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Robbie Payne leads Kalamazoo scoring attack

September 14, 2012 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings News Release


Blaine, MN- Robbie Payne had his second multi-goal game in three contests as his three point morning lead the Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings to victory over the Minot Minotauros on Friday in Blaine.

For the third consecutive game, Kalamazoo was able to take an early lead with the first goal of the game. Nick Kovalchik tallied his second goal of the season, and second in as many days, as he got the scoring started for the Jr. K-Wings, just 1:04 into period number one.

Seven minutes later, it would yet again be the Jr. K-Wings lighting the lamp. Kyle Gattelaro was on the receiving end of a Payneback door pass, and easily poked the puck home for his first of the season.

Minot wouldn't be silenced all period, as their power play unit was able to tickle the twine late in the first period. Lucas Oliver (2nd) was able to beat Kalamazoo goalie, Nick Stuart, on a quick shot from the low slot area.

On their first man advantage opportunity of the game, the Jr. K-Wings were able to capitalize on a heavy slap shot by Payne (4th). With the goal, Payne has registered a goal in three straight contests to start the season.

Early in the final period, AJ Marcinek added to the Kalamazoo lead with his first of the season. Marcinek and Danny Hamburg were away on a two-on-one break, as Hamburg slid a perfect pass to Marcinek who had no trouble in finding the back of a wide-open net.

Payne (5th) added to the big lead just two minutes later, when he drove the goal on his backhand and pulled a nifty deke at the top of the crease to beat Minot goalie, Ryan Ruck. The goal for Payne puts him in the early lead for goal scorers in the NAHL.

After a disallowed goal by Kalamazoo, Minot used the momentum to their advantage. Brendan Gust brought the game to within three with his third period tally, his first of the year.

Down by three with the clock ticking under a minute and a half, Minot was able to salvage another goal and pull the game to within two. Ryan Doner was credited with his second of the season and it set up the Minotauros a chance with an extra attacker.

However with the empty net, it was the Jr. K-Wings who capitalized. Josh Dangel found the open goal for his second tally of the season, and it was enough to put the game out of reach.

The Jr. K-Wings will cap off the NAHL Showcase tournament tomorrow, with a 5:00 p.m. face-off against the Aberdeen Wings, in game four of the four-day league-wide season opening tournament.

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