ECHL Kalamazoo Wings

Royal Pain

December 18, 2010 - ECHL (ECHL)
Kalamazoo Wings News Release


Kalamazoo, MI- Similar to the night before, a contest between the Kalamazoo Wings and Reading Royals came down to the bitter end, but this time it was the Royals that were able to skate away with the 3-2 victory during the 11th Annual WKFR Teddy Bear Toss Game.

Fans were more than ready to litter the ice with teddy bears, but the K-Wings weren't able to oblige with a goal in the opening period. Fortunately for Kalamazoo, their defense matched the stinginess of Reading's, keeping the Royals off the scoreboard in the period as well.

The fans had their throwing arms ready during a Kalamazoo five-on-three power-play. When Kory Karlander (12th) finally ended the long wait for the crowd, they made it rain with over 1,200 teddy bears and other stuffed animals. The teddy bear toss is not only fun for the crowd; it acts as a generous donation, as all of the collected stuffed animals are distributed to the Salvation Army and the Bronson Children's hospital. The Karlander goal tied him for the team lead in overall goals and further extended his team lead of seven power play goals.

Also earning a point on the goal was Trent Daavettila, who extended two streaks with the helper. Daavettila upped his point streak to an ECHL tying season-high 12 games, while pushing his assist streak to a K-Wings season-high tying six games.

Reading scored the next goal of the game, as Ryan Donald (2nd) snuck a slap shot past Ryan Nie.

After killing a 5 minute penalty due to a Darryl Lloyd elbow, the K-Wings seemed to have the momentum. This did not last for too long as another power play opportunity for the Royals proved to be costly to Kalamazoo. A strange bounce off the glass left the puck on the wide-open stick of Ryan Cruthers (10th) who beat Nie glove-side.

A chipped puck in the neutral zone in the third period, led to a two-on-one odd man rush from the Royals. Cruthers (11th) looked off a streaking Ben Gordon and snipped his second goal of the night and the eventual game-winner.

Closing the gap, Steven Tarasuk (2nd) scored shorthanded to bring the K-Wings back to within a single goal with 1:28 remaining. Sam Ftorek assisted on the tally, which extended his point and assist streak to six games. The six-game assist streak ties Daavettila and Karlander for the longest assist streak by a K-Wing on the season.

Trying to complete the improbable comeback, the K-Wings nearly tied the contest with another shorthander; however, Brady Leisenring's wrist shot sailed just over the crossbar and the Royals were able to fend off Kalamazoo.

The loss dropped the K-Wings record to 12-5-0-0 overall on Teddy Bear Toss Games and 9-2-0-0 at Wings Stadium during the stuffed animal classic.

For Game Stats: http://echl.com/stats/official-game-report.php game_id8246 .

After the holiday break, the K-Wings will return to action on Sunday, December 26th with a 5:30 p.m. battle at the Huntington Center against the Toledo Walleye.

Kalamazoo will return to Wings Stadium on Friday, December 31st for a 7:30 p.m. face-off versus the Elmira Jackals during the 9th Annual New Year's Eve Bash Presented by Cool 101 and WMMT News Channel 3.

Fans who purchase tickets for the game on December 31st will receive FREE admittance to both the public skate and oldies dance following the contest. Due to limited skate rentals, the K-Wings encourage fans to bring their own skates.

Catch all the K-Wings games, home and away, on the K-Wings Radio Network (95.9 FM WLKM & on kwings.com). Join the "Voice of the K-Wings" Mike Modugno for all 72 regular season games plus the playoffs. Pre-game coverage begins with the Kalsee Credit Union Pre-Game Show 15 minutes prior to face-off. For the most complete coverage of the K-Wings from the opening face-off to the final buzzer, keep your radio tuned this season to the K-Wings Radio Network.

Single game tickets for the 2010-2011 season are on sale at the Wings Stadium Ticket Office, Ticketmaster Outlets, including www.ticketmaster.com, Ticket Office hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, please call Wings Stadium Ticket Office during regular business hours at (269) 345-5101.

Tickets for all K-Wings home games are on sale now and range in price from $9.90-$14.90 for adults and only $6.90 for kids ages 12 and under. The ticket prices for all K-Wings premium night games (all colored ice games and New Year's Eve game) are just $1 more.

Fans can save money by purchasing K-Wings single game tickets advance because on the day of a game, K-Wings tickets are $1 more.

Check out the Kalamazoo Wings Statistics



ECHL Stories from December 18, 2010


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