix.com. Fans interested in buying full season, or smaller season packages may call the Iowa Wild front office at 515-564-8700.
The Iowa Wild 2015-16 season is presented by Mercy Medical Center, it runs from October through April. Fans may purchase seats to see any of the team's 38 regular season home games at Wells Fargo Arena. Season tickets to see the Wild play its 2015-16 season at Wells Fargo Arena start at just $9 per game. For more information on tickets, including ticket plans and group seating, please contact the Wild ticket office by calling 515-564-8700 or go to www.iowawild.com.
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