Kalamazoo Drops Season Opener in NAHL Showcase

Published on September 14, 2011 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings News Release


Blaine, MN- The Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings had 27 shots on net in their regular season opener, but that proved to be too little as the Austin Bruins skated past them with a 3-2 victory on Wednesday afternoon in Blaine, Minnesota.

Nineteen minutes and fifty-nine seconds ticked off the clock in the first period before Kalamazoo got the scoring started. Anthony Appleyard sent a seemingly harmless backhander on net from center-ice, which took a short hop past Austin goalie Tyler Bruggerman. The unassisted, power play goal was the first of the season for Appleyard.

The second period started with a quick rebuttal from the Bruins. Austin Nelson scored his first of the season just 1:11 into the second frame. His quick shot from the slot area beat the glove of Jr. K-Wings goalie Alex Okicki.

Ten minutes later, it was Kalamazoo's turn to get back on the score sheet. Chris Hughes broke the tie by jamming home a rebound at the top of the crease from a Brett Beauvais slap shot near the point. The goal for Hughes was his first of the season.

With less than five minutes left in the period, Austin would once again lock the game up. Brandon Wahlin snuck through the Kalamazoo defense and deked past Okicki. His backhander found the top corner for his first of the year.

The Bruins would break the tie during the third period while shorthanded using the second tally of the afternoon from Wahler (2nd). He broke the tie by beating Okicki on a breakaway he forced while his team was down an attacker. The goal would be the eventual game winner.

Kalamazoo will play game two of their four games in Blaine, Minnesota tomorrow morning with a 10 a.m. Central Time start against the Janesville Jets.

The Jr. K-Wings will return to the Borgess Health Rink at Wings West on Saturday, September 24th for a 2 p.m. home opening contest versus the Jamestown Ironmen.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



North American Hockey League Stories from September 14, 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