AHL Iowa Wild

Griffins Pull Away From Wild 4-1

November 4, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Iowa Wild News Release


GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Iowa Wild (4-5-0-0, 8 points) was defeated by the Grand Rapids Griffins (5-3-0-0, 10 points) 4-1 in front of 7,420 fans on Friday night at Van Andel Arena. The Griffins scored twice in the third period to pull away from the Wild, posting a victory in Iowa's first visit of the season. Griffins' goalie Jared Coreau (5-2-0) was nearly perfect, stopping 30 of 31 Iowa shots. Defenseman Robbie Russo and center Matt Lorito each had a goal and an assist, as the Griffins ended a two-game losing skid. Despite making a career-high 41 saves, Iowa Wild goalie Steve Michalek (3-1-0) suffered his first defeat of the year. Rookie Alex Tuch scored his first career goal and Iowa slipped to 1-1-0-0 on the road. Iowa travels overnight to Milwaukee, where the team faces the Admirals at 6 PM CT.

The Griffins struck for the first period's lone goal at 4:51 of the opening period. Rookie Evgeny Svechnikov beat Iowa goalie Steve Michalek for his second goal of the year and a 1-0 lead after a setup by Kyle Criscoulo. Defenseman Robbie Russo added the second assist, as Iowa went to the locker room down by one after a period of play.

After nearly a full period of scoreless hockey, Grand Rapids defenseman Robbie Russo made it a 2-0 lead for his club at 19:11 of the middle frame. Forwards Matt Lorito and Martin Frk helped set up the play. Lorito carried the puck high in the Iowa zone and slipped a pass to Russo, who was cutting into the right-wing circle. Russo snapped a wrist shot just inside the far post, beating Michalek for his third goal of the year.

Just 3:13 into the third period, Griffins forward Dominic Turgeon snapped a pass to the net, where Colin Campbell was camped out in front of Michalek. Campbell tipped the shot past Michalek for his first goal of the season. Defenseman Nathan Paetsch also added an assist for the 3-0 lead. Lorito made it a 4-0 lead with a power-play goal at 7:29 of the third period. His second goal of the season was assisted by Joe Hicketts and Criscuolo. Iowa ended Coreau's shutout bid just 10 seconds later off a poor turnover by the goaltender. Pressed in his own corner by Wild forward Mario Lucia, Coreau lost the puck. Lucia quickly centered for right wing Alex Tuch, who potted the first goal of his pro career and cut the Griffins lead to 4-1 at 7:39 of the final frame.

After a road game in Milwaukee on Saturday, Iowa returns home on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 5 PM with the Rockford IceHogs. Sunday's game is Pucks & Paws Night, presented by Anderson Animal Hospital. Participating sponsors include Downtown Doggy Daycare and Copper Cup. For the first 400 fans (and their dog), will be given a Iowa Wild themed Pet Bowl presented by Anderson Animal Hospital and Lazer 103.3. There will also be a Pet Food Drive that benefits the Animal Rescue League. Sunday night is also Subway Combo Pack night. There will be a Postgame Skate after the game for all fans. It's ZERO Prostate Awareness Night, which marks the beginning of "Grow and Give" - a month long initiative where men grow facial hair to raise awareness and funds for all cancers that affect men.

The Wild hosts Wild About Education on Thursday, Nov. 10 with a 10:30 a.m. faceoff against Charlotte, presented by Amerigroup Iowa Inc. and the Science Center. Thursday's game is also Corporate Field Trip day. Fans may bring a Subway receipt to purchase a ticket for $5.00. Thursday's game is also a Mug Club day.

The team rounds out the weekend with games on Friday and Saturday. Friday night is Veterans Appreciation Night, benefitting ALS Association Iowa Chapter. The Wild celebrates our Veterans by wearing specialty jerseys (red-white-blue themed), which are auctioned off after the game in a live auction. The first 1,500 fans will be handed a Patriotic Hat upon entry, sponsored by Alt 106.3, Vatterott College and HyVee. Fans may also enjoy $2 Beers on Friday compliments of 100.3 The Bus. The Wild meets Charlotte on Friday for a 7 PM faceoff.

On Saturday, the Ontario Reign makes it lone visit to Wells Fargo Arena, the first meeting in history between Iowa and Ontario. The Wild celebrates Youth Sports Night by honoring local youth sports teams in Des Moines. The first 1,500 youths (12 and under) to the game receives an Iowa Wild Youth Jersey T-Shirt, sponsored by 107.5 KISS FM. It's also a Jim Beam Night presented by NASH FM, where fans 21 and older may enjoy a $5 Beam Apple Orchard or a $10 Beam Apple Orchard in a mason jar. The Brewdog pack is also available, which features a bee/hot dog voucher at the game and a voucher for a free drink at Legends Bar and Grill.

2016-17 Iowa Wild regular season single-game tickets are on sale now. Follow the Iowa Wild on Twitter @IAWILD or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/iawild .

The Iowa Wild 2016-17 season is presented by Mercy Medical Center: and 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 2016-17 season at Wells Fargo Arena start at just $10 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 .

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 tickets, or smaller season packages may call the Iowa Wild front office at 515-564-8700.

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