Wichita Falls Wildcats' Insider, November 8, 2010
Published on November 8, 2010 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
Wildcats split in Corpus Christi
Despite an early 2-0 lead on Thursday, the Wildcats ended up dropping a 4-2 decision against the IceRays, but turned the tables and won 4-2 on Friday. Ryan Frost set a team record, scoring twice in a four-second span in Friday's victory.
On Thursday, the Wildcats took an early 2-0 lead courtesy of the second line of Tanner Fahlstedt, Drew Allen, and Dakota Klecha. Midway through the period, Fahlstedt got on the board from Klecha, snapping a goalless drought of fifteen games. A whole 33 seconds later, Klecha scored one of his own, breaking in around the defense and putting the puck five-hole on goalie Pheonix Copley for a 2-0 lead. Copley would stand strong the rest of the way though, stopping the final 22 shots he faced.
The second period has been a problem for the Wildcats this season, as 23 of 56 total goals allowed have come in the middle frame (including a total of 16 against Corpus Christi). Thursday was no exception, as the IceRays took a 3-2 lead in a span of just over 8 minutes. They would add an empty-net goal in the third to seal their victory.
Friday night saw a somewhat expected emergence of rough play, but the Wildcats got through it with a 4-2 victory. The IceRays would tally a power play goal midway through the first, but with 2:41 left, Cody Milligan caught Dakota Klecha with a cross-check to the face, the second brutal and illegal hit he had absorbed from an IceRays' player in as many weekends. While he was being attended to, Luc Neitenbach took a slash at Mikhail Sentyurin. Both IceRays players were assessed five-minute majors for their actions, with Milligan also being ejected.
With a two-man advantage coming their way for a full five minutes, the Wildcats' power play unit went to work with Sean Keane knocking in a loose puck, knotting the game at a goal apiece. Midway through period number two, Drew Allen joined his linemates' efforts from the previous night, tallying a goal of his own to make it a 2-1 game.
The 'Cats held the lead until the 14 minute mark of the third when Corpus Christi's power play unit struck again to tie things once more. As the final moments ticked down, it appeared that the Wildcats and IceRays would take their match to overtime, but Chris Leone's shot from the blue line took a hard bounce off the end boards to a wide-open Ryan Frost, who tapped the puck home for a 3-2 lead. With a penalty being assessed to the IceRays for their fans throwing objects onto the ice after the goal and with Copley on the bench for an extra attacker, the Wildcats would put the nail in the coffin only four seconds later. Mac Olson pushed the faceoff ahead to Frost who sent the puck into the open net from 90 feet away. Frost's two goals in four seconds are a Wildcats' team record.
WEEKEND NOTES: Mac Olson's scoring streak of seven games came to an end Thursday, but he did pick up an assist on Ryan Frost's final goal Friday. He has points in 8 of his last 9 games. Olson and Frost have each cracked the NAHL's Top 10 lists for their offensive efforts: Olson is tied for sixth in goals with 12 so far, while Frost is tied for ninth in assists with 15. Meanwhile, Eric Garavaglia is eighth in the league with a 2.35 goals against average, and fourth with a .928 save percentage. Steven Hoshaw is sixth in plus-minus at a +13.
$3 tickets next Wednesday!
Looking for some inexpensive and fun midweek entertainment? Check out the Wildcats on Wednesday, November 17 against the rival Texas Tornado and sit in the upper level for only $3! It's a perfect night out for your family, church group, or business. Call the Wildcats' office for group ticket information, 940-716-5587.
Preview: 11/13 vs. Amarillo
Just one game this weekend for the Wildcats: they face the third-place Amarillo Bulls on Saturday at 7:05 at the Kay Yeager Coliseum.
The 'Cats and Bulls have split their series thus far: the Wildcats won 3-2 at the KYC on Drew Allen's shootout goal back on September 25, and lost in Amarillo 5-3 back on October 22.
Five different players have each scored a goal for the 'Cats against the Bulls this season (Nick Marsh, Drew Allen, Chris Leone, Keil Zornow, and Mac Olson). Cody Freeman leads the Bulls in goals against the Wildcats this year with two. Nikifor Szczerba is 61/66 in net in the two games.
Upcoming Wildcats' Events
The Wildcats' Coaches Radio Show continues this week at Oyster Bar and Grill on Kell Boulevard! Come down and hear Drew and the coaches talk about this past week's games against Corpus Christi, and see what's in store as the Wildcats play against the Amarillo Bulls. Plus you'll get to hear from one of your favorite players in the "Talk to the Team" segment. It all happens Tuesday at 7:30; if you can't be there tune in on 94.9 KOLI, The Outlaw.
Broomball, adult hockey, and open skating: Check WFWildcatsHockey.com for the schedule under the Games and Ice Events tab! Any questions about our ice programs? Contact the Wildcats office, 940-716-5587.
Come play in the broomball league! We're looking for teams for the Wildcats' adult broomball league. Price is $50 per player for a 10-game season. Get a team together with your co-workers and friends, or sign up solo and be placed on a team. Call the office for details, 940-716-5587.
Saturday night against the Bulls is the Wildcats' Pet Food Drive, benefiting P.E.T.S. in Wichita Falls!
Alumni Report
Dan Sexton might not be too far from returning to the Anaheim Ducks' lineup. After undergoing surgery on October 28 to reconstruct a broken nose, Sexton was cleared to practice with the Ducks and did so on Saturday, wearing a full cage on his helmet.
Brett Hartung picked up his second goal of the season in Bentley's 6-2 win over Sacred Heart on Wednesday.
Cal Heeter picked up two wins in goal this weekend as the Ohio State Buckeyes swept Alabama-Huntsville 5-1 and 6-2.
Great weekend for Luke Salazar: the Denver forward picked up two goals and two assists as the Pioneers went 2-1-0 in a three-game set with Colorado College.
North American Hockey League Stories from November 8, 2010
- Coach's Show Tuesday at 7 PM - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Wichita Falls Wildcats' Insider, November 8, 2010 - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Monsters Weekly: November 8, 2010 - Fresno Monsters
- Fighting Falcons Earn First Victory - Port Huron Fighting Falcons
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