Wildcats go 1-1, Teddy Bear Toss a success
January 6, 2005 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
The Wildcats were back in action over the weekend after taking a week off for Christmas Break. The 'Cats hosted the Springfield Spirit on Thursday December 30, and then traveled to play in Springfield against the Spirit on Saturday, January 1.
Thursday, December 30, was the annual United Regional Hospital Teddy Bear Toss at Kay Yeager Coliseum. All fans were encouraged to bring a Teddy Bear and toss it onto the ice after the Wildcats scored their first goal. The goal came late in the second period, when defenseman Nick Klaren narrowed the Spirit lead to 2-1. More than 1,000 bears flew onto the ice and were collected to be donated to the pediatric wing of the United Regional Hospital.
While the result of the Teddy Bear Toss was a success, the Wildcats were unable to defeat the Spirit, losing 5-2. Despite the lopsided final score, the game was very close with the Spirit's last two goals coming in the last minute of the game on into the empty net. Trailing 2-0 late in the second period, Klaren scored his first goal of the night, assisted by Kevin Huck and Niklas Flodin. The Spirit answered with a goal of their own in the third period making the score 3-1. Klaren's second goal of the evening brought Wichita Falls to within a goal again, making the score 3-2 with 1:44 remaining and the momentum favoring the Wildcats. The Wildcats pulled their goalie in order to add an extra offensive threat. The 'Cats had a few good opportunities to score and tie the game, but were unable to capitalize as Mike Glaesmer cleared the puck twice into the Wildcats empty net for the 5-2 final score.
The Wildcats got their revenge on Saturday, starting out their New Year with a 4-2 win over the Spirit. The 'Cats scored the first three goals of the game and never looked back as they cruised to a 4-2 victory over the Spirit. Derek Hansberry and Brent Sarcone each scored two goals and one assist. Chris Ochoa, Chad Costello, Kevin Huck, Kyle Kraemer, Dave Lewandowski, and Nick Klaren each added an assist on the game. Goaltender Tom Billick stopped 26 of 28 shots in the winning effort.
The Wildcats fly up to Fairbanks for a pair of games this weekend and then return home on Friday, January 21 at 7:00 p.m. to take on the Springfield Spirit.
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North American Hockey League Stories from January 6, 2005
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