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IHL 2 Kalamazoo Wings

Kalamazoo Wings Week In Review

April 25, 2005 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


The K-Wings continued their "Colonial Cup Countdown" last week with four games. On Tuesday (4/19), the K-Wings traveled to Rockford to play the IceHogs in game three of their first round best of seven series. For the third straight game, it was Rockford scoring first, as Brandon Segal netted his fifth goal of the postseason on a power play goal to give the Hogs an early 1-0 lead. In the second period, the K-Wings answered back with a pair of goals. First, it was Daniel Carriere (1) scoring on a 5-3 man advantage to tie the game at 1-1. Just 1:03 after the K-Wings tied the game, they would take their first lead of the playoffs, as Kevin Kerr (1) deflected a Kevin Kotyluk pass by Rockford's Michel Robinson to give Kalamazoo a 2-1 lead. Rockford stormed back with two unanswered goals to regain a 3-2 lead. Before heading into the locker room for the second intermission, the K-Wings tied the game with a goal by Andrew Luciuk (2) with just six seconds remaining to tie the game at 3-3. In the final period, Rockford would outscore the K-Wings 3-1, as the IceHogs skated away with a 6-4 victory. Kalamazoo's lone goal in the third period was by rookie defenseman Josh Elzinga (1). The goal was Elzinga's first of his career.

On Wednesday (4/20), the K-Wings faced elimination, as they stayed in Rockford to battle the IceHogs in game four. After no scoring through almost two periods of play, the K-Wings scored the game's first goal, when Tim Turner (1) knocked in a rebound with just four-tenths of a second remaining in the second period to give the K-Wings a 1-0 lead. The goal by Turner marked the first time the K-Wings had scored first in the playoff series or led going into the final period. In the third period, Rockford fought back and tied the game at 1-1 with a goal by Nathan Lutz (1). Fans at the MetroCentre thought the game was going to head into overtime, but Tyler Willis dashed those thoughts, as Willis (1) slapped in a rebound with just 1:22 remaining in the game to give the K-Wings a 2-1 victory. Rookie goaltender Joel Martin, starting in his first playoff game stopped 31 of 32 shots to earn the victory.

The K-Wings victory meant the series would head back to Kalamazoo for game five on Friday (4/22). For the second straight game, the K-Wings scored first, as Shaun Fisher scored his first goal of the playoffs 13:18 into the opening period. The goal by Fisher was the first by Kalamazoo in the first period of any game in this series. Late in the opening period, Rockford would tie the game, as J.C. Ruid netted his second goal of the playoffs to tie the game at 1-1. There would be no scoring the remainder of regulation. In overtime, the K-Wings capitalized on a Rockford turnover, as Sean Starke found Mike Manley, who skated in a scored the game-winner on a breakaway to give the K-Wings a 2-1 overtime victory.

The series would change venues for game six, as both teams headed back to the Rockford MetroCentre. After watching the K-Wings jump out to a two-nothing lead, Rockford went on their own run, scoring three unanswered goal to take a 3-2 lead. The K-Wings answered back with less than eight minutes remaining in the third period, when Greg Labenski (1) scored from the left circle to tie the game at 3-3. For the second straight game, the teams headed into overtime; however, it would be Rockford's Terry Harrison that would score the game-winner. The goal from Harrison gave the IceHogs the 4-3 victory and ended the K-Wings season, as Rockford won the best of seven series four games to two.

Fast Forward

The K-Wings will commence the 2005-2006 season in October.

Leading the Way

Forward Andrew Luciuk led the K-Wings in postseason scoring. The veteran forward paved the way for the K-Wings with five points in this year's playoffs.

Feels Like the First Time

The road victory on April 20th against Rockford was a historic victory for the K-Wings. The victory was the first road playoff victory for the K-Wings in their UHL history.

My Favorite Martin

Rookie goaltender Joel Martin is still among playoff leaders in two categories. Martin is second among playoff netminders with a GAA of 1.85. Joel is also fourth among goaltenders with a save percentage of .935

Feeling Manley

Forward Mike Manley is just one of two UHL rookies in the postseason that has scored a game-winning goal. Manley scored his game-winner on April 22nd against Rockford. The other UHL rookie with a game-winner is Missouri's Justin Quenneville, who netted two game-winners in the playoffs.

The Obscure Stat of the Week

For the second straight season the K-Wings have played a overtime game on April 22nd. In fact, the K-Wings, who are 2-2 in overtime games, have won both of their franchises overtime games on April 22nd. Last year, the K-Wings defeated the Fort Wayne Komets 1-0 in overtime on April 22nd.

Tickets Get Your Tickets!!

Season tickets for all K-Wings 2005-06 season are now on sale. Catch all the action as your K-Wings play the very best the UHL has to offer. Season 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 www.kwings.com. The site has player profiles, information about Wings Stadium events, and much much more.

Pickard and Reeds on the Air

Join Vice President/General Manager Paul Pickard along with Head Coach Mark Reeds, as they join the "Voice of the K-Wings" Mike Modugno on the final "K-Wings Live" of the season. The show is on Your Local Sports Leader AM 1660 WQSN Monday's from 6-7 PM 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 FM and Your Local Sports Leader AM 1660 WQSN). Join the "Voice of the K-Wings" Mike Modugno for all 76 regular season games plus the playoffs. Pre-game coverage begins with the Digital Highway 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.

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