Wildcats Split in Topeka, Pick Up Three Points
December 1, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
The Wildcats won one and lost one over the weekend against the Roadrunners, a 5-4 shootout loss on Friday and a 4-3 shootout victory on Saturday. The three points the team picked up help keep their hot streak alive, tallying 7 points in their last four games after dropping six in a row.
Both games saw the Wildcats coming back from two-goal deficits. On Friday, Chad Hudson continued his great play with a first period goal to put the Wildcats up 1-0, but Topeka struck back with three in a row before the Wildcats got on the board again late in the second with Hudson's second of the night, a power play goal to cut the deficit to 3-2. Less than a minute into the third period, Hudson struck again for the eighteenth hat trick in Wildcats' history, knotting things at three. Topeka struck back with a power play goal of their own midway through the period, but Wildcats' captain Brett Hartung evened it up with 3:46 to go with the Wildcats' third power play goal of the night. After a scoreless overtime, the game went to a shootout. Kyle Delaurell was the lone goal scorer for the Wildcats in the shootout, which the Roadrunners won 2-1, for a final score of 5-4.
Saturday night, things looked bleak early for the Wildcats, with Topeka scoring two goals in the first period, but Kyle Delaurell kept things close as the first period ended, scoring his team-leading ninth goal of the season, making it a 2-1 game. This was followed late in the second period with the game-tying marker from Brett Hartung. Topeka netted what they hoped would be the game-winner with under seven minutes to go, but Hartung had other plans, re-tying the game at 3 on a power play goal with 2:55 remaining. For the second night in a row, and for the third time in two weeks for the Wildcats, the game went to a shootout. This time, it was the Wildcats on the positive end of things, with goals being scored by Delaurell and Zach Rourke, winning the shootout 2-1, and the game 4-3, handing the Topeka Roadrunners their first overtime or shootout loss of the season. Goaltender Mike Jarboe was named as the second star of the game for his efforts in goal, stopping 47 of 50 shots in the game and 5 of 6 in the shootout.
The Wildcats' next games will be Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6, in Springfield, IL versus the Junior Blues.
Upcoming Home Games
The Wildcats will be playing four home games in the month of December, their first games at the Kay Yeager Coliseum since November 14th and 15th. On December 12 and 13, the Wildcats will play host to the St. Louis Bandits, with both games starting at 7:05 pm. Friday, December 12th will be Children's Miracle Network Chuck-A-Duck night, while Saturday, December 13th is our annual Teddy Bear Toss Night. Bring a new or gently used stuffed animal to donate and you will receive a pass to skate with the Wildcats after a game free! After the Wildcats score their first goal, throw the stuffed animals out on the ice!
The Wildcats will be back at the KYC the following week as well, taking on the Topeka Roadrunners on December 19th and 20th. Friday, December 19th is Guns N' Hoses Night. All police and fire personnel will get in to the game free, while their families can purchase tickets for $6. All free and discounted tickets must be purchased in advance through the Wildcats office. Saturday, December 20th is Ugly Christmas Sweater Night. Wear the ugliest Christmas sweater you have while you cheer on the Wildcats!
Wildcats In the Community
This week, the Wildcats will visit the commissary at Sheppard Air Force Base to help spread some holiday cheer with the airmen and base personnel. The team will be at the base from 5 to 7 pm on Wednesday, December 3.
If you are interested in having Wildcats players appear at your school, church, or other function, please contact us, at 940-716-5587.
North American Hockey League Stories from December 1, 2008
- North Showcase lives up to billing - NAHL
- Friedman Machine Player of the Week - Motor City Metal Jackets
- Wildcats Split in Topeka, Pick Up Three Points - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Brodhag Named NAHL Central Division POW - North Iowa Outlaws
- Wildcats Sweep Springfield - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Outlaws Weekly - North Iowa Outlaws
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