Kucera's Two Tallies Help Wildcats Sweep Odessa
Published on October 12, 2013 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
WICHITA FALLS, Texas - Ben Kucera scored twice and Chase Munroe made 18 saves, as the Wildcats (8-2-2) completed the sweep of the Odessa Jackalopes (2-11-0) on Saturday.
Colin Staub, Sam Piazza, Josh Haverstrom and Jordan Jancze each recorded an assist in a contest that saw Wichita Falls kill off seven Jacakalope power plays.
After a scoreless first period, the Wildcats took the lead at 8:04 of the second stanza.
Kucera picked up the puck in the neutral zone and dished to Staub skating over the blue line. Staub's return pass found Kucera in space in the high slot, and Kucera wristed a laser over the glove of Eric Hancock for his third goal of the year.
Kucera was not done there however, as he doubled the Wildcats' advantage in the third period. A cluster of rapid-fire passes along the right-wing wall eventually left the Leawood, Kan.-native uncovered and in possession of the puck. Kucera stepped towards the top of the faceoff circle and slung a wrist shot that eluded Hancock's glove to make it 2-0.
That tally proved to be the game-winning goal, as Matt Beranek scored for Odessa to make it 2-1 with 6:20 left in the third. With time winding down in the final frame and Odessa desperate to find an equalizer, the Jackalopes peppered Munroe's cage with shots, but the Wichita Falls-netminder turned them all aside to preserve the victory.
The Wildcats will be back in action next Tuesday and Wednesday when they conclude their current six-game home-stand with two games against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees.
North American Hockey League Stories from October 12, 2013
- Austin Squeaks by Brookings 3-2 in Shootout - Austin Bruins
- Kucera's Two Tallies Help Wildcats Sweep Odessa - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Warriors Split Weekend Series with Johnstown - Michigan Warriors
- Tomahawks Defeat Warriors 4-3 in Shootout - Johnstown Tomahawks
- Curry Leads Blues to Home Opener Victory - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Myers' Effort Falls Short in 1-0 Shootout Loss to Kenai River - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Amarillo Bulls Win Fifth Straight, Beat Topeka 4-0 - Amarillo Bulls
- Briand's Scoring Streak Continues in Jacks 4-2 Loss to 'Cats - Odessa Jackalopes
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