IHL 2 Kalamazoo Wings

K-Wings Week in Review

Published on October 30, 2006 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Saturday's (10/28) 3rd Annual Orange Ice Game was not a trick but definitely a treat for the 3,888 fans dressed in Halloween costumes for the yearly classic. Kalamazoo exploded for two first period goals to jump ahead 2-0 against the division rivals. Shawn Snider (1) camped out between the circles and deflected an Adam Elzinga pass by Muskegon's Clayton Pool. Forward B.J. Radovich used his speed to roar up the right side. Over the next two periods, Muskegon stormed back with four unanswered goals to capture a 4-2 advantage. The K-Wings tried to mount a comeback when Mark Versteeg-Lytwyn one-timed his first professional goal, but Kalamazoo wouldn't be able to find the equalizer, giving Muskegon a 4-3 victory.

Looking to rebound from their first lost of the season, Kalamazoo headed to Port Huron on Sunday (10/29) to battle the Flags. For the fifth straight game, the K-Wings found a way to strike first. Rookie forward Justin Cross, playing in just second professional game, slid the puck underneath the outstretched leg of Noah Ruden to put Kalamazoo ahead 1-0. Cross connected again on the power-play in the third period for his second tally of the game to extend the K-Wings lead to 2-0. Midway in the final stanza, Port Huron erupted for two goals in a span of thirty seconds to tie the contest at 2-2. The action headed into a shootout and Kalamazoo used goals from Alexander Valentin, Kory Karlander and stingy goaltending from Ryan Nie to outscore the Flags 2-0 in the extra session propelling the K-Wings to a 3-2 victory. Nie, who was playing in his first professional game, was brilliant stopping 29 of the 31 shots he faced in regulation to record the first win of his young career.

Fast Forward

Retuning home to conclude a home and home series with the Port Huron Flags, the K-Wings start a four-straight game stretch at Wings Stadium this Friday, November 3rd at 7:30 p.m. This Friday's contest also coincides with Mark Vilneff Night, as Kalamazoo pays homage to their UHL all-time game played leader (234). Dating back to last season, Kalamazoo has won eight straight over the Flags and are 10-0-1 lifetime.

Kalamazoo's week will wrap-up on Saturday (11/4) with a 7:30 p.m. date against the Flint Generals. The K-Wings are 1-0-0 against the Generals this season, defeating Flint 3-2 October 21st at Wings Stadium. Saturday is 2005-06 Colonial Cup Poster Night presented by Lake Pacor Home Mortgage. Kalamazoo is 12-0-1 in their last 13 encounters versus Flint.

Team Leaders: Kalamazoo Wings

Goals Scott Dobben, B.J. Radovich (3 Goals)

Assists Shawn Snider, Casey Handrahan (5 Assists)

Points Shawn Snider (6 Points)

+/- Jeff Brown, Tyler Willis, Mark Versteeg-Lytwyn (+1)

Penalty Minutes Tyler Willis, Joe Markusen (19 Minutes)

Power Play Goals B.J. Radovich, Kory Karlander, Scott Dobben, Justin Cross (2 Goals)

Short Handed Goals Scott Dobben (0 Goals)

Game Winning Goals B.J. Radovich, Kory Karlander, Scott Dobben (1 GW)

Shots: Nick Bootland (25 Shots)

Shooting Percentage: Justin Cross (66.7%)

Shootout Goals: Alexander Valentin, Kory Karlander (1 Goal)

Shootout Percentage: Alexander Valentin, Kory Karlander (100%)

Goals Against Average: Tom Askey (1.75)

Save Percentage: Tom Askey (0.944)

Home Sweet Home

Starting Friday, the K-Wings will become very familiar with Wings Stadium. Kalamazoo will commence a four-game home stand against Port Huron; concluding next Saturday versus Chicago.

Five Alive

With an assist on Sunday, forward Shawn Snider has increase his point-streak to five games. Snider is the lone member of the K-Wings to register a point in each of the team's first five contests of the year.

Off to a Good Start

Both Ryan Nie and Justin Cross have started their pro careers off right. In his professional debut, Nie knocked aside 29 shots in a victory 3-2 shootout win Sunday over Port Huron, while in the same game, Cross in his second pro game registered both regulation goals for Kalamazoo.

Goaltender Supreme

Goaltender Tom Askey has had a colossal beginning as a K-Wing. Askey leads the league in goals against average (1.75), save percentage (0.944) and is tied for the UHL lead in shutouts (1).

The Obscure Stat of the Week

Kalamazoo has dominated the 11-game series over Port Huron. Outscoring the Flags 50-11 in their last 8 games and 66-17 overall in the series. In the three games that have gone to a shootout, the final score for each of those contests has been 3-2.

Tickets, Get Your Tickets!!

Tickets for all K-Wing home games are now on sale. Catch all the action as your K-Wings play the very best the UHL has to offer. Tickets are on sale now by calling the Wings Stadium Ticket Office at (269) 345-5101.

Get On-Line

This season, the best way to keep track of the K-Wings is to log onto www.kwings.com. The site has player profiles, photos, information about Wings Stadium events, and much much more. Fans of myspace can befriend the official site of Wings Stadium and the Kalamazoo Wings at www.myspace.com/wingsstadium

Dobben and Snider on the Radio

Join special guests Scott Dobben and Shawn Snider, as they join Head Coach Mark Reeds and the "Voice of the K-Wings" Mike Modugno on "K-Wings Live". The show is on Your Local Sports Leader AM 1660 WQSN Mondays from 6-7 PM at The Cabana Bar and Grille inside the Holiday Inn Kalamazoo on South 11th Street.

K-Wings on Radio

Catch all the K-Wings games home and away on the K-Wings Radio Network (WLKM 95.9 FM and Your Local Sports Leader AM 1660 WQSN). Join the "Voice of the K-Wings" Mike Modugno for all 76 regular season games plus the playoffs. Pre-game coverage begins with the Digital Highway Pre-Game Show 15 minutes prior to face-off. For the most complete coverage of the K-Wings from the Opening Face-Off to the Final Buzzer, keep your radio tuned this season to the K-Wings Radio Network.

Upcoming Games

Friday, November 3rd Vs Port Huron 7:30 PM (Mark Vilneff Night)

Saturday, November 4th Vs Flint 7:30 PM (Championship Poster Night presented by Lake Pacor Home Mortgage)

Friday, November 10th Vs Fort Wayne 7:30 PM (Word of Life Night)

Saturday, November 11th Vs Chicago 7:30 PM (U.S. Army and Win-Win Night)

Check out the Kalamazoo Wings Statistics

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from October 30, 2006


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