Pilots Edged out by Ice Wolves, Fall 2-1
November 9, 2019 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
The Topeka Pilots headed to Albuquerque this weekend for the first time to face the expansion New Mexico Ice Wolves.
But, New Mexico (2-15-1) was not interested in giving Topeka (13-6-2) a warm welcome.
In the Ice Wolves' first home victory of their inaugural season, New Mexico held off a 6-on-4 powerplay for the Pilots late in the third, en route to a 2-1 victory over Topeka at the Outpost Ice Arenas.
The Pilots were outshot 35-24 for the contest, including a 17-7 shots on goal disparity in the third period, in favor of the Ice Wolves.
Topeka's lone goal came at 11:11 of the second period, with forward Quinn Green skating in on a 2-on-1 break with forward Kaiden Scott. Scott feathered a saucer pass to Green, who buried a shot past goaltender Josh Graziano, evening the game at 1-1.
Two fewer skaters suited up for the Pilots than the Ice Wolves, as they battle several injuries.
New Mexico opened up the scoring just 26 seconds into the second after a scoreless first period. Forward Griffen Sanom was credited with the tally, his third goal of the season.
The game-winning goal found the back of the net at 8:44 of the third, with forward Jackson Wille also scoring his third of the year. Wille's goal came after a turnover behind the net left goaltender Guy Blessing out of position.
As Blessing scrambled back, the puck snuck past him and fell across the goal line.
Looking to salvage a series sweep, the Pilots will get another shot at the Ice Wolves on Saturday night. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. CST.
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