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Kalamazoo Rebounds From Ugly Loss to Defeat Arch Rival

December 7, 2012 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings News Release


Port Huron, MI - Friday night's game between these two Northern Division teams will do nothing to cool down the rivalry. Although Port Huron outshot Kalamazoo 51 - 22, outstanding goaltending by Alex Okicki enabled Kalamazoo to leave Port Huron as shootout victors.

The Jr. K-Wings were able to spring out to an early first period lead, just a handful of minutes into period number one. Patrick Spellacy was looking to center a pass to the front of the goal, but in the process, it was deflected of a Port Huron defender's skate and into the back of the goal. It was the fourth tally of the season for Spellacy.

Following that up just a few minutes later was Port Huron's Nick Horne. Horne walked the puck into the Kalamazoo end, carried towards the middle, and lifted a backhander that was able to beat Okicki. Horne's sixth drew the game even at one apiece.

Minutes after Horne's tying tally, the Fighting Falcons were able to capitalize and take their first lead of the game. Ian Miller ripped a wrist shot from the high slot that beat Okicki in the top corner to give Port Huron a 2-1 edge. The goal for Miller was his team lead tying ninth marker of the season.

The second period may not have seen any goals, but it did not lack in excitement. Power plays on both sides led to some scoring chances, but Okicki and Max Milosek were able to stop any and all potential scoring opportunities.

With only 1:39 elapsed in the third period, the Jr. K-Wings had the puck deep in Falcon territory. A delayed penalty was called on the Falcons just as the Trevor Boyd (5th) was able to take advantage of all of the traffic in front of Milosek and tie the game at two a piece.

Late in the third, an apparent go-ahead goal by Mitch Maloney was waved off by the referees as they say the puck was illegally put into the net by either a skate or a hand. No goals were scored in the rest of the period, and overtime was needed.

Overtime came and went without either team being able to win the game.

In the shootout, Kalamazoo's Luc Boby was able to drive home his first attempt. Horne was able to build upon his earlier goal and match the effort by Boby. Each side saw their next three skaters miss their opportunity to potentially end the game. Kalamazoo's fifth skater, Taylor Burden, was able to break the scoreless streak and get the puck past the formidable Milosek. Miller, who scored the Falcons second goal, came up and attempted to extend the shootout. However, as he had been doing all night, Okicki deflected the shot away and secured the Kalamazoo win.

Official game stats can be found at: http://pointstreak.com/prostats/gamesheet_full.html?gameid1993638

The Jr. K-Wings will be back in action tomorrow afternoon. They will be coming back to Kalamazoo and hosting a weekend series with the Soo Eagles.



North American Hockey League Stories from December 7, 2012


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