ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

Kalamazoo Wings Week In Review

Published on October 28, 2003 under ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


For the Week of October 27th-November 2nd

Record Last Week: 2-0-0 Overall Record 2-0-0

Game Rewind The K-Wings opened up the 2003-04 season on road last week with two games. The curtain raised on the K-Wings 30th Anniversary season on Friday, October 24th, as Kalamazoo traveled to Missouri to battle the River Otters. The game was a homecoming for K-Wings Head Coach Mark Reeds, who coached the River Otters for the past four seasons. Kalamazoo started the game's scoring in the opening period, as Jeff Turner scored on the power play at the 11:53 to give the K-Wings a 1-nothing lead. The goal was the lone scored in the period; however, the K-Wings would dominate the period's play as they out shot the Otters 18-0 in the first 20 minutes. Kalamazoo continued the scoring in the second period, when Yannick Carpentier scored on a wrist shot at 17:06 into the period to give the K-Wings a 2-0 lead. Kalamazoo put the game out of reach just two minutes later when Pat O'Leary scored on a back hand to make the score 3-0 Kalamazoo heading into the third period. In the final period, Kalamazoo concluded the games scoring when Carpentier recorded his second goal of the game to the K-Wings the 4-nothing lead. Chad Alban stopped all 16 shots he faced, as the Kalamazoo native recorded his 7th career shutout and his 2nd as a member of the K-Wings.

The following night, the K-Wings hoped to continue their success against the Fort Wayne Komets, as Kalamazoo traveled to Memorial Coliseum to battle their arch rivals. The week prior the K-Wings used two great defensive efforts to sweep two preseason games against Fort Wayne. The K-Wings would have to endure a loud Komets crowd, of 10,507 people (a new Fort Wayne opening night record), that packed the Coliseum to witness the raising of the Komets 2002-03 Colonial Cup banner. The K-Wings tried to put a damper on the Komets celebration, as Daniel Carriere (1) scored on the power play 5 minutes into the opening period to give the K-Wings a 1-0 lead. The score remained the same until the second period, when K-Wing forward Marty Flichel (1) created a turnover in the neutral zone and scored a shorthanded goal to extend the K-Wings lead to 2-0. Fort Wayne cut the K-Wings in half 6:07 into the second period on a power play goal by Dustin Virag (3). Kalamazoo extended their lead to 3-1 in the third period, on Carpentier's team leading third goal of the season. The Komets answered late in the game with goals by Adam Lewis (1) and Dan Price (1) just 1:59 part from each other to tie the game 3-3. The game eventually headed into a shootout, where the K-Wings prevailed, as Kalamazoo outscored the Komets 3-0 in the extra session and would go on to defeat Fort Wayne by the final of 4-3. Fast Forward The K-Wings will try to extend their undefeated record with two games this week. On Friday, October 31st, the K-Wings will concluded their three game road swing with a game against the Port Huron Beacons. Kalamazoo was 4-4-0 against the Beacons last season. The game will also feature two of the UHL's top goaltenders in Chad Alban and Beacons netminder Kory Cooper.

Kalamazoo will open the home portion of their 2003-04 season on Saturday, November 1st, as the K-Wings host the Fort Wayne Komets at 7:30 pm in Wings Stadium. This time it will be the Komets that will try to play the role of spoiler as the K-Wings commence their 30th Anniversary celebration. Before the game, Stadium Management Company along with special guests will unveil "A Lasting Wings Tradition". This exhibit will serve as a tribute to the rich tradition that the Wings Stadium Complex has had in southwest Michigan. Photo collages delineating the chronological history of the Wings Stadium Complex and the Kalamazoo Wings will be displayed throughout the main concourse of Wings Stadium. All fans entering Wings Stadium on November 1st will also receive a special Anniversary-themed Magnetic Game Schedule courtesy of Meijer. Fans are encouraged to stay after the game as the entire K-Wings team will be signing autographs at the Centennial Wireless Autograph zone, and Wings Stadium, along with Cool 101 FM will be hosting the "30th Anniversary Retro Fest 70's Dance" in The Annex. Any fan that purchases a ticket to the K-Wings game will be permitted into the dance FREE. Individuals that would like to attend only the dance may purchase a 30th Anniversary Retro Fest ticket for $10. Also after the game, the band 6FP will play, as fans will have the opportunity to partake in a FREE public skating session (skate rental not included) within Wings Stadium.

Best Start Ever The K-Wings are starting the season on a high note. Their 2-0-0 is the best start by the K-Wings in the four year span that Kalamazoo has played in the UHL.

Sharp Shooter With three goals in his first two games, Yannick Carpentier finds himself near the top of the UHL goal scorer's list. Starting play this week, Carpentier's three goals places him in a tie for second just two goals behind Flint's Jim Duhart for the league lead in goals Goaltender of the Week Chad Alban has been name the UHL's Sher-Wood Goaltender of the Week for the period ending October 26th. Alban posted a 2-0-0 record, as well as a GAA of 1.50, a save percentage of .938, and the first UHL shutout of the season.

Special Teams The K-Wings success in week one of the UHL season can be linked to their special teams. Kalamazoo is currently ranked third in the UHL on the power play at 23.1 % and their penalty kill has been just as impressive. The K-Wings have killed 13 of their 14 shorthanded opportunities, which ranks them 4th in the UHL at 92.9%.

The Obscure Stat of the Week When the K-Wings lead heading into the final period they have been nearly automatic. In the UHL history, which includes the 1999-00 season when they were the Madison (Wis.) Kodiaks, the K-Wings are 93-5-6 when leading after two periods of play. The K-Wings are already 2-0-0 this season when leading after two periods.

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 for are on sale by calling the K-Wings at 345-5101.

Get on Line This season the best to keep track of the K-Wings is to log onto www.kwings.com. The site has player profiles, information about Wings Stadium events, and much more.

Willis on the Radio Join special guests Tyler Willis and former K-Wings great Georges Gagnon, as they join Head Coach Mark Reeds and the "Voice of the K-Wings" Mike Modugno on "K-Wings Live". The show is on The Sports Station 1600 AM WQSN Monday's from 6-7PM at Sports Forum on Mosel.

K-Wings on Radio Catch all the K-Wings games home and away on the K-Wings Radio Network (WLKM 95.9, WQSN 1660 AM, and WRCC 1400 AM). Join the "Voice of the K-Wings" Mike Modugno for all 76 regular season games and the playoffs. Pre game coverage begins with the Countdown to Face-Off 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, October 31st @ Port Huron 7:05 PM Saturday, November 1st Vs Fort Wayne 7:30 PM (K-Wings 30th Anniversary Retro Fest) Friday, November 7th Vs Muskegon 7:30 PM

Check out the Kalamazoo Wings Statistics

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