IHL 2 Kalamazoo Wings

Kalamazoo Wings Week in Review

Published on May 8, 2006 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


The Kalamazoo Wings continued "Destination: Colonial Cup" with Game One of their Semi-Final Series against the Rockford IceHogs Friday (5/5) at Wings Stadium. Kalamazoo struck first in the form of a Lucas Drake (2) goal 14:20 into the opening period. The K-Wings extended their lead early in the second period with a tally from Nick Bootland (6). Kalamazoo put the game out of reach 14:54 into the second period, when Jason Deitsch (3) tipped the puck past Scott Dickie to give Kalamazoo a 3-0 cushion. Rockford scored their first goal of the Semi-Finals late in the third period while on the power-play, when Corey Hessler (2) ripped a shot from the right point, but it wouldn't be enough as the K-Wings defeated the IceHogs 3-1 to take a one game to none lead in the series.

Kalamazoo carried their series lead into Game Two on Saturday (5/6) at Wings Stadium. The crowd of 2,907 was treated to an epic see-saw battle that had its share of scoring. The two teams combined for 15 goals and two players (Lucas Drake and Billy Tibbetts) lit the lamp a combined nine times. Drake tied the UHL record for most goals scored in a playoff game with five, while Tibbetts scored four times and added two assist to tie the UHL record for most points in a playoff game. In the end, it was the K-Wings that outlasted the IceHogs 8-7 to win the game and take a two games to none lead in the series. Kalamazoo scored seven of their eight goals off of their special teams, including an astonishing four shorthanded goals.

The K-Wings would take their 2-0 series lead on the road to Rockford for Game Three of the series on Sunday (5/7). After missing the previous 34 games due to injury, Tyler Rennette made his return to the K-Wings lineup. Rennette's (1) return was felt early in the opening period, when he scored a power-play tally 6:29 into the first period. Kalamazoo extended their lead in the second period with another power-play goal; this time it was Damian Surma that split the defense and roofed a shot past Ronnie Vogel to give the K-Wings a 2-0 lead. Rockford cut the K-Wings lead in half with a shorthanded goal from Greg Barber (5) midway in the third period. Goaltender Joel Martin withstood a late ambush of Rockford shots to record the win and give the K-Wings a 2-1 victory and commanding 3 games to none lead in the best of seven series.

Fast Forward

The K-Wings continue "Destination: Colonial Cup" this Wednesday night in Game Four of the Colonial Cup Semi-Final Series against the Rockford IceHogs. Face-Off from the Rockford MetroCentre is set for 8:30 p.m. (Kalamazoo Time). A K-Wings victory on Wednesday would advance Kalamazoo to Colonial Cup Finals. A Rockford victory would force Game Five of the series Friday (5/12) night at 7:30 p.m. at Wings Stadium. Game Six of the series if needed would be played this Sunday (5/14) at 6:00 p.m. in Rockford.

Playoff Team Leaders: Kalamazoo Wings

Goals Lucas Drake (8 Goals)

Assists Jason Deitsch (7 Assists)

Points Nick Bootland, Kory Karlander, Jason Deitsch (10 Points)

+/- Mark Vilneff, Adam Elzinga (+9)

Penalty Minutes Greg Labenski (23 Minutes)

Power Play Goals Lucas Drake (5 Goals)

Short Handed Goals Lucas Drake (2 Goals)

Game Winning Goals Lucas Drake (2 GW)

Shots: Nick Bootland (35 Shots)

Shooting Percentage: Tyler Rennette (100.0%)

Goals Against Average: Joel Martin (1.86)

Save Percentage: Joel Martin (0.934)

Road Warriors

The K-Wings, who had won seven straight games in this postseason, have had success away from Wings Stadium. Kalamazoo comes into Wednesday's game on a three-game road winning streak. In the postseason, the K-Wings have outscored their opponents 13-4 in road games.

He's Baaaack

After missing 34 straight games, forward Tyler Rennette made his presence felt in game three of the K-Wings best of seven Colonial Cup Semi-Final Series. Rennette scored the K-Wings first goal during Kalamazoo's 2-1 victory on Sunday.

Isn't That Special

A majority of the K-Wings goals scored in their series with Rockford have been scored through their special teams. Kalamazoo has scored 10 of their 13 goals (6 power-play, 4 shorthanded) with their special teams.

Lighting the Lamp

Forward Damian Surma enters Game Four on a two-game goal streak. Surma, who has two goals in this postseason, scored the game-winner in Game Three.

The Obscure Stat of the Week

Goaltender Joel Martin enters Wednesday's game on a two-game point streak. Martin has had an assist in each of the K-Wings last two games.

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 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.

Drake and Manley on the Radio

Join special guests Lucas Drake and Mike Manley, as they join Head Coach Mark Reeds and the "Voice of the K-Wings" Mike Modugno on "K-Wings Live". The show is on Your Local Sports Leader AM 1660 WQSN Monday's from 6-7 PM at The Cabana Bar and Grill inside the Holiday Inn Kalamazoo on South 11th Street.

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.

Upcoming Games

Wednesday, May 10th @ Rockford 7:30 PM (CDT)(Colonial Cup Playoffs: Semi-Finals Game Four)

*Friday, May 12th Vs Rockford 7:30 PM (Colonial Cup Playoffs: Semi-Finals, Game Five)

*Sunday, May 14th @ Rockford 5:00 PM (CDT)(Colonial Cup Playoffs: Semi-Finals, Game Six)

*Tuesday, May 16th Vs Rockford 7:00 PM (Colonial Cup Playoffs: Semi-Finals Game Seven)

(* Denotes Games that Will Only Be Played If Necessary)

Check out the Kalamazoo Wings Statistics

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from May 8, 2006


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.