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AHL Hartford Wolf Pack

Hellberg Blanks Utica 3-0 in Wolf Pack Win

October 17, 2015 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hartford Wolf Pack News Release


Hartford, CT, October 17, 2015 - Magnus Hellberg made 30 saves for the Hartford Wolf Pack's first shutout of the season Saturday night at the XL Center, a 3-0 win over the Utica Comets in the first-ever meeting between the two teams.

Richard Nejezchleb's first-period goal, his first in North American pro, was the game-winner, and Adam Tambellini and Chad Nehring scored in the third for the Wolf Pack. Joe Cannata stopped 25 shots in the Utica goal.

"We fought really hard the entire game, 60 minutes," Hellberg said.

The action started 4:54 into the first when Hartford's Marek Hrivik was called for high-sticking, though Utica couldn't convert their power play into a goal.

Nejezchleb gave Hellberg all the offense he would need at 8:20 of the first, taking a pass from out of the right-wing corner from Calle Andersson, after Cannata had stopped a Nehring shot.

Nehring said of what turned out to be the game-winning goal, "We've talked about getting pucks in the net and making plays, and [the puck]'s just out there bouncing on the goal and we got a good bounce, and I think Andersson made a good play to the wide open net."

That was the only scoring for nearly two periods, despite the Wolf Pack having three power plays in the second period and the Comets two.

"Our [penalty kills] are really good as of late," Tambellini said. "Those guys are sacrificing everything to get in front of shots."

Tambellini finally upped the lead to 2-0 at 7:35 the third period, taking a breakaway pass from Brian Gibbons and just sneaking a backhand shot through Cannata's legs.

Nehring then put the game out of reach with an empty-net goal at 17:16, making the score 3-0.

Coach Ken Gernander had this to say about the win: "First and foremost I liked our effort, and I liked the shot blocking. I saw some instances where guys took hits to make plays and I think those are pretty good foundations."

The Wolf Pack are right back at the XL Center on Sunday, October 18, as the Syracuse Crunch visit for a 5:00 PM game. Sunday Pack home games this year will once again feature the Wolf Pack's "Click It or Ticket Family Value Pack". The Family Value Pack includes two tickets, two sodas and two hot dogs, all for just $35.

Tickets for all 2015-16 Wolf Pack home games are on sale at the Agera Energy Ticket Office at the XL Center, on-line at www.hartfordwolfpack.com and by phone at (877) 522-8499.

To speak with a Wolf Pack representative about season or group tickets, or any of the Wolf Pack's many ticketing options, call (855) 762-6451.

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