IHL 2 Kalamazoo Wings

Kalamazoo Wings Week In Review

Published on January 19, 2004 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Record Last Week: 1-1-1 Overall Record 16-12-6

Game Rewind

The K-Wings jumped right into their three game week on Wednesday, January 14th, as they hosted the Quad City Mallards at Wing Stadium. After a scoreless 20 minutes of play, Quad City scored the game's first goal just three minutes into the second period, when Jason Sessa positioned himself in front of the net and put a shot past Chad Alban. The Mallards extended their 1-nothing lead in the second period on a Martin Hlinka (18) goal just 3:35 into the period. The K-Wings answered back 47 seconds later, when Joe Ritson lit the lamp for the eighth time this season. With less than one minute remaining in the game, the K-Wings pulled Alban for the extra skater and the gambled paid off, as Jeff Turner deflected a Daniel Carriere shot past Jeff Reynaert to tie the game up at 2-2. The game headed into a shootout and the Mallards would prevail, as they defeated the K-Wings by the final of 3-2.

Kalamazoo continued the week on Friday, January 16th, as they traveled to Port Huron to battle the Beacons. Kalamazoo scored first 9:07 into the opening period, as Pat O'Leary lit the lamp for the seventh time this season to give the K-Wings a 1-0 lead. Port Huron's Brent Gretzky (25) scored the equalizer while on a 5-3 power play to tie the game at 1-1. Port Huron gained the lead for good in the second period, as the Beacons scored the periods first two goals to give them a 3-1 lead. In the later stages of the second period, Kalamazoo cut the Beacons lead to a single goal, when Marty Flichel (12) riffled in his own rebound from the slot. Port Huron regained their two goal cushion in the third period, when Wade Winkler finished off a two on one odd man rush as he deflected a shot past Rob Anderson to give the Beacons a 4-2 lead. The K-Wings attempted another comeback later in the period, as Andrew Luciuk (10) scored to extended his K-Wings season high point streak to 12 games. However, Port Huron answered back scoring the games next two goals, as the Beacons would go on to defeat Kalamazoo by the final of 6-3. The K-Wings out shot the Beacons 55-29 for the game. The 55 shots by Kalamazoo were the most this season and two shy of the franchise record.

Something would have to give on Saturday, January 17th, as the K-Wings hosted the Richmond RiverDogs. Kalamazoo entered the game winless in their last 5 games (0-3-2); however, the K-Wings were also trying to extend a 9 game home unbeaten streak (5-0-5). The K-Wings started the game's scoring in the second period, as Jeff Turner (22) scored on a 5 on 3 power play from the bottom of the left circle to give Kalamazoo a 1-nothing lead. Seventeen seconds after Turner gave the K-Wings the lead, the RiverDogs would tie the game right up on a short handed goal from Eric Perricone (2). Kalamazoo took the lead for good later in the period, when Dan Watson kept the puck in the ‘Dogs zone and that's all Tim Turner would need to secure his 5th goal of the year to give the K-Wings a 2-1 lead. Jeff Turner put the game on ice in the third period by scoring two more goals, which gave him his second hat trick of the season, as the K-Wings would go on to defeat the ‘Dogs by the final of 4-1 to extend the K-Wings home unbeaten streak to 10 games.

Fast Forward

The K-Wings will come out the all-star break by playing three games this week. Kalamazoo will start the week by playing a home and home series against the Flint Generals. The series will begin on Friday, January 23rd in Flint. The following night, Kalamazoo will attempt to extend their 10 game home unbeaten streak when they host the Generals on McDonalds Win-Win Night sponsored by WKRF. If the K-Wings win, everyone in attendance will win a FREE value meal from McDonalds. Kalamazoo lost in a shootout in the lone appearance against Flint back on December 4th at Wings Stadium. Flint starts the week atop the Eastern Conference with a record of 21-15-3.

Kalamazoo will conclude the week on Sunday, January 25th as they host the Rockford IceHogs on WKFR Family Fun Pack Day. Fans can purchase four tickets, hot dogs and Cokes for low affordable price of $28. Following the game, the entire K-Wings team will participate in post game skate. Face-Off at Wings Stadium is set for 4 PM. The meeting will be the fifth of thirteen between the teams this season. Kalamazoo holds the season edge with a record of 2-1-2.

The Mad Hatter

Jeff Turner netted his second and the K-Wings second hat trick of the season last Saturday against Richmond. The hat trick was the 19th in the K-Wings UHL history. Turner also leads the K-Wings with 24 goals. In his last 11 games, Turner has scored 11 goals and added 3 assists.

Home Cooking

The K-Wings will enter Saturday's games against the Flint Generals trying to extend their home unbeaten streak. Kalamazoo is unbeaten at Wings Stadium in their last 10 games dating back to November 21, 2003.

Not Your Average Joe

Joe Ritson has had no problem producing since coming to Kalamazoo. Ritson starts the week on a five game scoring streak. Joe also recorded his 100th career assist over the weekend during K-Wings 4-1 victory over Richmond.

Nearing Milestones

Two K-Wings players enter the week close to reaching personal milestones. Both Marty Flichel and Andrew Luciuk need just one more assist to reach 200 for his career.

The Obscure Stat of the Week

So far through 34 games, both Jeff and Tim Turner have scored in the same game four times. When both Turner's have scored in the same game, the K-Wings are undefeated with a record of 4-0-0.

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 all K-Wing home games are on sale by calling the K-Wings 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, information about Wings Stadium events, and much more.

Ritson on the Radio

Join special guests JoeRitson as he joins Head Coach Mark Reeds, the "Voice of the K-Wings" Mike Modugno, and WQSN's Sports Director Ryan Maguire tonight on "K-Wings Live". The show is on The Sports Station 1600 AM WQSN Monday's from 6-7PM live from The Sports Forum on Mosel.

K-Wings Radio Network

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 the drop of the puck. For the most complete coverage of the K-Wings from the Opening Face-Off to the Final Buzzer keep your radio tuned to the K-Wings Radio Network this season.

Upcoming Games

Friday, January 23rd @ Flint 7:30 PM

Saturday, January 24th Vs Flint 7:30 PM (WKFR Win-Win Night sponsored by McDonalds)

Sunday, January 25th Vs Rockford 4:00 PM (WKFR Family Fun Pack Night)

Check out the Kalamazoo Wings Statistics

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from January 19, 2004


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