Wildcats Happy to Be Back Home
Published on January 23, 2006 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
The Wildcats arrived back in Wichita Falls last night, and set foot on their home soil for the first time in over 19 days. Three weeks ago the team embarked on a journey to the cold north to play teams in Alaska and Montana, and finished the trip 3-3. Their first showdown came in Fairbanks, where they took on the strong Icedogs. Both teams played with fire and intensity, and the Wildcats were able to come away with a split in two games, winning the first game 5-2, and dropping the second, 4-1.
The team then traveled south in Alaska to play the Wasilla Spirit. Though they dropped the second game back in Fairbanks the Cats were energized and ready to tackle the second leg of their road trip. The Wildcats flexed their muscle and proved to be too much for the Spirit to handle, even in their own backyard. The defense, especially in the third period, was tough to penetrate, and the team went on to win 4-2. In the second game, the Wildcats came out fast and furious, and behind the continued superb play of Chris Ochoa and Skylur Jameson, cruised to a 7-3 victory.
Though the team had found its confidence again, the final leg of their grueling 3 week road trip led them to Bozeman, Montana to face the streaking Ice Dogs. The âDogs had only lost four games the entire season, so the Wildcats knew they were in for a tough fight. The first game did not go as planned, as the team came out flat, and they lost a 6-1 decision. With their energy and strength almost depleted from the demanding schedule, the Wildcats gave a valiant effort, but dropped the second game 5-3.
"We've got to give Jon LaFontaine and his team a lot of credit. They play extremely well at home and they work for everything they get", commented Associate Head Coach Mike Perkins after the game.
The coaches' feelings were mixed regarding their team's performance on the road trip. Mike Perkins went on to say, "Any time we are able to finish .500, we are somewhat happy with how the team played. We feel like we could have won one or two more games and we are not content with just being a .500 team on the road".
The experience, however, was one that will not be soon forgotten. Being in close quarters together for so long enables a team to get become even closer and stronger as a whole. When asked about the team building that went on during the trip, Mike Perkins said, "As always, the chance to get the guys on the road for an extended period of time gives us the ability and opportunity to develop team skills".
One thing though that everyone on the team can agree on is the feeling of happiness to be back in Wichita Falls. Though they learned a lot in the three weeks away, there is nothing like coming home. "When we pulled into Wichita Falls late last night, none of us could believe it. When I turned around to look at the back of the bus, all I saw was 22 smiles".
The Wildcats are finally back in town and are looking forward to playing in their building once again. The team faces off against the Santa Fe Roadrunners this Thursday, January 26th, and then again on Friday night, January 27th. Hockey is back at the KYC, and the puck drops at 7:05pm!
North American Hockey League Stories from January 23, 2006
- Wildcats Happy to Be Back Home - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Pros, Prospects II Tickets On Sale Tuesday - Texas Tornado
- FM Jets Set Franchise Record for Attendance; Extend First-Place Lead - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Brett Hull to meet Texarkana fans - St. Louis Bandits
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