Kucera's Strike not Enough for Wildcats against Topeka
January 4, 2014 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
TOPEKA, Kan. - Ben Kucera scored a power-play goal and David Zevnik made 27 saves, but the Wichita Falls Wildcats (21-12-3) could not overcome the Topeka Roadrunners, dropping a 2-1 contest at Landon Arena on Saturday.
Colin Staub and Sam Piazza each recorded an assist, their 10th and 15th helpers of the season, respectively.
For the second night in a row, the Roadrunners opened the scoring. Peter Halash accepted a pass in transition and skated in on Zevnik, before sneaking a shot under the right pad at the 1:41 mark of the frame.
The Wildcats responded soon after though, cashing in on one of their four first period power play opportunities. Piazza's shot from the right-wing circle hit Staub in front. Staub then turned and put a shot on net that was partially saved, but Kucera was there to put the rebound home for his ninth goal of the campaign.
Play opened up in the second period, as both teams created a number of chances, but both Zevnik and PJ Bridges turned aside all rubber sent their way, although the Wildcats were fortunate not to concede a goal when Jake Kamrass hit the post from in close.
Topeka started the third period brightly, creating a few early chances and eventually broke the deadlock at the 6:29 mark of the period. An extended spell on the offensive zone led to Philip Middleton releasing a shot from the point that snuck through the body of a screened Zevnik to make it 2-1.
Wichita Falls battled hard to tie the contest, but could not generate any high-quality scoring chances against the Roadrunners defense, as the contest ended 2-1.
The Wildcats are next in action on Jan. 17 when they host the Amarillo Bulls at the Kay Yeager Coliseum. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.; video streaming is available on FASTHockey.com, with an audio-only broadcast accessible via UStream.com.
North American Hockey League Stories from January 4, 2014
- Cats Swept in Runner Town 2-1 - Topeka Pilots
- Wings Beat #1 Austin 4-2, Heller Scores 2 Goals - Aberdeen Wings
- Michaud, Kelly Each Score in 6-2 Loss in Amarillo - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Kucera's Strike not Enough for Wildcats against Topeka - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Wings Come from Behind, Stun Bruins Late - Austin Bruins
- Tomahawks Rebound from 2-0 Deficit, Fall to Eagles 3-2 - Johnstown Tomahawks
- Michigan Warriors Split Weekend Series with Division Rival Springfield. - Michigan Warriors
- Dominik Tiffels Competes in IIHF 2014 - Minnesota Wilderness
- NHL Sharks Call up Former RoadRunner Hayes - Topeka Pilots
- Bulls Beat IceRays 6-3 - Amarillo Bulls
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