Wildcats Sweep Fairbanks in Weekend Series
October 24, 2006 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
The Wildcats came out strong this weekend beating the Fairbanks Ice Dogs 6-1 Friday night, and winning in overtime Saturday night 4-3. After two wins this weekend, the Cats picked up four points and moved up into 5th place in the NAHL South Division trailing the next place team, the Texas Tornado, by only five points.
On Friday night, the Cats came out with confidence and took an early 2-0 lead and never looked back. Captain Skylur Jameson put the Cats on the board first at the 10:48 mark, and three minutes later during a powerplay, Zach Josepher scored the second goal on an assist from Ville Aman. The Ice Dogs came out in the second period and scored a goal of their own, cutting the deficit to 2-1, but the Wildcats were quick to strike back when Michael Hrtus hit the back of the net, and put the team up 3-1 after forty minutes of play. The third period belonged to the Wildcats as they out shot the Ice Dogs twelve to five, capitalizing on three of those opportunities. Kyle Olson and Ricky Doriott scored on the powerplay, with the assists coming from Joel Sauer. The Cats weren't done yet though, as Eddie Effinger scored a late goal to secure the victory 6-1. Goaltender Cal Heeter was solid in net, stopping 22 of 23 shots to earn his first victory of the season.
Ville Aman gave the Wildcats the win Saturday night with a goal in sudden death overtime, ending the game 4-3 in front of 1,539 fans.. The Ice Dogs took the ice looking for revenge and had the Cats down 2-0 going into the first intermission. It was just what the Cats needed to get going as they came out in the second period and hammered the Ice Dogs with eleven shots on goal. Brett Morrell was the first one to capitalize on an opportunity and put the Cats on the board at the 7:32 mark. Four minutes later, Skylur Jameson netted a shorthanded goal and tied the game 2-2. After forty minutes of play, Fairbanks had scored their third goal and once again taken the lead. The Cats were quick to answer back, when only forty seconds into the third period, Michael Hrtus backhanded the puck into the top right corner of the net, tying the game. The Wildcats out shot the Ice Dogs eighteen to one during the last stanza, but the end of regulation would end with the score tied 3-3. Overtime was played evenly until the 3:10 mark when Skylur Jameson set up Ville Aman with a beautiful pass, and Aman slid the puck past the Ice Dogs goalie for the win.
When asked about the importance of the weekend series, head coach Brian Meisner said, "The team showed a lot of character coming from behind Saturday night. It was really good that we were able to pick up four points against Fairbanks because we only play them five times, and we know how hard it is to play these teams in Alaska".
Come watch the Wildcats in action Thursday, October 26 as they take on the Alaska Avalanche. Remember, that this season, Thursday night home games are also Powerade Power Zone night and for only $5 you receive a ticket, free t-shirt, and a voucher for a free coke. The Wildcats also play Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28, against the Alaska Avalanche. All games will be held at the Kay Yeager Coliseum and the puck drops at 7:05 pm.
North American Hockey League Stories from October 24, 2006
- North Stars' Nagorsen to WMU - Traverse City North Stars
- 'Runners win streak snapped at three - Topeka Pilots
- Moreland Named Player of the Week - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- U.S. National Under-18 Team Takes On No. 14 Clarkson University and SUNY Plattsburgh - U.S. National Team
- Jarboe named Player of the Week - Alpena IceDiggers
- Wildcats Sweep Fairbanks in Weekend Series - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Wildcats' efforts rewarded - NAHL
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