Toledo Falls 1-0
Published on January 1, 2010 under International League (IL1)
Toledo Mud Hens News Release
Toledo, OH - The Walleye looked to stay hot for the start of 2010 on Friday night, even after a tough loss the night before to Wheeling. Toledo hosted Kalamazoo on New Year's Day, and with a win, the Walleye would hold first place in the ECHL's North Division. If Toledo was to stay hot, the Wings would be the team to play. Entering the game, the two teams had combined for 48 goals in five games, including a 4-1 record for Toledo.
However, through the first two periods, the story was in the defense and goaltending for both teams. Jordan Pearce was incredible and continues to be one of the league's top performers.
Pearce made 22 stops through two, denying a few quality K-Zoo scoring chances. Midway through the first, the Wings had an apparent goal as a hard shot dribbled through the pads of Pearce, but he quickly recovered in a scrambling, diving frenzy to keep the game scoreless.
Toledo had its fair share of chances as well, and Wings' netminder Ryan Nie was just as good. After the second intermission, Nie also had 22 saves, setting the tone for the third period.
The teams looked to be heading into overtime as each goalie was challenged and likewise responded. With less than two minutes to play, the Walleye made a charge at a lose puck and forced a turnover in the Wings zone, but could not convert on the opportunity. Then Kalamazoo made a charge, barraging Pearce with shots and chances.
With 3.4 seconds left, Pearce made a great save, but the rebound bounced to his left, right where Jeff Mason collected the puck and shot it in for the winning score. Pearce made 36 saves in the contest and is 5-2 in his last seven starts.
International League Stories from January 1, 2010
- Toledo Falls 1-0 - Toledo Mud Hens
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
