NAHL Showcase Opens
Published on September 17, 2014 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wenatchee Wild News Release
Today marks the commencement of the 12th NAHL Showcase in Blaine, Minnesota. This is one of the largest and most prestigious tournaments in North American hockey and is a great way for players to get their names out there to scouts of many high level teams as well as a NCAA college hockey programs and even NHL scouts.
The Wenatchee Wild played their first game of the showcase today against the Amarillo Bulls of the NAHL's South Division. Ultimately, the Bulls walked away with a 5-2 win but the Wild showed that they are prepared for a fight to the top.
In the first period, Wenatchee opened up the scoring game at 19:38 with a goal from defenseman #3 Lane Valimont on the power play. He had assists from forwards #8 James Mathias and #19 Mike Coyne.
The second period saw the most goals of the game and it was started off by an unassisted goal from Bulls defenseman #5 Tristan Rostagno at 4:20. One minute later, Wenatchee fought back in the form of an unassisted goal from the stick of forward #27 Colin Burston. At exactly 11 minutes into the period, Amarillo added one more point to the board as Bulls forward #23 Joey DiBenedetto put the biscuit in the basket on the power play past Wild goaltender Andrew Rohkohl. Assists on this goal were given to defenseman #10 Kasper Emanuelsson and forward #13 Cody Gylling. The last goal of the period was scored at 15:51 and was produced by Cody Gylling; assisted by Joey DiBenedetto.
As the game neared it's finale, the third period consisted of 2 Amarillo goals. The first was from forward #27 Brady Crabtree at 5:38 into the final frame. Help came from forwards #14 Connor Wood and #18 JJ Huerena. The last goal of the game was scored by Joey DiBenedetto, who would pick up his third point of the game, at 19:16. This empty net goal was assisted by defenseman #20 Jesper Synnelius.
Wenatchee's goaltender for the game, # 30 Andew Rohkohl, finished off the game with a total of 28 saves out of 32 shots on goal and played 59:17 between the pipes. The Wild walked away from the Schwan Super Rink with a total of 8 penalty minutes. Wild penalties consisted of Holding (Logan Fauber), Tripping (Dan Bailey), Cross Checking (Mitch Demario), and Elbowing (James Mathias).
On the outcome of the game, Coach Bliss Littler said, "We got better as the game went on. It was very evident that we had not played any games yet. I think we will learn from this. The first thing is the compete level has to go up. Winning games in this league is hard work."
Wenatchee will play their second game of the showcase tomorrow night at 8:15 pm (which I believe to be in central time) against the Odessa Jackalopes. It will be played on the 4th ice sheet in the Schwan Super Rink so make sure to tune in and support your Wild! I believe that it will be a very great game full of aggression and great hockey!
North American Hockey League Stories from September 17, 2014
- Ice Miners Gain Point, But Drop Shootout to Topeka - Keystone Ice Miners
- Bulls Game Preview vs Fairbanks - Amarillo Bulls
- Wings Fall to Johnstown 3-2 - Aberdeen Wings
- Tomahawks Open Showcase with 3-2 Win over Wings - Johnstown Tomahawks
- A Win to Start 'The Hunt' - Austin Bruins
- NAHL Showcase Opens - Wenatchee Wild
- Falconer, Okeley Carry 'Cats to Comeback Win - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- IceRays Earn First Win, 5-2 - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Brahmas Come up Short 3-2 in First Showcase Game - Lone Star Brahmas
- Chill Kick off Season - Coulee Region Chill
- Player Spotlight: Vaughan Ahrens - Minnesota Magicians
- Bulls Get Win No. 1 for Jon Rogger, Beat Wenatchee 5-2 - Amarillo Bulls
- Minotauros Cleared for Takeoff - Minot Minotauros
- Game Preview: Wings vs. Tomahawks - Aberdeen Wings
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