Ice Dogs complete season sweep of Wildcats
March 15, 2010 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
Looking to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Wildcats took on the Fairbanks Ice Dogs for a pair of games up in Alaska. The Wildcats' luck against the Ice Dogs was minimal coming into the series, going 0-4 against them in two games at home and two previous games up at the Big Dipper Arena.
Friday's game was decided for the most part in the final two periods, where Fairbanks scored four in a row and won a 5-3 decision. Brian Sheehan and Andy Cramer scored first period goals for the Wildcats, giving them a 2-1 lead at the end of the opening period, but Fairbanks put the game out of reach, tying the game early in the second, and then putting up three goals in the third before the Wildcats would answer with a late J.T. Osborn goal. Sheehan had an assist to go along with his goal, and Tyler Lundey assisted on two goals as well. Lundey was named third star of the game for his efforts. P.J. Musico faced 42 shots, stopping 37 in the loss.
Saturday's game was a memorable one for all who played. Perhaps not because of the score, but because of where the game was played: outdoors! With temperatures in the single digits, the game was divided into four 15-minute quarters instead of three 20-minute periods. P.J. Musico could even be seen sporting a toque over his goalie helmet. Through those first three periods, the Ice Dogs would again jump out to a lead on the Wildcats, going up 3-0 to start the fourth. 56 seconds into the final frame, Broderick Browne got the âCats on the board off assists from Osborn and Daniel Gentzler, followed two minutes later by Sean Keane scoring from Gentzler and Browne, getting the Wildcats to within a goal. But it was as close as the âCats would get, as the Ice Dogs held on for a 3-2 victory. Musico and Kelly Andrew each stopped 13 shots, and Daniel Gentzler was the game's third star. (Team photo by Tracey Koby.)
With the losses, the Wildcats are officially eliminated from playoff contention despite the comeback of the past two months. Since Mike Flanagan took over as interim head coach in January, the Wildcats have gone 8-9-1. At the time of the change, the team was 10-23-5.
Never Waste a Ticket Night
The Wildcats will have their final "Never Waste a Ticket" night at their next home game, Friday, March 19 vs. the Topeka Roadrunners. Season Ticket Holders can exchange any unused tickets for tickets to that night's game to bring family and friends along.
It's the final home series of the regular season, so come on down for your final chance to cheer on the 2009-2010 Wildcats!
2009-2010 Season Awards Banquet
The Wildcats will be hosting their annual Awards Banquet on Thursday, March 25 at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel. Dinner will start at 6:30 pm, with awards being presented at 7:15. The price is $10 per person. To get your tickets, call the Wildcats' office at 940-716-5587!
Wildcats Alumni Update
The field is slowly being whittled down in college hockey. While the Division 3 schools have begun their national tournament, Division 1 schools are entering conference semi-final play this weekend.
Three teams featuring former Wildcats are still alive in their conference championships. Air Force, featuring Kyle Delaurell, takes on Sacred Heart this Friday in the Atlantic Hockey tournament. St. Lawrence, with Sean Coffey, will face off with Union on Friday in the ECAC tournament. Denver, with Chris Nutini and Luke Salazar, will play the winner of Thursday's game between North Dakota and Minnesota-Duluth on Friday in the WCHA. The winners of those games will play for their conference's championships on Saturday.
The lone former Wildcat to play in the Division 3 National Tournament has seen his team's season come to a close. Curry lost to Elmira 4-1 in the opening round of the tournament, however Brett Kaneshiro did pick up an assist on Curry's lone goal.
Tack on another five points in the CHL for Chad Costello. Last week the forward scored three goals and added two assists as his Corpus Christi Ice Rays went 2-1-1. He has scored in 9 of his last 12 games.
Sexton Watch
Dan Sexton is getting back on track after a slow start since being recalled by the Anaheim Ducks. Held out of the scoring for five games since his return, the rookie forward picked up an assist on Lubomir Visnovsky's first period goal on Sunday in a 4-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks. He now has 9 goals and 10 assists in 34 NHL games.
North American Hockey League Stories from March 15, 2010
- Stars Go Bragh: St. Patty's Day Tilt Kicks Off 7 In 11 - Traverse City North Stars
- Outdoor Game a Favorite in Fairbanks - NAHL
- Ike to Appear on Dallas Morning TV Show - Texas Tornado
- Ice Dogs complete season sweep of Wildcats - Wichita Falls Wildcats
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