Wildcats split in Wenatchee
Published on March 8, 2010 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
A back-and-forth affair on Saturday finished the Wildcats' way, as they took a 4-3 win over the Wenatchee Wild, while Sunday's game was all Wild, as they took it to the 'Cats in a 7-0 final.
The Wildcats scored first on Saturday, as Brandon Stroud put the 'Cats up 1-0 midway through the first. The Wild would strike late though, scoring two in the final three minutes of the period for a 2-1 lead.
Down but not out, the Wildcats scored two of their own to start the second period. Chris Leone's blueline blast tied the game at 2, and then Daniel Gentzler's power play tally put the Wildcats ahead once again. But yet again, the Wild would come back and tie things up as Andrew Christ scored less than a minute and a half after Gentzler, and the second period would end tied at 3 apiece.
The third period saw a little less offense than the previous two. The final shot total in the frame was 9-7 Wenatchee, but the scoring went the Wildcats' way as Ryan Frost scored the power play and eventual game-winning goal with 2:40 to go, propelling the Wildcats to a 4-3 victory.
Sunday night was all Wenatchee as they trounced the Wildcats 7-0, scoring one in the first, two in the second, and four in the third. The Wildcats only managed 14 shots on goal en route to Wenatchee goalie Brandon Jaeger's third shutout of the season.
The Wildcats stay out west this week, facing the Fairbanks Ice Dogs on Friday and Saturday at 7 pm Alaska time. The games can be seen on the B2 Networks, starting at 10 pm Central time.
Never Waste a Ticket Night
The Wildcats will have their final "Never Waste a Ticket" night at their next home game, Friday, March 19 vs. the Topeka Roadrunners. Season Ticket Holders can exchange any unused tickets for tickets to that night's game to bring family and friends along.
It's the final home series of the regular season, so come on down and cheer on the Wildcats before (hopefully!) the playoffs begin!
Wildcats Alumni Update
While the tournaments continue around college hockey, it also marks the end of the season for many teams and the end of college careers for some players. Of the 26 colleges featuring former Wildcats players, 17 have had their season come to a close.
Salem State's season ended on a high note, winning the MASCAC Championship. The team features former Wildcats Alex Molnar and Matt Kenline. However, the Vikings did not qualify for the NCAA Division 3 National Tournament.
Curry College, featuring Brett Kaneshiro, is the only team featuring a former Wildcat to get into the 11-team field for the National Championship. They face off against host school Elmira on Wednesday. Curry won the ECAC-Northeast to gain their spot in the Tournament.
Division 1 schools also are starting their tournaments. This week, Air Force (Kyle Delaurell) takes on Army in the Atlantic Hockey Tournament; Alaska (Adam Cardwell) faces Northern Michigan, Michigan State (Zach Josepher and Kyle McMahon) takes on Michigan, and Ohio State (Jeff McNeil, Sean Duddy, and Cal Heeter) faces Miami in the CCHA; Bemidji State (Shea Walters) takes on Niagara in the CHA; St. Lawrence (Sean Coffey) faces Colgate in the ECAC; and Denver (Luke Salazar) plays Michigan Tech (Ricky Doriott) in the WCHA.
Though Northeastern didn't qualify in the Hockey East Tournament and the Huskies lost their last three games, Kyle Kraemer ended his college career on a high note. The senior forward and former Wildcats' captain struck for two goals in a 4-3 loss to Boston University on Saturday. Kraemer led the team in goals with 17 and was second on the team in points with 28. His 15 goals in Hockey East games tied him for third in the conference.
Chad Costello put up another two points for the CHL's Corpus Christi Ice Rays. He had a goal and an assist in a 5-2 win over Texas on Thursday. His 48 points on the season are fourth on the team.
Jack Wolgemuth also had a goal and an assist, his coming this past Sunday for the SPHL's Mississippi Surge in a 3-0 win over Louisiana.
Nick Klaren had a game to remember on Sunday. Playing for the ECHL's South Carolina Stingrays, the defenseman picked up three assists in a 6-2 victory in Cincinnati. He has a goal and five assists in 15 games since moving to the ECHL after previously playing in the CHL and SPHL this season.
Sexton Watch
The Anaheim Ducks have struggled a bit since the Olympic Break, going 0-2-1 in the three games since the events ended in Vancouver. Dan Sexton has appeared in all three games, but did not score. So far this season, he has played in 31 games with 9 goals and 9 assists, and is a -3 with 16 PIM.
North American Hockey League Stories from March 8, 2010
- NAPHL Releases 2010-11 Application - NAHL
- Albert Lea Still Chasing Playoff Berth - NAHL
- Wildcats split in Wenatchee - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Weekly Sports League and Franchise Report - OSC Original by Dan Krieger
- Wild Get Even - Wenatchee Wild
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