ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

K-Wings Weekly

December 12, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Game Rewind

Wednesday, December 7th @ Chicago (Chicago 4-Kalamazoo 1)

Hoffman Estates, IL- Starting a stretch of three straight games against one another the Chicago Express defeated the Kalamazoo Wings 4-1 Wednesday night the Sears Centre and in the process moved pass the K-Wings into first place in the North Divison.

Ironically, despite being outshot in the opening period 13-4, Kalamazoo grabbed an early lead by scoring on their first shot of the night. Bryan Haczyk (2nd), who deflected a cross rink pass in his own zone, won the skate race in the neutral zone to create a breakaway. With the Express defense closing in, Haczyk ripped a slap shot from the right circle 1:57 into the game.

Another turnover later in the period, this time by Kalamazoo, would pull Chicago even. Stealing the puck behind the K-Wings net, recently acquired Chad Painchaud quickly threw a pass to a streaking Tyler Donati (4th) who one-timed the equalizer past Riley Gill 7:16 into the period.

Unfortunate bounces and more turnovers added to the K-Wings woes in the second period. A seeming innocent slap shot from Chaz Johnson (9th) turned hazardous when it hit off glass behind the net and recoiled off the back of Gill to give the Express the advantage.

Just over two minutes later, Mike Embach intercepted a Kalamazoo pass in the high slot immediately fired over Gill upping Chicago's lead to 3-1.

Adding to their lead off a face-off in the K-Wings zone late in the period, Painchaud (3rd) notched his second point of the night on a rebound.

Neither team was able to the score in the third period. Allen York (2-0-0-0) earned the victory stopping 18 shots, while Gill (8-6-0-1) made 22 saves in defeat.

Friday, December 9th (Chicago 6-Kalamazoo 5-Shootout)

Hoffman Estates, IL- On their way to victory early in the third period, the Kalamazoo Wings couldn't hang onto a three-goal lead, as the Chicago Express stormed back to defeat the K-Wings 6-5 in a shootout and in a process increase their North Division lead to two points over Kalamazoo.

Steven Anthony (5th) ignited a high scoring opening period, when he deflected a Mike Matczak slap shot 2:52 into the game to give the K-Wings an early lead.

Nearly three minutes later, the Express pulled even with a tally from Chad Painchaud (4th), which was Chicago's first of two power-play goals in the stanza.

Off the ensuing face-off, Kalamazoo went back ahead, when recent reassigned forward Darren Archibald earned his first goal as a K-Wing on a wrist shot. Archibald, who started the season with the American Hockey League's Chicago Wolves, was reassigned to Kalamazoo by the Vancouver Canucks on Monday.

The K-Wings power-play extended the lead to 3-1 10:38 into the first period. Working the puck right to left in the attack zone, Matczak earned his second assist of the period by setting up a Sam Ftorek (2nd) left circle slap shot.

Wrapping up the high scoring period, Pierre-Luc Faubert (7th) brought the Express back to with a single goal with a rebound power-play marker midway in the period.

Snapping a streak of 0-for-8 in either penalty shots (0-for-3) or penalty shots (0-for-5) this season, Kalamazoo's Taylor Ellington (3rd) scored the lone goal of the second period on a penalty shot 6:17 into the period. The penalty shot was the K-Wings league-leading fourth of the season.

Earning their largest lead of the night 2:53 into the third period, Kalamazoo's Eric Kattelus registered his second goal of the season, both against Chicago, with a blast from the point.

A fortunate bounce started the Express' comeback moments later, when Scott Wietecha notched his first goal of the season with a center ice slap shot bounced off the glove of Maxime Clermont and into the net.

Capitalizing off an odd-man rush, Mike Embach (5th) kept the Express' hopes alive scoring on a backhander 7:47 into the period.

One minute after Chicago cut Kalamazoo's lead to a goal, the K-Wings were forced to make a goaltending change, as Riley Gill replaced Clermont, who left the game with an injury.

For the second-time in the contest, Painchaud (5th) pulled Chicago even, this time with a backhander from just below the right circle midway in the period to eventually force overtime.

While neither team was able to score in the five-minute overtime session, the K-Wings had several chances in the waning moments with four-on-three power-play opportunity.

Chicago out scored Kalamazoo 2-1 in the shootout receiving goals from Bobby Robins and Kyle Ostrow, while the K-Wings received their lone goal from Justin Taylor.

Saturday, December 10th Vs Chicago (Kalamazoo 4-Chicago 3-Overtime)

Kalamazoo, MI- Anchored by two power-play goals, including the game-winner from Sam Ftorek the Kalamazoo Wings closed to within one point of first place in the North Division with a 4-3 overtime victory over the Chicago Express on Direct Air Beach Party Night.

Scoring on a rebound 11:57 into the opening period, Devin DiDiomete (3rd) gave the Express the early advantage. Chicago enter Saturday night with a record of 8-0-0-0 when scoring the game's first goal.

Looking like they were going to trial after the first period, a late rush by the K-Wings lead to a tied contest, as Nick Sirota (5th) tipped a Darren Archibald shot past Allen York 17:44 into the stanza to even the game at 1-1.

Continuing to pay dividends since being traded from Reading a week ago, Chad Painchaud put Chicago ahead by notching his sixth goal of the season. Painchaud has record four of his six goals and six of his team-leading 21 points this season in an Express jersey.

Kalamazoo pulled even midway in the third period with a power-play marker from Dean Strong (9th). Setup by a cross-rink pass from Darryl Bootland, Strong blasted a slap shot past York to knot the game at 2-2.

Giving the K-Wings their first lead of the night just 1:02 later, Strong registered his second of the night on a rebound. The goal, which was Strong 's 10th of the season, tied the forward with Brandon Svendsen for the team-lead in that category.

Kalamazoo's lead lasted only 1:41, as Aaron Marvin tied the game at 3-3 with his fifth-goal of the season 13:52 into the third period.

A late penalty against Scott Wietcha in the third period would carry in overtime and unlike the night before the K-Wings wouldn't waste the opportunity.

Finding room on the left point, Ftorek (3rd) scored the game-winner 14 seconds into the extra session.

Sunday, December 11th Toledo (Kalamazoo 5-Chicago 4-Shootout)

Toledo, OH- For the second straight game, the Kalamazoo Wings were able to erase a third period deficit on their way to victory, as they defeated the Toledo Walleye 5-4 in a shootout Sunday night at the Huntington Center.

Sneaking free in front of the K-Wings net, Aaron Lewicki (4th) pushed in a rebound past Maxime Clermont 7:12 into the contest to give the Walleye a 1-0 lead.

Following a face-off win in their own zone, the K-Wings pulled even midway in the period, as Trent Daavettila forced the puck up the ice and fed Steven Anthony (6th) to cap off the odd-man rush.

A couple of minutes later, with 4:55 remaining in the period, the Walleye regained the lead with Lewicki's (5th) second goal of the night.

A turnover behind the K-Wings net in the second period opened the door for the Walleye to increase their lead. With the puck free behind Kalamazoo's net, Joey Martin chipped a pass to Brian Matte in front of the crease for his first goal of the season.

Kalamazoo's heroics started 7:48 into the third period. Skating to the high-slot, Trent Daavettila slap shot was deflected by Darryl Bootland for his fifth-goal of the season.

Keeping the K-Wings newly found momentum short-lived, David Toews (2nd) scored 11 seconds later upping the Walleye's lead back to two goals.

Battling back a second-time, Anthony (7th) helped Kalamazoo cut the lead in half midway in the period earning his second-goal of the game on a rebound marker.

Less than four minutes later, the K-Wings knotted the game at 4-4 on a goal from Mike Matczak, which forced Kalamazoo's third straight extra session contest.

After a scoreless overtime, the K-Wings outscored the Walleye 3-2 in the shootout receiving goals from Taylor Ellington, Anthony and Dean Strong.

The victory was the K-Wings were first shootout win since October 24, 2010, a span of nine games. With the victory, Kalamazoo moves into first place in the North Division and with 30 points places the K-Wings atop of the Eastern Conference standings.

Fast Forward

Kalamazoo will conclude their brief two-game road swing tomorrow, December 13th with a 7:35 p.m. encounter against the Cincinnati Cyclones at U.S. Bank Arena. The game will wrap-up a stretch of five games in seven days for the K-Wings, as well as be the first half of a home-and-home series between the teams. With 19 points, Cincinnati starts the week tied with the Toledo Walleye for third place in the North Division. The Cyclones will enter the game on a four-game (3-0-0-1) unbeaten streak. On the season, Kalamazoo is 2-1-0-0 versus Cincinnati.

The K-Wings will return to Wings Stadium on this Friday, December 16th with a 7:30 p.m. face-off versus the Cyclones on a Frugal Fan Friday, featuring $1 Beer, $1 Hot Dogs and $1 Pepsi. Friday night will also be the K-Wings' annual "Ugliest Holiday" Sweater Contest, where the winner will receive $100. Fans are also encouraged to bring new toys to the game for the K-Wings' Toys for Tots Drive.

On Saturday, December 17th the K-Wings will remain at home to take on the Elmira Jackals at 7:30 p.m. during the Annual WKFR Teddy Bear Toss Game, as well as a Saturday "Celebrity" Series game, featuring Flippenout. When the K-Wings score their first goal, fans are encouraged to throw their stuffed animals onto the ice. The stuffed animals collected will go the Salvation Army and to the K-Wings' annual visit to the Bronson Children's Hospital. On the season, the K-Wings are 1-1-0-1 versus the Jackals, with all three previous game played at the First Arena in Elmira, New York. Saturday will be the Jackals first and only regular season appearance at Wings Stadium. Elmira starts the week tied with the Wheeling Nailers for first place in the Atlantic Division.

Team Leaders: Kalamazoo Wings

Goals: Dean Strong, Brandon Svendsen (10 Goals)

Assists: Trent Daavettila (19 Assists)

Points: Brandon Svendsen (27 Points)

+/-: Sam Ftorek (+11)

Penalty Minutes: Darryl Bootland (75 Minutes)

Power Play Goals: Brandon Svendsen (5 Goals)

Short Handed Goals: Brandon Svendsen, Justin Taylor (1 Goal)

Game Winning Goals:

Brandon Svendsen (5 GW)

Shots: Trent Daavettila (63 Shots)

Shooting Percentage: Dean Strong (25.6%)

Overtime Goals: Sam Ftorek, Kory Karlander (1 Goal)

Shootout Goals: Steven Anthony, Taylor Ellington, Dean Strong, Justin Taylor (1 Goal)

Shootout Percentage: Taylor Ellington (100%)

Goals Against Average: Maxime Clermont (3.02 )

Save Percentage: Maxime Clermont (0.896)

Extra Time on Their Hands

Lately, the K-Wings have had their fair share of overtime/shootout finishes. Kalamazoo's

last three games have been decided in either overtime or a shootout.

It's Been Awhile

Kalamazoo's shootout victory over the Toledo Walleye was their first shootout victory in over a year. Prior to Sunday, the K-Wings last shootout victory was back on October 24, 2010 versus the Cincinnati Cyclones, a span of nine shootout games.

On a Roll

Forward Darryl Bootland enters the week on the point streak. Bootland has earned points in each of the K-Wings past three games.

Beast of the East

With 30 points, the K-Wings are atop of the North Division standings. Besides being the top team in the North, Kalamazoo also starts the week as the top team in the entire Eastern Conference.

The Obscure Stat of the Week

On Saturday, Kalamazoo will face-off against Elmira in the K-Wings' WKFR 12th Annual Teddy Bear Toss game. The K-Wings, who are 14-4-0-0 in Teddy Bear Toss Games, are 10-1-0-0 at home during and 4-3-0-0 as the road team, including 1-0-0-0 this year (@ South Carolina) during the stuffed animal classic.

Tickets! Get Your Tickets!!

Tickets for all K-Wings home games are now on sale. Catch all the action as your K-Wings play the very best the ECHL 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 the team's brand new website at www.kwings.com . The site has player profiles, video on your hometown team, and much, much more.

Clermont and Ftorek

Join special guests Maxime Clermont and Sam Ftorek as they join Head Coach Nick Bootland and the "Voice of the K-Wings" Mike Modugno this Monday on "K-Wings Live". The show is on The Classic Hits Station WLKM (95.9 FM) and online through www.kwings.com from 6-7 p.m. at Old Burdick's Wings West.

K-Wings on Radio

Catch all the K-Wings games, home and away, on the K-Wings Radio Network (95.9 FM WLKM & on kwings.com). Join the "Voice of the K-Wings" Mike Modugno for all 72 regular season games plus the playoffs. Pre-game coverage begins with the Kalsee Credit Union 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

Tuesday, December 13th @ Cincinnati 7:35 PM

Friday, December 16th Vs Cincinnati 7:30 PM (Frugal Fan Friday and Ugliest Holiday Sweater Contest)

Saturday, December 17th Vs Elmira 7:30 PM (WKFR Teddy Bear Toss Night and

Saturday "Celebrity" Series Featuring Flippenout)

Wednesday, December 21st @ Cincinnati 7:30 PM

Friday, December 23rd Vs Toledo 7:30 PM (Frugal Fan Friday/"Festivus Night")

Check out the Kalamazoo Wings Statistics



ECHL Stories from December 12, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central