Wild Win At Kenai River Again
February 2, 2014 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wenatchee Wild News Release
Soldotna, AK. - The Wenatchee Wild took on the Kenai River Brown Bears Saturday night in the third game of a three-game set at the Soldotna Sports Center and it would once again take extra time to decide things, but this time the Wild would need less than a minute of overtime to net a 2-1 win, sweeping the three-game series.
Wenatchee opened the scoring in the final minute of the opening period, as Troy Loggins (Huntington Beach, California) sniped one from the mid-slot. The lone assist went to Ryan Gotelaere (Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin) at 19:12, giving the Wild a 1-0 lead after one.
After a scoreless second period, in which Kenai River outshot Wenatchee 11-8, the Brown Bears would score 3:42 into the third period. Matt Rudin scored unassisted, tying the game 1-1. There would be no further scoring in regulation, sending the game to overtime once again.
Unlike the previous two nights however, a shootout wouldn't be needed. Loggins cut into the slot from the right side and blasted home the winning goal, assisted by David Powlowski (Rochester, New York) at 0:42 of the extra session, giving the Wild a 2-1 win and the extra standings point, moving them past the Brown Bears and into 4th place in the Midwest Division. "That might have been one of our better efforts of the year all the way around" said Wenatchee Wild Head Coach Bliss Littler. "Chase Perry was outstanding when he had to be. We limited their quality chances and overall it was just a real good hockey game to be a part of. Both teams played very well." Littler continued, saying "I was very proud of the effort, there were a lot of kids who were nicked up and banged up, played through some injuries, all the way around, it was a good effort. We definitely took a step forward this weekend. We'll enjoy this today and tomorrow, have a travel day Monday, then start thinking about getting ready for Fairbanks." Littler singled out the play of forward Troy Loggins, saying "Loggins has been our go-to guy all year, tonight he came up big."
Wenatchee outshot Kenai River on the night 31-30. Chase Perry (Andover, Minnesota) made 29 saves for the Wild and Zach Quinn 29 for the Brown Bears. Wenatchee was 0-for-2 on the power play and 5-of-5 on the penalty kill.
The Wild is now 22-17-5; Kenai River is 21-17-6.
Wenatchee now moves on to Fairbanks for three games February 6th, 7th and 8th, before returning home to face the Soo on February 14th and 15th. Individual and group game tickets for all home games are on sale now. Call 509.888.PUCK (7825).
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North American Hockey League Stories from February 2, 2014
- Wilderness with Another Sweep - Minnesota Wilderness
- Bulls Blanked by Brahmas 2-0 - Amarillo Bulls
- Wild Win At Kenai River Again - Wenatchee Wild
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